Speaking to the disability adviser, mental health adviser or student support team

This content was developed with support from LEAD Scotland, Diversity and Ability (D&A), and Disability Rights UK (DRUK).

Because support requirements are tailored and vary from student to student, you may not always find the specific level of detail you need from the website. We strongly recommend contacting the university or college directly to discuss your own circumstances and ask questions to understand how they can support you and decide if it is the right fit. 

The student support team is always very happy to talk to prospective students – even if you decide not to apply there. You will find their contact details on the university website. Try to contact the team as far in advance as possible, as they can get busy at certain periods and may take longer to respond.

Support in higher education is different to school

There are important differences in the support you may have received at school or college, and what you can access in higher education. While the university will arrange adjustments and support, you will be expected to speak to them about your requirements for them to do so. The National Association of Disability Practitioners (NADP) and University of Leeds have created a handy guide to help you understand the differences in the language and terminology used, and outline how to access the right support for you.

Before you speak to the adviser or support team

Before you get in touch, it’s a good idea to think about what you need to know. To help you get started, we’ve created a list of questions you might want to ask. You’ll know best about the support you’ll need, so choose what’s relevant to you and add your own – think carefully about your own requirements (e.g. building accessibility needs, adjustments to written or spoken materials).

It might also be helpful to talk to others who know what support you find helpful. This might be your parent or carer, the SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator)/ALNCO (Additional Learning Needs Coordinator) or learning support team at school or college, or other professionals who have supported you previously.

The application process

• If I share a disability or mental health condition on my UCAS application, who will see this information, and how will it be used?
• Will the university contact me for more information about my disability or condition, or to discuss my support or adjustment requirements in more detail? If so, when should I expect to hear from you? 
• If I decide not to share via UCAS, will there be other opportunities to let the university know if I change my mind or decide I need support?
• If I am invited to an audition or interview, who do I speak to about accessibility arrangements?
• How do I register for disability support?
• Will I need to provide evidence to access any of the support or adjustments I need? If so, what evidence will you accept, and when do you need it?

Transition and the start of term

• Will I be allocated an adviser to look after my needs, or will I be looked after by a team of people? Will I meet with them regularly?
• Is it possible for me to arrive before my course starts so I can get used to my new surroundings before other students arrive?
• Do you offer any events specifically for new students who are anxious about starting university or college, or to help them meet new people?
• Will any support or adjustments be in place for the start of term? If not, when can I expect them to be ready?
• What can I expect induction to cover, and how will it be managed?
• Will I have regular meetings with the disability adviser/mental health adviser/student support team throughout the course to make sure my adjustments and support are right?
• Will I have a support agreement outlining any reasonable adjustments? Is this shared with other staff in the university or college? 
• Does the university provide (or help with) funding to obtain diagnostic evidence if I don’t have what you need?

Academic support

• What teaching and assessment methods are used on this course? What adjustments or support can I get to help with my learning?
• What support or adjustments can I get for assessments and exams? Do I need a diagnosis or evidence to access this?
• If I require a non-medical helper (e.g. note-taker, reader sign language interpreter), how will this be accommodated?
• What Assistive Technology is available? Is there an expert I can consult if I have any questions or problems?
• Is it possible to record lectures and classes or to have a note taker? Can my course tutor make materials available before the class?
• How will my adjustments or support needs be communicated to the people who teach and assess me? Will the disability adviser do this on my behalf or will I need to contact them separately?
• Are written materials available in the formats I need to access them (e.g. Braille, large print, e-books, audiobooks/digital talking
• Can I access reading software that allows me to change background colours, increase font sizes, or text-to-speech functionality?
• Do the learning and assessment platforms and systems have accessibility statements?
• What support is available to me in the library? How can I access it?
• How are placements and work-based learning made accessible? Does the university make arrangements with the employer or do I need to contact them myself?
• Are there off-site learning visits and opportunities as part of the course, and how will I be supported to attend them?
• Are there any quiet study spaces? Are these bookable?
• Can students access rest facilities and/or low sensory spaces on campus?

Accommodation, travel, and lifestyle

• What accommodation options are available? Are all rooms self-catering or are there catered options?
• Will I be able to view accessible accommodation options during open days? If not, would it be possible to view them by appointment at another time?
• Is all university accommodation accessible?
• Can I stay in the same accommodation for the duration of my course or will I be expected to move out after the first year?
• If I need to find private accommodation after my first year, will I get help to make sure it is accessible?
• If I need to store medicines or sharps in my room, or require anything to be disposed of carefully, how do I arrange this?
• If I need help with personal care, who should I need to speak to about making the necessary arrangements?
• Is accommodation available for my professional carer?
• What pastoral support is available in the university accommodation?
• How can I travel around and between campuses? Is there a shuttle bus service and how can I access it?
• Is Blue Badge parking available on campus (and at any accommodation)? Is there accessible parking if I require it for disability-related reasons, even if I do not qualify for a Blue Badge?
• Are there any clubs, societies or sports/leisure facilities specifically for disabled students? If necessary, can adjustments be made to help me access them or is there any funding available to help me? 
• How will the university or college support me if I find it difficult to make friends or socialise with others?

Finances

• Can you help me complete my Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) application or provide clarification about what it can fund?
• If I need additional tests to prove my eligibility for the DSA (or other support), can the university or college help arrange testing, and how much would this cost? Can the university or college help me with any costs?
• Are there any additional financial packages I may be eligible to apply for? Would I need to provide evidence to access this – if so, what is accepted?
• Are there any hardship or emergency funds? Are disabled students prioritised?
• If I am eligible for a disability-related bursary or grant, will that affect my eligibility for a other scholarships or bursaries (e.g. a low income bursary or an academic scholarship)?

Career and work experience

• What work experience or internship opportunities are on offer – and how are reasonable adjustments made to ensure I can access them?
• What can you tell me about my career prospects after graduation: how have other students with my disability or condition (or similar) progressed afterwards?
• Is there any support available to help me plan my career and make the transition after my course?

General

• If I have an EHC (Education, Health and Care) plan or statement of special needs (in Scotland this may be called a Child’s Plan or Co-ordinated Support Plan), can this be used in place of a diagnosis? Who should give this to you and who will see it?
• How many students are registered with the disability support team?
• Does the students' union have a disability representative? How can I contact them?
• What training is given to university staff for supporting disabled students?
• What support is available to help me manage my mental health and wellbeing?
• Are medical/dental services available on campus or must I register with a local GP/dentist?
• What specific support options are available for my particular condition or disability? Are there any local support groups or facilities within or outside of the university?
• If I need to attend hospital or am unable to engage with my course for an extended period, can I get support to make sure I don’t get behind on my studies and assignments?
• How are students who do not live on campus supported? What about distance learners (if relevant)?
• How will the university or college ensure I am safe and supported during an emergency evacuation?
• What is the policy on assistance/therapy animals on campus and/or in accommodation?