Disability Support
Every student should be able to experience the full range of the university’s activities. If you have a disability, a long-standing medical condition or a specific learning difficulty such as dyslexia, the Disability Service can help you make the most of your time at UWS.
To arrange a meeting with an adviser please complete a Student Support Request Form and return to disabilityservice@uws.ac.uk
Personalised support
Our advisers can work with you to develop the right support for lectures, individual study and assessments. Support is flexible: it can be adapted to the changing demands of your course.
We can:
- liaise with academic staff about any reasonable adjustments you need
- recommend exam support, such as extra time or use of a PC
- make a referral to the university’s occupational therapist
- make arrangements in other areas, such as library support or blue badge parking
- access funding for equipment or support.
David Blair, Disability Adviser, explains how the team can support you
Specific learning difficulties
Specific learning difficulties include conditions such as dyslexia, dyscalculia and dyspraxia.
UWS is an inclusive and modern university. All students can make use of facilities such as:
- lecture capture (where lectures are recorded, usually the slideshow plus audio)
- lecture materials provided in advance on Moodle
- assistive software on all campus PCs, with packages for mind-mapping, read-aloud and enhanced spelling and grammar checking
- skills development advisers to help improve your study skills.
Most students with a specific learning difficulty will find these resources meet their needs. But if you feel you need extra support, please contact us by completing a request form.
Lorraine Macmillan explains how learning difficulties can be assessed
Neurodiversity
The term 'neurodiversity' describes the variation in the way our minds work. Neurodivergence is commonly associated with a series of conditions, including, but not limited to:
Dyslexia
a condition which causes difficulties in reading or interpreting words, letters, and other symbols.
Dyspraxia
a condition which affects physical coordination.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
a condition which affects ability to control attention and concentration.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
a condition that affects communication, social interaction, and behaviour.
Tourette’s Syndrome
a condition that means you may make sounds or movements that you can’t control.
Dyscalculia
a condition that affects the ability to acquire arithmetical skills.
To arrange a meeting with an Adviser to discuss support available, please contact us by completing a Support Request Form and return to disabilityservice@uws.ac.uk
Study resources and assistive technology
There are a wide range of software tools available that you can utilise to study effectively and develop the skills you need to succeed.
You can find more information on our Study Support tools guide.
SilverCloud
SilverCloud gives you secure, immediate access to interactive CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) modules.
Programmes include:
- Space from Stress
- Space from Anxiety
- Space from Depression
- Space for Positive Body Image
It’s easy to use, interesting and motivational. Access it anywhere on your computer, tablet or mobile. Learn more and sign up online.
Online accessibility
Many websites provide help on how to get the most of the accessibility features and assistive technologies available for your computer. Here are a few we would recommend.
Last updated: 30/01/2024