We encourage you to disclose your disability to us to access the full range of support we can provide.
Your disclosure of a disability and associated needs to the University is a positive step. In line with current legislation, we use the term 'disability' to include specific learning difficulties like dyslexia, mental health difficulties, autism, Asperger's syndrome, and other ongoing health conditions.
There are numerous opportunities to disclose, both prior to admission and at any time whilst you are at university.
We suggest you tell your supervisor or tutor in the first instance. With your consent, they will refer you to Student Support Services at 3 Elms Road. If you prefer, you can talk to us.
Should you disclose a disability, we want to ensure that appropriate support can be put in place for you. This will require us to notify other staff within the University for which you will be required to complete a consent form.
If you have not yet disclosed your disability, you can disclose at any time during your time at University, however, we would encourage you to do so at the earliest opportunity to assist us in putting in place the appropriate support in good time.
We advise you to contact Student Support Services as soon as possible to discuss your support needs more fully.
You should be aware that if you choose not to disclose your disability or to limit that disclosure, while we will do our best to help you, you may not be able to access the full range of support available.
Details of your disability will be kept confidential save where you have given written consent to disclosure. This consent will remain in force during your registration at the University unless you notify the University otherwise.
All information supplied regarding your disability will be stored electronically and/or as paper records and will be processed in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998. This information will be retained by the University after your registration has ceased in accordance with the University’s records management procedures, and then destroyed in a secure manner.
This protocol outlines the responsibilities of individual members of staff if a student either discloses a disability to them, or if a member of staff becomes aware of a student with a disability. It includes a rationale, an explanation of consent issues and the implications of non-consent. It also lays out a clear procedure for staff to follow.
The Disability and Learning Support Service are happy for you to contact us with any queries or concerns.
