Disclose as disabled (current students)
We encourage all disabled students studying with us to disclose so that reasonable adjustments and support can be put in place for you.
So we can provide you with support and reasonable adjustments, please submit appropriate evidence for your disability or medical condition to disability@uwe.ac.uk. Alternatively, you can submit your evidence using our online enquiry form.
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.
Evidence overview
Please send a copy of your evidence to als@uwe.ac.uk.
A diagnostic assessment is appropriate evidence.
It should:
- show confirmation that you have a Specific Learning Difficulty (SpLD) for example dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, or ADHD
- state that the report meets the 'SpLD Working Group 2005/DfES Guidelines for Assessment of SpLDs in Higher Education'
- show that the assessment was provided by a psychologist or suitably qualified specialist teacher.
Covering the cost
UWE Bristol provides diagnostic assessments through the Access and Learning Strategies team and students are responsible for paying the full amount. However, there is a diagnostic fund available that may reduce the full amount for current UWE Bristol students. To book or enquire about prices, please email als@uwe.ac.uk or view other ways to contact us.
Find out more about SpLD diagnosis.
Once we have the appropriate evidence, we can put adjustments in place for you which could include extra time in exams and permission to record lectures, for example. There is a range of support that might be available to you.
Timeline
| Step one | Submit appropriate evidence. |
| Step two | Reasonable adjustments are put in place*. |
| Step three | Check your reasonable Adjustments in MYUWE once you are a student. |
| Step four | Contact an Information Point if these need to be changed. |
*Some reasonable adjustments will be put in place automatically when we have received appropriate evidence from you. Other non-standard reasonable adjustments may need to be discussed with your College and other UWE Bristol services. We may also need to speak with you about these.
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.
Access support
Look at the wide range of other support available at UWE Bristol. You may wish to access study skills support including workshops and online advice and tutorials.
Contact an Information Point if you need advice or guidance about any of the above, or are simply unsure about what to do to get support for your condition(s).
You can get lots more information within our support for disabled students information.
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.
You may also be interested in
Disabled Students' Allowances
The University encourages all applicants and students to disclose a disability, long-term health condition or any support needs they might have.
Neurodivergence and mental health study support
The Access and Learning Strategies (ALS) team offers advice and support for students who need help in identifying and diagnosing SpLDs.
Support for impairments
Find out about the support that is available at UWE Bristol to students with any impairment.
Study support
Study support and advice for UWE Bristol students including referencing, research, study spaces and more.