'If you have a disability and are planning on studying in the UK there are plenty of support systems and accessibility measures in place to help you during your studies.'
Xirong He from China, talks about her experience of studying in the UK with a disability. Find out about her latest venture - The Sense Project - and discover how a UK education has changed her life.
When you apply to study in the UK, if you have a disability or have specific learning difficulties (such as dyslexia), you may be wondering whether your destination boarding school, English language school, college or university will be ready to help you make the best of your time there.
The good news is that the schools, colleges and universities in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland all have to comply with legislation which provides a lot of protection for disabled people and are used to catering for students and pupils with a wide range of disabilities. However, challenges remain including the accessibility of older buildings and the funding arrangements for support services. You should let your chosen institution know about your specific needs when you apply so that they can help you reach your full potential.
You'll often find that there are specialist disability and mental health advisers available to help you. Depending on your chosen institution, you may also find additional support. There are several things to expect if you have a disability and you are planning to study in the UK:
Support services
Whether you are a school student or a postgraduate researcher, there will always be someone to assist and advise you. A good first port of call is your institution's student advice or disability centre and it’s vital to contact them in advance of your arrival so help is in place for when you arrive as individual arrangments can be time consuming to set up. Schools and colleges often have specific student welfare teachers while universities will have larger student guidance offices.
The good news is that the schools, colleges and universities in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland all have to comply with legislation which provides a lot of protection for disabled people and are used to catering for students and pupils with a wide range of disabilities. However, challenges remain including the accessibility of older buildings and the funding arrangements for support services. You should let your chosen institution know about your specific needs when you apply so that they can help you reach your full potential.
You'll often find that there are specialist disability and mental health advisers available to help you. Depending on your chosen institution, you may also find additional support. There are several things to expect if you have a disability and you are planning to study in the UK:
- Adapted buildings, specifically designed with accessible features are increasingly common; however, some older buildings may not be accessible.
- Technological aids, specialist equipment and software which can help you learn and study may be available on loan, but always check whether there will be a cost.
- Support systems such as care-workers, mentors, funding advisers, drop-in services and student advice centres may be available to help with educational support, but if you need support with living arrangements, it is likely you will have to arrange and fund this yourself.
- Excellent provisions to help you get around, with many adapted transport links to assist passengers with disabilities who are out and about. The disability adviser at an institution can help advise you about accessibility of transport in the local area, as this will vary.
Accessibility
You may have watched the amazing 2012 Paralympic Games in London and seen the tremendous welcome that the Paralympic athletes experienced as they strove for excellence in their sport. The broad provision for disabled people in the UK did not disappear with the closing ceremony of the Games.
Most institutions will have accessible accommodation available for disabled students. For wheelchair users, for example, there is accommodation with ramps and wider door frames for easier access.
Many universities, colleges and schools also have disabled routes that are wheelchair friendly. These will either be step-free or have lift access. These clearly labelled routes can be found across many campus buildings, including libraries, canteens, studios, lecture theatres and offices.
Technological aids and specialist equipment
The Equality Act 2010 (EA) states that institutions may not treat disabled people less favourably for a reason related to their disability, and they have a duty to make reasonable adjustments for students with a disability, whether they are UK or international students.
Depending on your needs, this might mean access to Braille text and tutor recordings, or note-takers during lessons. You may also be entitled to extra time during examinations as well as additional funding and guidance from your institution.
The Equality Act 2010 (EA) states that institutions may not treat disabled people less favourably for a reason related to their disability, and they have a duty to make reasonable adjustments for students with a disability, whether they are UK or international students.
Depending on your needs, this might mean access to Braille text and tutor recordings, or note-takers during lessons. You may also be entitled to extra time during examinations as well as additional funding and guidance from your institution.
For deaf students, audio induction loop systems are widely available, as well as print-outs of lectures. Some institutions also have computer assisting aids including text-to-speech technology, transcription services and magnification software. Signers in the UK generally use British Sign Language; if you require signing in another language, check with the institution’s disability adviser whether any provision can be made for this.
Check with the institution before you arrive what disability support can be provided by the institution at no additional cost to you, and which services you may need to pay for.
Support services
Whether you are a school student or a postgraduate researcher, there will always be someone to assist and advise you. A good first port of call is your institution's student advice or disability centre and it’s vital to contact them in advance of your arrival so help is in place for when you arrive as individual arrangments can be time consuming to set up. Schools and colleges often have specific student welfare teachers while universities will have larger student guidance offices.
Your school, college or university will be able to arrange regular meetings between you and a disability adviser, or even a local doctor if needed. You can find out more about health services in the UK on our Education UK Health page. There are also many disability support groups and services at national and local level which can provide useful information and assistance.
As well as getting in touch with the disability adviser in your college or university, both before and after you arrive you’re likely to be in touch with the international office, and it can be helpful if both sets of staff know about your disability and are involved in co-ordinating support arrangements.
Out and about
Out and about
Nearly all of the UK's towns and cities have facilities for disabled people. Whether you are taking a train to visit a new area or simply spending an afternoon in the local shopping centre. you'll find wheelchair friendly areas, disabled parking and ramp access in most places. In the UK, it is common to ask for assistance and many people will be only too happy to help you.
If you’re taking time out to visit London, you’ll probably use the capital’s extensive transport system - rail, bus and tube (the underground). All three of these transport systems have facilities in place to accommodate disabled people including rail advisers (who can escort you to your train), bus ramps for wheelchairs and step-free access at many underground and mainline stations. Check out Transport for London’s (TFL) accessibility map for the tube which shows step-free routes and wheelchair-friendly lines.
The UK’s National Union of Students’ disability campaign is the voice of UK students' with disabilities and provides support for students with a huge range of disabilities. Running quality checks and ensuring that students have the access they need, the campaign is a great network to get involved with.
The United Kingdom Disabled People’s Council (UKDPC) is run by and represents people with disabilities living in the UK and can provide additional resources.
The UK’s National Union of Students’ disability campaign is the voice of UK students' with disabilities and provides support for students with a huge range of disabilities. Running quality checks and ensuring that students have the access they need, the campaign is a great network to get involved with.
The United Kingdom Disabled People’s Council (UKDPC) is run by and represents people with disabilities living in the UK and can provide additional resources.
Further information on the rights of disabled students is also available from the Equality and Human Rights Commission.
