Advice and assistance for disabled students

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-19 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-19 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.