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. 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. 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.