Disclose as disabled (applicants)

We encourage all disabled applicants to disclose so you can get reasonable adjustments and support. 

The University encourages all applicants to disclose an impairment, long-term health condition or any support needs they have. This information is important as it can help to identify any appropriate support that is needed. It is essential if you require exam adjustments or wish to receive any support with your studies whilst you are at UWE Bristol.

Guidance for applicants

  1. Step 1

    You may find it helpful to start by looking at our general guidance regarding submitting an application.

  2. Step 2

    When you apply to the University you will have the opportunity to disclose that you have an impairment or medical condition. The information that you provide at this stage will not be taken into account when making your academic offer. You are strongly encouraged to disclose at application rather than wait until you get here. Without this information we will be unable to offer you the appropriate guidance and support to help you access your studies. This allows us to help you identify any disability-related support needs and to make sure you receive correct advice and guidance about how your needs can be met.

  3. Step 3

    Once you disclose an impairment or medical condition on your application form, the University receives this information and automatically sends you an Access and Support Needs Questionnaire via the UWE Welcome Portal (login required).

    You can complete the questionnaire online or you may request this in another format if you prefer by emailing disapp@uwe.ac.uk. The questionnaire is designed to help us work out what information and advice you will need in order to apply for the right funding, as well as any support, equipment and adjustments that you need set up for when you arrive. Please ensure you engage with this process and any follow up contact. Failure to do so may mean delays in meeting your needs.

    Once we have received your completed questionnaire, we may send you some information; offer you a telephone or in-person appointment with a Disability Adviser; or invite you to an informal meeting with both a Disability Adviser and teaching staff from your college, in order to discuss support and adjustments. The information that you provide at this stage will not be taken into account when making your academic offer.

    If we write to you inviting you to meet or speak with us, without your ongoing engagement (such as attending an online or face to face meeting) we will be unable to offer you the appropriate guidance and support to help you access your studies. 

    UCAS Code G

    If you disclose UCAS Code G (Specific Learning Difficulty such as dyslexia) you will not be sent a questionnaire to complete, we will contact you instead with information about your next steps.

  4. Step 4

    For next steps and for further information, please visit our support for disabled students information.

    If you have disclosed UCAS Code G (Specific Learning Difficulty such as dyslexia) but you have an additional or different impairment, including autism, please contact the UWE Bristol Admissions team and they will be able to send you the Access and Support Needs Questionnaire directly.

Submit your evidence

We encourage all disabled students studying with us to disclose so that reasonable adjustments and support can be put in place for you.

So that we can provide you with support and reasonable adjustments, please submit appropriate evidence for your disability or medical condition to disability@uwe.ac.uk.

Please include your full name and UWE ID in the email. 

Appropriate evidence

Appropriate evidence required is outlined below. You can submit your evidence at any time and we will be in touch with you.

Evidence overview

A GP/Consultant letter is appropriate evidence. How recent your evidence needs to be will depend on your impairment or medical condition. Please send any evidence you have and we will advise you if you need something different or more up to date.

Your evidence should contain:

  • confirmation that you have a physical impairment or mental health condition that has a substantial and long-term negative effect on your ability to carry out normal daily activities
  • the length of time the condition or impairment has been present and whether it is likely to last for a long time
  • effects on study that are observed or predicted at this time for example any mobility issues, sleep disturbance resulting in fatigue, concentration problems, lack of motivation, difficulties with taking notes etc.

Covering the cost

All applicants and students are required to meet the costs of any reports or letters.

What if I don't have evidence or I am awaiting diagnosis?

Please don’t let lack of evidence or diagnosis stop you from contacting us about reasonable adjustments. We know that delays to diagnosis and medical evidence happen. We do want your evidence, if you have it, so that we can more deeply understand your requirements.

Apply for DSA funding for equipment and support

Disabled Students' Allowances (DSA) are provided by your funding body. Depending on your needs, DSAs funding may cover such things as study skills tuition, mentoring, equipment etc. We strongly recommend you apply for DSAs if you are eligible.

DSAs are non-means tested and non-refundable and would be available alongside any other funding you may receive. View more information about DSAs, including guidance on how to apply.

If you are not eligible for funding from your funding body or you are an international student, UWE Bristol may be able to help you with study support. Contact an Information Point for more information.

View our policy on reasonable adjustment for disabled students.

Disclosing your information

Data protection

We understand that you may be concerned about disclosing personal data about yourself or your condition. If we are fully aware of your needs we will be better equipped to ensure you are supported.

Please see our Privacy Notices for more information about how and why UWE Bristol uses your personal data.

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