We strive to remove any barriers for anyone with disabilities as far as possible, to ensure that we provide an inclusive environment. More information can be found in our student disability policy. You can also view our student support privacy notice.
A brief guide to disability and inclusive support is below:
I was impressed by all the facilities provided for disabled students and the warm welcome I received. My technology and inclusive adviser are both very kind and willing to help. The support given to disabled students at UCLan is admirable.
Reasonable adjustments
We provide an inclusive learning environment. If you have a specific need or disability, we will make sure you have access to the same opportunities as everyone else.
We reduce the need for individualised adjustments by making arrangements to benefit all students and apprentices. We can also make adjustments and change the way we do things on an individual level where necessary. Each case is different, but see below for some examples.
- Providing you with the opportunity to visit the campus before you start
- Providing lecture slides and handouts in advance
- Recording teaching sessions or allowing you to record them
- Providing hearing loop systems in lecture theatres
- Making adjustments to resources such as activating captioning, or providing specialist captioning software
- Providing a British Sign Language interpreter
- Putting in place specialist support, such as a note taker and one-to-one Language Support Tutor
- Marking assessments in accordance with marking guidelines for D/deaf and Hearing-Impaired students or apprentices
- Modifying the language of exam questions
- Providing you with the opportunity to visit the campus before you start
- Providing you with help in finding your way around campus
- Meeting with a dedicated Advisor in the first few weeks of term
- Providing lecture slides and handouts in advance
- Recording teaching sessions or allowing you to record them
- Providing support for group work
- Implementing non-medical help support such as a specialist mentoring, one-to-one study skills support and accessible software training
- Providing digital voice recorder equipment loans
- Providing accessible software on the University network such as Read & Write and Mindview
- Providing extra time in exams
- Providing the use of a PC in exams
- Providing a prompter
- Allocating you to specific accommodation on campus
- Providing lecture slides and handouts in advance
- Recording teaching sessions or allowing you to record them
- Providing a sensitive approach to dealing with attendance issues
- Providing you with sufficient time to move between classes
- Implementing non-medical help such as a specialist mentor and accessible software training
- Making necessary arrangements for curriculum, including field trips and placements
- Ensuring that you have an emergency evacuation plan if necessary
- Providing digital voice recorder equipment loans
- Providing accessible software on the University network such as Read & Write and Mindview
- Providing extra time in exams
- Providing rest breaks during exams
- Providing the use of a PC in exams
- Allocating you to a suitable room for exams
- Allowing you to bring food, drink and medication into your exams
- Allocating you to specific accommodation on campus
- Accommodating a fridge for medication
- Providing you with the opportunity to visit the campus before you start
- Meeting with a dedicated Advisor in the first few weeks of starting
- Providing lecture slides and handouts in advance
- Providing event capture or allowing you to record taught sessions
- Supporting you to develop group work and presentation skills
- Providing a sensitive approach to dealing with attendance issues
- Implementing non-medical helper support such as Specialist Mentor Support and Assistive Technology Training
- Providing Digital Voice Recorder loans
- Providing accessible software on the University network such as Read & Write and Mindview
- Providing extra time in exams
- Providing the use of a PC in exams
- Providing rest breaks during exams
- Allocating you to specific accommodation on campus
- Providing lecture slides and handouts in advance
- Recording teaching sessions or allowing you to record them
- Providing one-to-one explanations of practical tasks
- Implementing non-medical help, such as one-to-one study skills support and accessible software training
- Providing digital voice recorder equipment loans
- Providing accessible software on the University network such as Read & Write and Mindview
- Marking assessments in accordance with marking guidelines for students or apprentices with specific learning difficulties
- Providing coloured paper for question and answer booklets in exams
- Providing altered font sizes for question and answer booklets in exams
- Providing extra time in exams
- Providing the use of a PC in exams
- Providing a reader and/or amanuensis (scribe) in exams
- Providing electronic or Brailled texts
- Providing altered font sizes or electronic copies of material
- Providing lecture slides and handouts online in advance
- Providing reading lists online in advance
- Recording teaching sessions or allowing you to record them
- Providing Library support
- Providing Sighted Guide support
- Providing support with practical sessions, field trips and placements
- Implementing non-medical help such as Specialist Note Taking and accessible software training
- Providing digital voice recorder equipment loans
- Providing accessible software on the University network
- Marking assessments in accordance with visual impairment marking guidelines
- Providing altered font sizes for question and answer booklets in exams
- Providing extra time and the use of a PC and assistive software in exams
- Providing a reader and/or scribe in exams
- Allocating you to accessible accommodation on campus
- Providing spending pens for assistance dogs
We have a staff team of BSL / English interpreters, established since 1993. The team is made up of qualified and highly experienced interpreters, who interpret across a wide variety of subjects. Some of these include Law, Psychology, Fashion, Film and TV Production, Sports Performance, Deaf Studies, and Theatre Studies.
We have dedicated Student Wellbeing Ambassadors who are currently studying at UCLan. They receive specialist training to provide one-to-one support across campus.
They can assist with specific practical support, including getting around campus and using assistive technology. They are also available to help with note-taking and support in practical sessions.
Information for needs assessors and providers
UCLan is a registered Non-Medical Help provider for the role of British Sign Language (BSL) Interpreter and Sighted Guide. For more information, view our webpage or email our Inclusive Support Team.
Frequently asked questions about disability support
Awards
- We’ve been awarded the maximum 5 QS Stars (Excellent) for inclusiveness (2022). We believe in helping people to seize every opportunity to flourish in education, at work and for life. Throughout our history we’ve always championed social mobility, working with underrepresented groups to ensure that everyone who has the potential to succeed at university is able to do so. Our 5 QS Stars reflects our pride in being a diverse, inclusive and multicultural institution which transforms people’s lives for the better. It reflects the outstanding support we provide to help students with disabilities, those with specific learning needs, people from low-income households, and others who need our help to overcome barriers which could prevent them from realising their potential. We ensure that nothing stands in the way of their success.
Useful student support pages
Student support
We pride ourselves on our excellent student support services, we offer expert advice and support with health and wellbeing, inclusive support, financial advice and much more.
Student support FAQs
Find answers to common questions about library facilities; blackboard; timetables; our academic calendar and more. Answers cover topics from accessing emails and files from home to seeking specialist help.
Cost of living support hub
We're the most affordable uni in the country according to The Times (2023). Discover how to manage your finances and explore the support available.
