What if I have additional needs or a disability?

If you have a disability or long-term health condition, your university has a duty to make reasonable adjustments under the UK Equality Act 2010. These adjustments are to ensure that you are not disadvantaged in your studies because of your disabilities.

Disclosing a disability will never adversely affect your application or education in any way and you may be surprised at how much support is available. You can disclose a disability at any point, but it is always best to do so as early as possible, such as on your application, so that support can be prepared for the start of your course.

Most universities will have what’s called an ‘access’ or ‘accessibility’ statement, which sets out its policy and intentions in terms of ensuring a proactive approach to access.

York’s statement says:

The University of York is committed to a policy of equality, inclusion and accessibility in the delivery of its services to staff, students, and members of the public alike and in enhancing both the student experience and that of all visitors to Campus. It fully recognizes the individual abilities of all, and is active in ensuring that potential disadvantage is addressed in the physical attributes of the buildings it develops and uses and the management practices and procedures it adopts.

Disability Services

If you have additional needs, make sure the universities you are applying to have a Disability Service, offering advice to staff, students and visitors.

Disability Services at the University of York are responsible for arranging academic support and adjustments if you have a disability or long-term health condition that has an impact on your ability to study. This may include:

• autistic spectrum condition
• visual impairment
• hearing impairment
• a long-standing illness or health condition
• mental health difficulties
• Specific learning difficulties (SpLD) such as dyslexia, dyspraxia or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• physical/mobility difficulties
• on-going recovery from illness or surgery

Here at York, support is flexible and based on your needs, so please get in touch as soon as possible to discuss your case with one of our Disability Practitioners. They will help to determine reasonable adjustment for your course and explore what other support options may be available to you. For example, you might benefit from having a support worker in your lectures, help meeting deadlines, or examination adjustments.

You may also be eligible for Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSAs). DSAs can contribute towards the cost of useful technologies and other aids to help with your studies. We can help you apply for DSAs and assist with putting the approved support in place.

If you have a general query or want to find out more, you may find the information you need on our webpages – our FAQs are especially useful!

Mental health support at York

Disability Services work closely with the University’s Open Door Team. Open Door is a team of Mental Health Practitioners providing support to all registered students experiencing psychological or mental health difficulties. This service is available to students both with and without long-term conditions.

It’s important for everybody to look after their physical and mental health and we encourage everybody in the university community to familiarise themselves with their university’s support pages.

For those of you who are coming to York, you can view our Health & Wellbeing resources.