1. Supporting Disabled Students
Sheenagh Hull, Disability Coordinator
working with the Faculty of Environment
Environment PGR, Sept/Oct 2017

2. Not for you? Approximately
10% of students at the University have declared a disability
For taught postgraduate courses:
8% home/EU, only 1.5% other international students
Many haven’t declared and many don’t know what is available
Nearly all students will know someone who is a ‘disabled student’ and could advise them (if appropriate!)

3. Not for you? Much lower for international students - why?
Better support systems at home?
Not aware of legal protection and University support here?
Concerns about tutors, supervisors or sponsors?
Whether UK, EU or international, even if not you
then someone you know, live with, work with…

4. What is a disability? Specific Learning Difficulties (dyslexia, ADHD)
Asperger Syndrome
Significant sight loss
Hearing loss
Physical / mobility impairments (difficulty walking, sitting, writing)

5. What is a disability?
Long-term medical conditions (epilepsy, heart conditions, inflammatory bowel disease, chronic fatigue syndrome)
Mental health conditions (eating disorders, generalised anxiety disorder, bipolar)

6. Not a disability – anything short-term or…
Wearing glasses or contacts
Occasionally feeling low or panicky
Broken arm or leg
Addiction / alcoholism
Poor handwriting
English as an additional language
Pregnancy!

7. Should you come and see us?
Do you struggle with…?
Managing competing deadlines
Completing all the required reading
Hearing in lectures or groupwork
Reading small print
Getting around the University
Using a PC for long periods

8. More information The full presentation on Minerva:
what we need from you
more about what we do
deadlines for exam requests
links for Disabled Students Allowance
how to contact us and find us

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

10. What we facilitate
Recommendations to your School (PowerPoint slides in advance, handouts in larger font, flexible deadlines)
Practical help* (notetaker, library assistance, study skills tutor)
Apps and software* (support for reading, organisation)
Ergonomic kit* (keyboard, mouse, chair)
* May need external funding

11. What we facilitate Exam access arrangements including:
Vivas and presentations, eg
Use of a PC/equipment
Chair with back support
Examiner awareness

12. Examination requests
We may need to explore this with you or ask for supporting documents, so don’t wait until near the date…
If you struggle in exams, you may benefit from other study support, so don’t wait …
Contact Disability Services

13. More information – external funding
Disabled Students Allowance: SFE guide: what are DSAs? Research Councils For other funders, see YourDSA: Sponsors

14. PGR Disability Contact – research students
Jacqui Manton
Other support in Environment:
Your named research administrator
Supervisors
PG Tutor

15. More information Disability Services in Chemistry West Building
open 9:00-17:00

16. More information Disability Services counter open 9:00-17:00
Drop in for a short private chat
9:30-16:00 to 13 Oct, then
9:30-11:00 & 14:00-16:00 for rest of term

17. 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

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

19. 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

20. In the main entrance to Chemistry West – we’re right there
How to find us
In the main entrance to Chemistry West – we’re right there