Disability Support at University
Starting university is a huge change for anyone, somewhere you haven’t been before, new people and potentially your first time moving away from home. But for disabled students, this can come with extra challenges and uncertainty. Whether you’re navigating a physical impairment, a long-term health condition, a mental health difficulty, or a neurodevelopmental disorder like autism or ADHD, the support you receive can make all the difference. Universities are legally required under the Equality Act 2010 to provide reasonable adjustments, but experiences of accessing support can vary widely.
In this blog, I’ll explore what disability support at university should look like and how to access this
Disclose or not to disclose?
Deciding whether to disclose a disability at university can seem like a difficult choice. Some students worry about potential judgement and misunderstanding of their disability, especially invisible ones like autism. But disclosures allow students to access support, extra time in exams and other reasonable adjustments. Being honest and specific about how your disability affects you can help to reduce misconceptions. Disabled students usually have a student support plan which can be updated throughout the course if your needs change.
What can Disability Services do?
University disability services exist to help students reach their full potential, so they are not disadvantaged. Some students don’t realise what support they can offer. You usually have an informal meeting with a member of the disability team to assess your needs and what may help during your studies. From there, they can create a support plan and share it with your department.
This might include:
- Extra time in exams
- Flexibility with deadlines
- Permission to record lectures
- Access to assistive software
- Notetakers
- Alternative formats
- Assistive technology
- Disability peer groups
- Practical/physical access: building accessibility, transport, accommodation adjustments
They can also help you apply for Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) if you’re eligible, and may liaise with other teams like counselling, occupational health, or student finance. A good disability advisor will advocate for your needs and help you navigate the often confusing systems that surround university life.
Tips for disabled students starting university
If you’re a disabled student starting university, here are some top tips to help you get the right support:
- Be proactive about your support—ideally before problems arise.
- Contact the disability support team as early as possible.
- Be honest in your needs assessment and don’t downplay your difficulties to seem “low maintenance”—you deserve to be supported properly.
- Keep written records of any support plans or emails by staff, just in case you need to follow up later.
- If something isn’t working, speak up; you’re not being difficult, you’re advocating for yourself. Sometimes your disability advisor should support you whilst doing this.
- Look after your mental health and don’t isolate yourself.
You’re not alone, and you don’t have to push through everything on your own just to prove a point.
I hope this blog helps disabled students feel more prepared to advocate for themselves, and to remind others that small acts of understanding can make a big difference.
Disabled students do belong in higher education—and we deserve to be seen, heard, and supported.
