How to respond to a student
If a student discloses a disability, impairment, long-term health condition, neurodivergent condition or specific learning difficulty staff are encouraged to respond sensitively, reassuring the student that University support is available to help them succeed in their studies.
Some students may not be aware of the support available, or staff may be unsure whether a condition qualifies them for support.
Students should be directed to the accessing adjustments as a disabled student webpage, where they can complete the Disability Access Plan (DAP) self-service form and find information about booking a Disability Advice appointment where additional support may be required.
The Disability Service is unable to diagnose conditions, but can signpost students to appropriate diagnostic pathways or referrals.
Some students choose to disclose a disability directly to their academic department, rather than via the Disability Service. To ensure we fulfil our legal duty to support disabled students, staff should encourage students to complete the Disability Access Plan (DAP) self-service form and seek further support from the Disability Service where appropriate.
Students' support needs may change over time. Staff are encouraged to discuss the effectiveness of adjustments with students, particularly at key transition points such as placements, periods of suspension and returning to study.
Signposting student to the Disability Service
Staff should normally signpost students to accessing adjustments as a disabled student in the first instance.
Students can then complete the DAP self-service form and, where appropriate, book a Disability Advice appointment.
What the Disability Team will do
What happens in a Disability Advice appointment?
Getting support if you have a disability explains how to see a Disability Advisor and what to expect from an appointment.
What is a Disability Access Plan (DAP)?
A Disability Access Plan (DAP) records the reasonable adjustments identified to support a student's teaching, learning and assessment. The Disability Access Plan (DAP) guidance explains how to access a (DAP).
What is the Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA)?
Home/UK students may be eligible for Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA), which can provide funding for specialist equipment, software and non-medical help such as mentoring or study skills support. Further information is available on the getting support if you have a disability.
Students not eligible for DSA can speak to the Disability Service about receiving comparable support, funded via the University.
What is a Needs Assessment?
Students eligible for DSA are required to attend a Needs Assessment (external to the University) to discuss the impact of their disability on their studies and make recommendations for support to be provided through DSA. Needs Assessments take place nationwide and there is no cost to students for attending one.
What are the responsibilities of staff?
The University's Disabled Students policy outlines roles and responsibilities for staff supporting disabled students.
Colleagues in academic departments are responsible for viewing DAPs and implementing the recommended Reasonable Adjustments or considering alternative methods of supporting disabled students. Reasonable Adjustments are suggested modifications or considerations to teaching and learning that enable disabled students to access their course. This may include practical requirements such as changes to the formatting of course related information, or considerations to be aware of when teaching students with particular needs.
Some students will require a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP) or Risk Assessment. This will be recommended on a DAP, but the Department may also identify a need for particular students. There is guidance on the University website for completing a PEEP.
Advice and support
- Advice on implementing Level 1 adjustments is available from the Centre for Learning and Teaching
- Advice on implementing Level 2 adjustments is available from the Disability Service
- Where Level 3 adjustments may be required, Directors of Studies and Doctoral Supervisors should seek advice from the Disability Service, Academic Registry and, where relevant, the Doctoral College
Further guidance and supporting resources are available through the Reasonable Adjustments Procedure guide page.
If you have concerns about a disabled student
Please contact the Disability Service via the Student Support helpdesk on 01225 383838 or email disabilityadvice@bath.ac.uk.
If you have immediate concerns about any student, please call the Student Support advice line on 01225 384321 or extension 4321.
In exceptional circumstances, you may be concerned about a student’s ability to study or significant concerns about the impact of their disability. Further guidance about the Health, Wellbeing and Support for Study process is available on the University website.