Support for Disabled Students

All students with long-term physical or mental health conditions, specific learning difficulties, autistic spectrum conditions and sensory or physical impairments can access support through the University's Student Disability Service. This Service provides specialist non-judgmental and confidential advice to assist you in identifying your support needs and any reasonable adjustments you require to help you with your studies.

The team may be able to offer drop-in sessions where you can speak to a member of the Disability Team without an appointment. For further information please contact Student Connect on 02922 51 88 88 or email [email protected].

You are disabled under the Equality Act (2010) if you have a physical or mental impairment that has a ‘substantial’ and ‘long-term’ negative effect on your ability to do normal daily activities.

Higher Education institutions have a duty to make ‘reasonable adjustments’ to make sure disabled students are not discriminated against. More information about the support that should be offered can be found here.

Reasonable Adjustments

If your disability or condition impacts your performance in exams, provisions may be put in place to support your studies. As reasonable adjustments can only be implemented by the Student Disability Team you will need to contact them to start the process. The team can be contacted on 029 22 51 88 88 or at [email protected].

So that Reasonable Adjustments can be put in place as soon as you start your studies it is a good idea to follow the guidance on the UCAS website.

Disabled Students Allowance (DSA)

DSA is an allowance which can pay for specialist study related costs that arise as a result of your disability. These allowances are only available to UK Undergraduate and Postgraduate students via your funding body. Please note that payment will be made direct to the suppliers, and you will not receive any money directly.

The support that DSA can provide includes funding for the following:-

  • Specialist equipment (software and hardware and ergonomic equipment)
  • Non-medical help such as specialist study skills support, mental health mentoring, autistic spectrum condition mentoring and support workers
  • General allowance for travel costs

FAQs

I have access issues – what support can I expect to receive?

Students who currently have a blue badge can apply for a parking permit to access parking on campus. If you are studying at the Heath campus, parking is controlled by the NHS Trust and you will need to refer to the Cardiff and Vale University Health Board website for further information.

The University Residences Team are able to offer accessible options for disabled students. These includes accommodation offering floor level showers and automatic doors. For more information contact the Residences team at [email protected] or call 029 20 874 849.

Can the University provide accommodation?

The University have a limited number of accessible accommodation. For further information call the Residences team on 029 20 874 849 or email [email protected]. More information can be found here.

I’ve sat an assessment without Reasonable Adjustments in place. Is there anything I can do?

Yes - Contact Student Advice as soon as possible so that we can advise on your options. Our details can be found at the end of this webpage.

I don’t have a formal diagnosis – can I still get support?

The Student Disability Service run a screening workshop which can explain the support that you are able to access.

The absence of a formal diagnosis does not necessarily mean that you can not access support. We recommend that you contact the Student Disability Service who will be able to advise further.

Is there support available for my mental health?

There are Specialist Mental Health Advisers bases in the Disability Support team and they can be contacted on 029 22 51 88 88 or at [email protected].

Cardiff University also offers a Counselling and Wellbeing Service.

What Reasonable Adjustments can be applied?

This will depend on your condition and how it impacts your ability to study. They can include any of the following:-

  • Extra time for assessments
  • Readers or scribes
  • Exam papers in larger fonts and/or coloured paper
  • Rest breaks during assessments
  • Sitting an assessment in a smaller venue/room
  • Use of a computer
  • Use of ergonomic equipment
  • Study skills support
  • Assistive technology

It is important to know the support and adjustments that may be available to you will depend on how your studies are impacted by your condition. More information on what support is available can be found here.

Any agreed Reasonable Adjustments can be found on your SIMS account. If you believe your reasonable Adjustments need to be reviewed contact your Disability Adviser as soon as possible.

The Cardiff University Reasonable Adjustment Policy and Procedure can be found here.

I have a temporary injury – am I eligible for support?

Depending on the nature of your injury, you may wish to request an extension for a submission or a deferral of the assessment by declaring Extenuating Circumstances. If your injury prevents you from attending University you may need to consider taking an Interruption of Study. Contact Student Advice who may be able to advise further.

If you need an adjustment to an exam contact the Disability Support Service via [email protected]

I’ve sat an assessment but my condition impacted my performance – is there anything I can do?

Yes - Contact Student Advice as soon as you can. The team will be able to advise on your options.

I disagree with the Reasonable Adjustments and feel they are unreasonable or my School has not implemented them. What can I do?

In the first instance you will need to meet with your Disability Adviser to discuss your concerns. If a solution is not found contact Student Advice.

The Cardiff University Reasonable Adjustment Policy and Procedure can be found here.

I believe I am being discriminated against. What can I do?

Student Advice can advise you on what steps to take and how to make a complaint so please reach out to us as soon as you can.

Specialist Advice is also available through the Equality Advisory and Support Service (EASS).

[email protected]
+44 (0)2920 781410