Your recommended adjustments
When all documentation has been received, the Disability Advice and Guidance Team will develop a Student Support Information Sheet (SSIS) which details your recommended adjustments. The SSIS is then shared with your Departmental Disability Contact (DDC), who works within your academic department and is responsible for making sure your recommendations are implemented. Relevant teaching and learning staff can access the adjustmentsyour support plan via the TULIP system to ensure adjustments are made. This process can vary in length depending on your individual circumstances and the adjustments you may require.
The adjustments may be similar to those you had at school (e.g. exam arrangements), but some will be different. There are generally two categories of support and adjustments which can be implemented, as follows:
- Adjustments where costs are met by the University
These may include exam arrangements, timetabling adjustments and inclusive resources.
- Adjustments which require funded support
There are some elements of support which require funding. These include specialist one-to-one support, British Sign Language (BSL) interpretation, specialist equipment, software and training or other disability-related travel costs. Most disabled students are eligible for funding to cover the costs of this support. This funding is called ‘Disabled Students’ Allowances’ (DSAs).
Social and personal care support
Universities are not able to provide social or personal care support. If you have received this support during your time at school or college, it is important that you talk with your Local Authority and/or adult social services department to investigate how this support will be transferred to assist you at university.
Involving parents, carers, guardians or other supporters
You will be an adult when you start university, and because of data protection regulations (UK-GDPR), universities cannot legally discuss you or aspects of your support with family members or supporters. Your family members or supporters cannot arrange your support for you, although they may be able to help you to complete forms and access the process.
It is possible for you to give written consent for staff to communicate directly with your family members or supporters
Support or adjustments don't transfer from school
Remember: none of the information about your support or adjustments at school will automatically transfer to us. We won’t know about your support requirements or exam arrangements unless you tell us. Make sure you disclose your disability on your UCAS application or complete this form if you did not do this and require support.
Remember too that the school environment is very different to the university environment. Universities are much bigger than schools and may be split across multiple sites. The way in which you learn may be different too, with a much greater focus on independent learning skills. You will frequently work with unfamiliar staff and other students. You should think about these differences when considering the support you need at university as it may be different to school.
Summary
- Support is coordinated by the Disability Advice and Guidance team
- You will need to provide us with supporting documentation
- You may need to apply for funding and organise support which Disability Advice and Guidance can help you with
- Support at University may look different to support at school
- Due to Data Protection regulations, parents or supporters cannot speak on your behalf or access information about your support unless you have given written consent
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