University of Ulster - Student Support

Disability Support Services at UU

1. Who can use Disability Support Services at the University of Ulster?

Anyone with a ‘disability’ including:

Disabled students
Disabled applicants
Disabled prospective students
Full time and part time disabled students
Disabled E-Learning and Distance Learning students
Disabled International students
Disabled students of all ages

The service is available regardless of a person's age, gender, sexual orientation, race, religion or disability. We also wlome enquiries from members of the academic staff and those who support disabled people.

2. Who counts as having a ‘disability’?

There is no definitive list of conditions or impairments which students must have to use our service. Currently, we support students who have:

Physical disabilities (e.g. students who are wheelchair users, have arthritis or any mobility difficulties)
Sensory disabilities (e.g. students who are deaf, visually impaired or blind
Unseen medical conditions (e.g. students who have diabetes, asthma, epilepsy, crohns disease)
Mental ill health (e.g. students with bi-polar, depression, anxiety, anorexia or bulimia)
Autistic Spectrum conditions (e.g. students with asperger’s syndrome)

To access support or funding it is usual to provide medical evidence.

3. What support services are available for disabled students?

Disabled studenst may access a wide range of support whilst studying at the University of Ulster. The support will be tailored to meet specific individual requirements and can include:

Large Printed Formats
Extra time at exams
Separate room at exams
Individual library tours
Use of specialist software
Note-taker
Sign language interpreter
Dyslexia tuition
Mental Health mentor
Library assistant
Payment of taxis for students with mobility difficulties

(This is not an exhaustive list - all adjustments are based on an individual assessment of need)

4. I have a medical condition and am thinking of studying with the University of Ulster - what should i do?

We have increasing numbers of students with a disability, medical condition, mental health difficulty or Specific Learning Difficulty, such as dyslexia, applying to study at the University of Ulster. One of the most important priorities for the University of Ulster is to encourage disabled people to apply for a place on our courses

We strongly encourage you to make contact with the Disability Support Team well in advance of the commencement of your course so that satisfactory arrangements and support can take place in a timely manner. By informing the university that you have a disability, consideration can be given to any reasonable adjustments necessary to meet your specific individual requirements.

You need to meet with a Disability adavisor to discuss and agree the individual support you may require whislt at University. This is known as a 'Needs Assessment'. There is a Disability Adviser available on each campus. Please call at the Student Support offices, email or telephone to make an appointment.

The support you require may be funded through a number of grants which the Disability Adviser can assist you to access.

5. What is the role of Disability Advisers?

Disability Advisers are part of the Disability Support Team and also part of the Student Support Department. A Disability Adviser’s role is to organise the assessment and implementation of the support you may need whilst at University, in order that you get the most out of your time at the University of Ulster.

Disclosure

6. Should I disclose my disability to the University?

Yes. It is important that you disclose your disability to the University of Ulster. By disclosing your disability you can access the support you may require to study and enjoy university life on an equal basis to your non-disabled peers/friends. If the University does not know about your disability we cannot arrange the support that you may require (e.g. extra exam time, computer equipment, note taker, dictaphone etc)

7. At what stage should I disclose my disability?

As soon as possible. There are a number of opportunities for students to disclose their disability:

At application - You can disclose on your UCAS / Direct Entry form
At Registration and enrolment
When studying
When diagnosed with a Specific Learning Difficulty (e.g. dyslexia) or medical condition

We advise you to disclose at application stage so that we can make the necessary arrangements for your support well in advance.

Current students should make an appointment with a Disability Adviser, at Disability Services, in order to disclose their disability and receive the appropriate support.

You can also discuss your requirements with your Adviser of Studies or Course Director who can then put you in contact with a Disability Advisor or pass any information to Disability Services with your consent.

8. What happens when I disclose my disability on my UCAS form?

When you disclose your disability on your UCAS form the University will write to you asking for more information.You will then be referred to the Disability Services who will invite you to meet with a Disability Adviser to discuss your individual requirements. The Disability Adviser will also assist you to apply for funding for any equipment or support that you may require.

9. If I disclose my disability, will it affect my application?

The University has a legal obligation under SENDO (2005) NI (as amended) not to discriminate against disabled students and prospective students. The University of Ulster will process applications from disabled students in line with its legal duties and its stated commitment of welcoming disabled students to the University of Ulster.

10. Who will know about my Disability?

Confidentiality is of utmost importance. Your Disability Adviser will obtain your written consent before others are informed of your disability and support requirements. Other UU staff will only be informed on a ‘need to know’ basis. The emphasis is on the support you require, not your disability. Your peers will not find out about your disability unless you tell them.

The only occasion that confidentiality is broken, without permission, is where there is a concern for your, or another individual’s health or wellbeing i.e. if you or others are at risk.

11. What if I decide not to disclose my disability?

If you do not disclose your medical condition or impairment then the University cannot put in place any adjustments for you such as extra time at exams, a note taker or a libraru assistance. This may mean that your experience at University is less than enjoyable or successful.

