Student Disability Advice


 

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Admissions

The Equality Act 2010 is legislation which affects Higher Education Institutions. Please make sure that all staff in the Department involved in the admissions process - not just core Admissions staff - are aware of the Equality Act and the requirements not to discriminate, to make reasonable adjustments and to actively promote equality.

Disclosure

Disclosure is key. Make sure that enquirers and applicants always have the opportunity to 'disclose' - to tell you that they have a disability. If you keep giving the opportunity, not only is it good practice but it may protect the University in any disagreement with a person who claims we have not made adequate adjustment.

Recruitment Literature

In your recruitment literature (printed and on the web), make it clear that:

First enquiry

At that point an enquirer must be given the 'opportunity to disclose' if they have a disability.

We suggest that in any reply that is sent a sentence such as the following is inserted:
'If you have any access or other needs, please let me know. If you subsequently fill in an application form, please remember to give details of any needs in that as well.'

UCAS Form

Make sure that you know the Disability Codes on the UCAS Form. They are on Page 1 of the form, in Section 2. UCAS have 10 different codes for disability:

A No disability
B You have a social/communication impairment such as Aspergers syndrome/other autistic spectrum disorder
C You are blind or have a serious visual impairment uncorrected by glasses
D You are deaf or have a serious hearing impairment
E You have a long standing illness or health condition such as cancer, HIV, diabetes, chronic heart disease, or epilepsy
F You have a mental health condition, such as depression, schizophrenia or anxiety disorder
G You have a specific learning difficulty such as dyslexia, dyspraxia or AD(H)D
H You have physical impairment or mobility issues, such as difficulty using yours arms or using a wheelchair or crutches
I You have a disability, impairment or medical condition that is not listed above
J You have two or more impairments and/or disabling medical conditions

With some disabilities (e.g. dyslexia) you will probably be able to continue consideration of the application. If you have any doubt, or need more information on the implications of the disability, please contact Student Disability Advice. If the issues are complex discussion might have to include you, the Director of Studies, Student Disability Advice and other Departments (e.g. Accommodation) and outside bodies (e.g. the applicant's school or college).

Your Admissions Decision

The University is obliged to make a reasonable and anticpatory adjustments for a disabled student (Student Disability Advice can give you an idea what 'reasonable' means in different situations). However, when you have considered this, you must still make an academic judgment based on the application.

You should be clear about why you have rejected someone:

Your Professional Body (if applicable) may also have a disability policy and will be covered by the legislation. It is possible that you may wish to offer a place to an applicant but that professional requirements will mean they may not be able to undertake the profession to which your course leads. If this is the case, you should advise the applicant of this.

Departmental Open Days/Interviews

If someone has identified a disability it may be necessary to make certain provisions. In any invitation that is sent to them we suggest that you insert a sentence such as the following:
'On the UCAS form you have identified that you have a disability. The University of Bath is committed to equal opportunities for all of our applicants; if you have any particular access or support requirements please let me know'

In all other letters:

If you become aware of any needs, or have any other questions, contact Student Disability Advice who will be glad to advise or assist.

Acceptance of an Offer

If a student accepts an offer, you should advise:

Confirmation

If the applicant meets your offer they will, of course, be accepted by the University. If they do not meet the offer, you have your usual discretion to accept or reject.

If an applicant is accepted, at that stage you should advise the Departmental Administrator; they will advise:

The Department will also advise, for example, service teaching Departments and other relevant groups.

Time Tabling

Time tabling arrangements are made ahead of student entry and it is important that departments alert the time tabling office to the needs of disabled students for accessible venues. The role of the Admissions Tutor is to alert the Department Administrator to new students who may have access needs. The Time tabling Office has also produced guidance on time tabling arrangements for disabled students.

Reasonable and Anticipatory Adjustments

There is a fund managed by the  Head of Student Services for supporting Departments in making reasonable adjustment for disabled students. The role of the admissions tutor is to alert the Director of Studies to potential students for whom adjustments may need to be considered.

If you have any questions, or would like any advice, please contact Student Disability Advice or the Undergraduate Admissions Office.

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