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You are here: Disability Service | Frequently Asked Questions
Call at the Disability Service reception desk. If possible on your first visit bring along a copy of any evidence confirming that you are a disabled student such as a letter from a specialist or your Educational Psychologist's report. We will then make an appointment for you to see one of our advisers, who will talk with you about the adjustments that the University needs to make to ensure that you are not disadvantaged in your studies.
Yes, if you need help with applying for DSA please contact the Disability Service for a DSA1 form and for advice and support about making your application.
No. The Mental Health Advisor is happy to talk to and advise any students who are experiencing mental health difficulties, regardless of whether or not you have a formal mental health diagnosis. If you need reasonable adjustments, or if you want to apply for Disabled Student Allowance (DSA) the Mental Health Advisor will need to have medical evidence before these can be put into place.
The Mental Health Advisor helps students manage their mental health difficulties alongside their studies. They do not offer therapeutic interventions but offer practical support with the everyday tasks which become more difficult if you are feeling unwell. They can advocate on your behalf with your School when you feel unable to do so.
Definitely not. Departments are only informed if they need to make adjustments to support you in your studies, or you wish to make them aware of your current situation. You remain in control of what information goes where and to whom.
After we have received evidence that you have had a recent assessment (within the last 3 years) for dyslexia, we will advise your department/tutors on the adjustments they should make for you while you are attending your studies. We also talk to you to determine exam adjustments, such as extra time, and library support, such as extended loans on books. The Disability Service will be available for guidance and support throughout your course.
We can also support you in applying for Disabled Students Allowance either from Student Finance England or the NHS (depending on who your funding body is). Please see the section on Disabled Students Allowance for more information on this.
No. Dyslexia isn't linked to intelligence. Dyslexia is a specific learning difficulty. This means that you have weaknesses in certain areas, but also many strengths that will support you in your learning. It has been suggested that Einstein was dyslexic, so it certainly isn't possible to say that dyslexic people are not intelligent. It should be viewed simply as a different way of thinking.
You do not have to tell your tutors, but we advise that you do so. This is to ensure that they are making adjustments to accommodate your needs. You should not be judged negatively or receive any discriminatory treatment after you have disclosed.
If you choose not to disclose you cannot expect the recommended adjustments to be made.
No. You do not have to tell them you have SpLD but you will need to think about what aspects of the job you will struggle with. It may then be a good idea to address these issues with the employer. The Disability Discrimination Act 1995 covers employment. If you have declared your disability, the employer cannot dismiss your application on this basis if "reasonable adjustment" can be made in the work place. However, if you do not declare your disability, you cannot complain if they fail to meet your needs.
Having dyslexia and achieving academic success demonstrates to an employer how determined and focused you are. If you do decide to inform the interviewer of your dyslexia, focus on the positive points, such as your skills that will enable you to do the job.
The Disability Service can advise you on how to get a diagnosis of dyslexia.
Each year we conduct a screening of all new students using a learning styles questionnaire and this determines if a student should be referred for further testing. The Disability Service can refer students to an Educational Psychologist (which is free of charge to all students) who will carry out a full test and produce a report of findings. This report can then be used to determine the level of dyslexia and lists recommendations on how the University can make reasonable adjustments.
This is support provided to disabled students by people as opposed to by equipment. It is a central government term. You may hear it referred to at this University as Educational Support Work. People may work for students in roles such as Notetakers, Sign Language Interpreters, Mobility Assistants. This support is provided by Clear Links Support Ltd with whom we work closely to ensure quality provision.
(External) Clear Links Support Ltd is the company which provides the non medical support worker service to disabled students at the University of Bradford. If you have been recommended an educational support worker you will be directed to Clear Links to access this support. Your Disability Adviser can also help you to access this support in the first instance.
Personal care is separate from the educational support such as notetakers. Personal care may involve activities such as assistance in and out of bed, help with dressing and bathing, cooking.
If you need personal care whilst at University you need to contact your local Social Services department to ask for an assessment of your personal care needs. You may already have had this assessment for your life at home but you will need to factor in increased or different levels of support for living at University. If you have not had social services support before and family members have been providing this, you will need to think carefully about what you will need when living independently in preparation for your assessment.
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Page last modified: Friday, April 27, 2012
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