1. Supporting disabled research students
Sheenagh Hull, Disability Coordinator
working with the Faculty of Environment
and research students

2. What’s it got to do with you?
How many students have declared a disability: % of research students in the Faculty? % of undergraduate students?

3. What’s it got to do with you?
7% of you – or more? Last year around 7% of research students in the Faculty declared a disability or long-term condition affecting their study. 10% of undergraduate students

4. What’s it got to do with you?
Much lower % for international students - why?
Better support systems at home?
Not aware of legal protection and University support here?
Concerns about supervisors or sponsors?
UK, EU or international, even if not you
then someone you know, live with, work with…

5. Who do we work with? Students with:
Mental health conditions
(depression, eating disorders…)
Long-term medical conditions
(chronic fatigue, epilepsy, bowel disease)
Specific learning difficulties
(dyslexia, ADHD…)
Asperger Syndrome

6. Who do we work with? Significant sight loss (not corrected by glasses)
Hearing loss
Physical / mobility impairments
(difficulty walking, writing, carrying books)
But not – English language problems, poor handwriting, pregnancy, short-term illness…

7. Should you come and see us?
Do you struggle with…?
Managing competing deadlines
Presentations
Hearing in lectures or groupwork
Reading small print
Carrying things around the University
Travel

8. What we can do
Recommendations seminars or SDDU sessions (PowerPoint slides in advance, larger font handouts)
Advice to your Supervisor
Practical help (notetaker, library assistance, study tutor)
Apps and software (support for reading, organisation)
Ergonomic kit (keyboard, mouse, chair)
Consideration in arrangements for exams and vivas – but don’t leave it late!
Some require external funding eg sponsor, Research Council, Student Finance England – but let’s talk
A lot of support is available – but some not quickly! Don’t wait.

9. What we need first
An evidence statement from a medical professional or psychological assessment, to include:
Diagnosis
Duration (long term / ongoing)
Example of an impact on everyday activity or study
We can give you advice on this

10. More information Disability Service is in Chemistry West Building:
Reception counter staffed 9:00-16:30
Faculty Disability Contact:
Jacqui Manton in the PGR Administrators’ office

11. Through the arch into Clothworkers Court, next to the Great Hall
How to find us
Through the arch into Clothworkers Court, next to the Great Hall

12. Across the court and through the archway in the corner
How to find us
Across the court and through the archway in the corner

13. Straight along the path, past the School of Media and Communication
How to find us
Straight along the path, past the School of Media and Communication

14. Go in the main entrance to Chemistry West
How to find us
Go in the main entrance to Chemistry West
– in the doors,
on the right