Disability and inclusive support
Do you have a disability, mental health condition, specific learning difficulty or are you deaf? We are passionate about making sure education is accessible for everyone. Find out about the disability support that is available to you.
What disability and inclusive support is available?
- Inclusive Support Advisors
- Adapted accommodation
- Disabled Students' Allowance
- BSL interpreters
- Student Wellbeing Ambassadors
- Specialist equipment
- Academic adjustments
- Exam adjustments
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:
Disability support available to you
Once you have shared information about any disability, an Inclusive Support Advisor/Officer will provide confidential support. They will work with you and your course team to put in place support and adjustments, as well as helping with Disabled Students' Allowance.
You'll be able to fully access everything you need to thrive in your studies and university life.
Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA)
Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) is a grant that helps to pay for extra equipment and support. This includes one-to-one support tutors, specialist equipment, software and the cost of extra travel. It is not means tested and does not affect benefit entitlement.
It is also important to note that applying for DSA does not in any way affect your chances of gaining a place at university.
Hear from our students
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.
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.
Frequently asked questions about disability support
The Equality Act 2010 defines a disability as any physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long-term adverse effect of your ability to carry out normal activities. “Long-term” is generally accepted as having lasted, or likely to last, at least 12 months. This can include neurodiversity or a diagnosed mental health condition.
You may be eligible for Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) if you face extra student costs relating to your disability. DSA may contribute to:
- Specialist equipment. This includes assistive software, a computer for using the software, ergonomic equipment or recording devices for lectures.
- Non-medical helper. For example a sign language interpreter, study skills support tutor or mental health mentor.
- Travel expenses. Such as reasonable extra travel costs you have to pay because of your disability. This does not include funding for travel costs that any student would incur.
DSA only cover costs related to academic study and do not cover course-related costs.You may not be eligible for DSA, for example if you are an international student, or a Degree Apprenticeship student. In this case, please contact the team as early as possible to review your support arrangements.
You can share information about any disability or learning difficulty you have at any stage of your application journey. Once you have an offer to study with us, a member of the Inclusive Support Team will be in contact.
Our team will review any information you have provided and assess the impact of any disability on your course. They will put in place academic adjustments, as well as exam/assessment adjustments. This will take place before the start of your studies to ensure support is in place from the very beginning.
Evidence of your disability is needed before individual adjustments can be made. The evidence required depends on your disability. Our Inclusive Support Advisers can advise you on the provision of disability-related evidence. If appropriate your requirements will be determined by a Needs Assessment Report (NAR). The University will use the NAR to identify disability-related adjustments.
Our Student Hub has more information about support you can receive based on your personal needs and circumstances.
Please visit our student support frequently asked questions webpage.
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
Studying is one of the biggest investments you can make towards your future. We're here to make the fees and finance side of university as easy as possible to understand.