Laura WhitelockAccess and Outreach Officer, University of York
Disability support
According to UCAS, over 100,000 disabled students apply to study at university in the UK every year, including those with mental health conditions, learning differences and long-term health conditions (UCAS, 2025). This article will explore what support is available for students, and how you can help your students to understand what’s on offer.
As teachers and advisors, you will likely be familiar with the term SEND (special educational needs and disabilities) which is used across schools and colleges in the UK. However, universities tend to use the term “disability” broadly to encompass many conditions and impairments. Identifying as disabled gives students protection under the Equality Act 2010 and legally enables them to access support and adjustments for their impairment(s) or condition(s).
When students apply via UCAS, they can “declare” their support needs, and any impairments or conditions they may have. There is a common myth that students who disclose this information will be looked upon less favourably, but this is not true. Universities use this information to arrange support for students from the application stage, through to arrivals and beyond. They may get in touch with students to offer additional support for post-offer visit days, or to begin to set up a support plan. Students can contact their chosen institutions directly to discuss their needs in more detail. They may also find it helpful to research the accessible facilities a university has, directly on the institution website or by using AccessAble.
Who is eligible for support?
Any student who has a disability, impairment or condition that has an impact on their ability to study. This may include:
a visual impairment
a hearing impairment
physical or mobility difficulties
a long-term health condition such as diabetes, asthma or chronic fatigue
a mental health condition
a specific learning difficulty such as dyslexia or dyspraxia
an autistic spectrum condition
a neurological condition such as epilepsy or Tourette syndrome
a neurodevelopmental condition such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Students do not need a formal diagnosis to declare an impairment or condition via UCAS. However, some universities may ask for medical information from a doctor or other healthcare professional to ensure students receive appropriate support.
What support is available?
Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA)
This is a financial grant students need to apply for. It can help to pay for specialist equipment to support their studies, and does not need to be repaid. Students usually require medical evidence to support their DSA application. Examples of costs DSA may cover include: assistive technology, specialist notetaker, British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter, reading pens, or specialist travel costs, among many other resources.
Student support plan (SSP)
Many universities use personalised student support plans to aid their academic department’s understanding of how to support students throughout their studies. The support plan may include “reasonable adjustments” - a university term for specialist practices used to support students. This could include (among other things): extra time in exams, having a note taker, deadline extensions or accessible resources such as braille or large font books.
Specialist practitioners
These are specially trained university staff who create student support plans and provide advice for students with disabilities. Usually they are referred to as “Disability Services” or they form part of the student services team.
Mental health support
Many universities have specialist practitioners who are trained to support students through therapy, counselling or general wellbeing support. Often universities also have a 24/7 confidential helpline for any student to access when they need it.
Representation
Many universities have a Students’ Union, run by current or recently graduated students. Often, Students’ Unions have a Disabled Students Representative or network, where students can share concerns or access peer support.
How can I support my students?
The best advice is to encourage your students and reassure them that university can be an option for them. There is a lot of support out there, so long as they inform universities of their needs. Although it may seem scary sharing this personal information about themselves, it is in their benefit to do so, and won’t disadvantage them in gaining an offer.
If you are providing a reference for students as part of their UCAS application, you are able to share any information related to a student’s support needs. In section 2 of your reference, you can share any extenuating circumstances students may have experienced, and any support you put in place for them at your own school or college. This is really valuable to universities to understand how students are currently supported with their education, and how they may be able to continue this support.
Finally, you may find it useful to read and share The National Association of Disability Practitioners guidance and glossary to help you and your students understand the differences between support they receive at school or college and what similar support may be available for them at university.