Funding

12. Are there grants available to pay for support required?

Yes.Most disabled students are entitled to Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA). This is a grant which is administered by a student’s Education and Library Board in Northern Ireland or Local Education Authority (LEA) in England, Scotland or Wales.

The aim of DSA is to pay for any additional costs incurred whilst studying for disability related reasons. DSA may pay for the following:

Specialist equipment(e.g. IT equipment, specialist software, dictaphone, specialist furniture, ergonomic aids, technological aids)
Non-medical helper support(e.g. note-taker, campus assistant, typist, sign language interpreter, dyslexia coach, mental health mentor).
Travel support(e.g. taxis for students who cannot use public transport)
General allowancefor photocopying, consumables, etc.

There are rules about what DSA can pay for and who is eligible. For further information please contact the Student Finance NI website at www.studentfinanceni.co.uk

or a Disability Adviser at
www.studentsupport.ulster.ac.uk

13. How can I apply for Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA)?

You need to request and complete a DSA1 form from your local Education and Library Board / LEA. Contact the student awards section of your local Education and Library Board / LEA or visit the website www.studentfinanceni.co.uk to download the form. Your Disability Adviser can help you complete the DSA1 form and apply for DSA.

14. What if I am from the Republic of Ireland (ROI)?

Students from the ROI are not eligible for DSA. However, you may be eligible for funding from the European Fund for Students with Disabilities (ESF). This is administered through the Higher Education Authority. ESF may pay for any additional requirements you may have in the following areas:

Specialist equipment
Non-medical helper support
Travel support
General Allowance for photocopying, consumables,etc

There are rules about what ESF can pay for and who is eligible. For further information please contact the Higher Education Authority website at www.hea.ie or a Disability Adviser at www.studentsupport@ulster.ac.uk

15. What if I am an International Student?

Disability Services are available to International students. A Disability Advisor will co-ordinate any support required. International srudents are advised to check with their own education authorities to identify if there is funding available for disabled students who study abroad.

16. Do I require evidence of my disability in order to receive support from the Universirty or access any funding?

Yes. We require either a GP or consultant’s letter outlining the nature of your disability / medical condition and how it affects your ability to study.

If you have dyslexia or another Specific Learning Difficulty you will be required to provide an Educational Psychologist’s Report which is no more than two years old and which was carried out after you were sixteen years old.

17. Will I have to pay back the funding?

No. DSA and ESF are both non-means tested and you will not have to repay the funding which is awarded to pay for the equipment or support services you may require when studying at University. ESF students, though, do have to return the IT equipment and software to the Disability Support Team when leaving University.

18. What if I require a full time personal assistant whilst at University?

Part of the Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) will finance the provision of a personal assistant whilst at University. This person can assist with academic related tasks on campus, as well as any mobility and/or personal care requirements you may have.

Your Disability Adviser will assist you to apply for appropriate funding and will discuss with you the options regarding sourcing suitably trained personal assistants.

19. What if I require a personal assistant outside of University hours?

It is the responsibility of your local Social Services Trust /Authority to provide you with personal assistance to meet your personal care / mobility requirements outside University hours.

If you have a social worker you should inform them as soon as possible about your plans to go to University. Your Disability Adviser will invite your social worker along to meetings to discuss your support requirements and will support you in negotiating a care package from your Trust/Local Authority, which best meets your needs as a disabled student.

Disabled students can choose to use the Direct Payments Scheme to purchase their own care, as this can give choice and control over the support arrangements which can be used to support student life. For further information please refer to www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/FinancialSupport/DG_10016128

Students with Dyslexia

20. I think I might have Dyslexia - what do I do?

If you experience difficulties with reading, spelling, writing or organising your thoughts and / or work, and think you may have dyslexia, contact the Student Support Office, where it can be arranged for you to complete one of the following:

Quickscan
Lucid Adult Dyslexia Screening (LADS) Test
Educational Psychologist Assessment

If you do have dyslexia it is essential that you contact a Disability Adviser in order to find out what support you may need and to obtain information about any grants available to fund the support. If you do not have dyslexia you may obtain general study skills guidance.

21. I have been diagnosed with Dyslexia - what support is available?

Lots! To obtain support whilst at the University of Ulster you need to start by contacting a Disability Adviser to discuss the support you may require and how to access any grants to fund the support, if needed.

Examples of the support available to students with dyslexia include:

Extra time at exams
Separate room at exams
Tutoring from a Dyslexia Coach
Provision of a note taker
Sympathetic consideration for spelling and grammar
Use of assistive technology software such as Read and Write
Individual tours and library assistance

22. What evidence do I need to provide to show that I have Dyslexia?

In order to put the support you require in place, whilst studying at the University of Ulster it is necessary for you to provide an up to date Educational Psychologist’s Report.The Report needs to be less than two years old and completed after you have reached the age of 16 years.

23. I am returning to education and I experience difficulties in reading and spelling - can the university offer me any support?

