If you have a disability, disclosing it will not affect your application to university. It would be unlawful for any university to discriminate against a student based on their disability, and decisions are based solely upon entry grade requirements. It’s important to therefore disclose to the University as early as possible, to ensure our Disability and Inclusion Team can best prepare you for higher education.
Disability and Inclusion Team – What can they do for you?
1. Who are the Disability and Inclusion Team?
Disability and Inclusion are a team of experienced advisers who support students with disabilities, medical conditions, sensory impairments, mental health difficulties and specific learning difficulties (eg. Dyslexia) from the stage of applying to university, throughout the duration of their course.
2. What are the reasons for disclosing to Disability and Inclusion before starting University?
Disclosing prior to arrival will allow plenty of time to obtain evidence, implement support, apply for Disabled Student’s Allowance (DSA), and get support for accommodation requests if required. This will ensure you have the best possible start to university.
3. What types of support can they offer to students?
Here are some examples:
- Lecture support: provision of lecture notes; recording of lectures
- Exam support: extra time; separate room; use of PC
- Library support: extended loans; book fetch system
- Assistance with applying for Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA).
- Assistance with securing appropriate accommodation and support.
4. What is Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) and how can it help with studying?
DSA is a funding stream available through the Student Loans Company (UK eligibility applies) to cover study-related costs you may incur due to a mental health problem, long term illness or any other disability. DSA funding is in addition to your standard funding allowances and is grant based, meaning there is no repayment required for this support. If you’re a part-time student your ‘course intensity’ can affect how much you get.
5. How can Disability and Inclusion assist me in obtaining the appropriate accommodation for my needs?
Disability and Inclusion can recommend appropriate accommodation and adaptations to the Residential Living team when they allocate rooms. Disability and Inclusion require medical evidence to support accommodation requests. These requests need to be made in advance of the final allocation in August.
6. How do I disclose a disability to the University of Chester?
If you wish to disclose a disability to the University of Chester, this would ordinarily be included on your UCAS application. If you decided not to disclose at the point of application, you can still do so by contacting the Disability and Inclusion Team who will update your record accordingly. Disability and Inclusion will then advise on any next steps to accessing support.
7. How do Disability and Inclusion keep and store student information?
Please see Disability and Inclusions’ Privacy Notice for further information.
Want to know more?
You can contact the Disability and Inclusion team at any point before or after starting at the University of Chester and they will be happy to help. Contact 01244 511550 or email disability@chester.ac.uk.
