Advice and Assistance for Disabled Students

The University’s Learning Support Team is the main point of contact for disabled students who require information, advice and support.

If you have a disability, specific learning difference, or enduring health/mental health condition, you can discuss your support needs with a Learning Support Adviser.

Although you might not identify yourself as having a disability, the term ‘disabled’ is a general term covering a wide range of conditions including:

• a specific learning difference (e.g. dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD, dyscalculia)
• a visual or hearing impairment
• a mental health condition (e.g. depression, anxiety)
• a mobility impairment
• an autistic spectrum condition
• a long-term medical condition (e.g. epilepsy, fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis)
• any other condition which has a substantial, long-term and adverse effect on the ability to study.

The Equality Act 2010 defines that a person has a disability if:

• they have a physical or mental impairment
• the impairment has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on their ability to perform normal day-to-day activities

The Learning Support Team can provide information, advice and assistance on a range of issues including:

• applying for and accessing Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA)
• assessment for dyslexia and other specific learning differences
• help with obtaining the required supporting medical evidence
• creation of a Learning Support Plan to inform lecturers of your support needs
• identifying appropriate reasonable adjustments to support effective engagement with your studies
• additional arrangements for exams and assessments
• arranging non-medical assistance, (e.g. dyslexia study coach, specialist mentor, sign language interpreter, etc.)
• the provision of specialist loan equipment, (e.g. digital voice recorder, alarm devices, etc.)
• liaison with academic staff/departments on your behalf
• signposting to other university learning support provision (e.g. study skills/writing mentors, study skills sessions, etc.)

Learning Support drop-in sessions and appointments

We offer brief daily drop-in sessions via Zoom video call, telephone, or in-person during term-time, Monday to Friday, 12-2pm (face to face sessions may not be possible at times due to Covid restrictions). The drop-in sessions last around 20 minutes and are ideal for general enquiries and issues that can be addressed reasonably quickly.

To access a drop-in, simply contact Student Development and Well-being on the morning you wish to access a drop-in and a member of the team will arrange things for you.
E: sdw@hope.ac.uk
T: 0151 291 3427

*Please note that a limited number of drop-in sessions are provided each day and are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

How to book an appointment with a Learning Support Adviser

Appointments with a Learning Support Adviser are available via Zoom video call, telephone and in-person (face to face may not be possible at times due to Covid restrictions). Appointments are suitable where the enquiry or issue is likely to take longer to address than the 20 minutes available via a drop-in session.

To arrange an appointment, simply contact Student Development and Well-being on:
E: sdw@hope.ac.uk
T: 0151 291 3427

Further information can be found in our Learning Support Leaflet.

Learning Support Plans

Information for students needing a learning support plan.

Funding

Information about funding for students with a disability or dyslexia.