Many people who experienced problems at school are often unaware that the difficulties experienced in reading, writing, spelling, putting thoughts down on paper, or organising work, may be due to having dyslexia.

With the assistance of staff from Student Support Office and your Disability Adviser the following support is available:

Provision of basic screening (LADS) to identify if you potentially have dyslexia
Advice and guidance regarding an assessment by an Educational Psychologist
Provision of general study skills guidance and advice
Provision of advice regarding the support you may access whilst at University and how to apply for funding to pay for any support required.

Please refer to www.studentsupport.ulster.ac.uk for contact details and more information.

Mental ill Health

24. What is mental ill health?

Mental ill health is a term used for a range of conditions affecting a person’s psychological wellbeing and may include conditions such as anxiety, depression, bulimia, bipolar, obsessive compulsive disorder and anorexia.

25. What support can I get if I have mental ill health?

Many students effectively manage their mental ill health and can experience lengthy periods of stability. However, there are times when support is needed to help cope with the demands of university, change in routine and unfamiliar surroundings. We can offer a range of confidential support to prospective and existing students at the university who have mental ill health.

The support and advice available can include:

Support from professional counsellors
Advice from a Mental Health Adviser
Support to make any necessary changes to the learning environment e.g. organising a separate room at exam time
Assistance with applying for Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) e.g. to obtain a laptop to allow you greater flexibility to work from home or to arrange a mentor to assist you with organising your study
Communicating and liaising with other University staff>
Provision of services from the Student Health Centre

26. I am feeling quite low. Where can I go for help?

If you are feeling low or are experiencing anxiety, please call and arrange to speak to your GP or the nurse on campus. Please do not worry about letting the University know. We will deal with your contact in a sensitive manner and help you to negotiate flexible arrangements if required.

You may contact the University Mental Health Adviser, Counselling Services or community groups such as the Samartians. Contact details are noted below:

Contact: Samaritans Telephone: 0845 790 9090

(reply within 10 minutes) Text: 07725 9090 90 (UK)

0872 6090 90 (ROI)

Suicide 24/7 Helpline Telephone: 0808 808 8000

Lifeline Telephone: 0808 808 8000

Details of the range of support can be obtained on the Student Support website www.studentsupport.ulster.ac.uk

27. Is the University of Ulster accessible for students who use wheelchairs?

The University recently carried out an access audit and is endeavouring to make the University accessible to students who use wheelchairs or have mobility requirements. A number of lifts, ramps and automatic door openers have been installed in the main buildings on all campuses. As part of your needs assessment any reasonable physical changes will be made in order to ensure that you have better access to and egress (exit) from the University.

Physical Access

28. I use a wheelchair but would like to live in University accommodation. Is their any accessible accommodation available?

There are a number of wheelchair accessible rooms in shared flats or accessible single occupancy flats available for disabled students. These all have accessible bathroom facilities and modifications have also been made to the kitchen areas. Some have been fitted with automatic door openers. All accommodation has disabled parking facilities in close proximity to the residences. You can find out more about accommodation services at www.ulster.ac.uk/accommodation

Your Disability Adviser can arrange for you to visit the accommodation and discuss the options with you. Your Occupational Therapist can recommend changes that need to be made to accommodation in order to meet your individual requirements.

Student Support Department - Services

29. What support is available for students at University of Ulster?

There are a number of other services available through the Student Support Department which you may find useful. For further information and advice contact www.studentsupport.ulster.ac.uk

Counselling Service - Within the University, the Counselling Service aims to provide confidential support to students experiencing stress or worry in their lives while studying. The service also provides information and advice to academic staff to facilitate the support of students expressing stress.

Health Service - A comprehensive range of confidential health care and healthy living advice is provided by a team of experienced Registered Nurses and GPs.

Student Finance - The Student Funding Team can provide information on all aspects of student finance including:

advice on applying for Social Security benefits, such as Income Support, Disability Living Allowance and Housing Benefit.
assistance with student grant or loan issues
liaising with grant awarding authorities and the Student Loan Company on behalf of students
providing information on trust funds outside the university

Child care - The University Day Nurseries and Crèches aim to provide a centre where children are cared for while their parents are studying or working at the University of Ulster. Applications are also open to parents who are not members of the University of Ulster

Register of Support Providers - The Department manages a register of individuals who can provide support to disabled students following an assessment by a Disability Adviser. These include Note Takers, Library Assistants, Dyslexia Coaches, Scribes and Sign Language Interpreters.

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Contact Details

30. Where can I get further information?

For more information regarding the work of the Student support services and the support available for disabled students please call into the Student Support office on each campus or email, telephone one of the following:

Disability Services - Student Support

http://www.studentsupport.ulster.ac.uk

Belfast - Student Support Campus Office :
Coleraine - Student Support Campus Office :
Jordanstown - Student Support Campus Office :
Magee - Student Support Campus Office :
Register of Support Providers - Student Support Campus office

In order to comment on the services we provide.

www.studentsupport.ulster.ac.uk/feedback.html

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