One in four people have some kind of disability, but the proportion among students is much lower. This is partly because most students are under 25, while many people only develop their disabilities as they get older — but it’s also because some universities don’t do much to encourage access.

Some have quite sticky problems when it comes to, for instance, wheelchair access — ancient buildings, cobbled streets or more hills than The Sound of Music. When faced with such a situation, some universities make an extra special effort to provide for students with some other disability. Durham, for instance, has pretty good provisions for hearing-impaired students.

Others have specialist accommodation too, not only for students with hearing impairments, but also for sight- or mobility-impaired students.

There are certain key features to look out for if you have a disability, including for example:

• For mobility impairment: ramps and access to all buildings, not just accommodation or teaching rooms; once you’re inside, lifts that actually work; lavatory facilities; fire and emergency procedures.
• For hearing impairment: induction loops in lecture rooms; flashing sirens in rooms; visual doorbells in accommodation; minicom phone facilities.
• For sight impairment: Braille translators of books and documents; clear markings on stairs, floors, doorways and windows; fire and emergency procedures.
• For dyslexia: computers for general use and use in exams; extra time for work (especially exams).
• For mental or other health difficulties (such as diabetes, epilepsy or heart conditions): access to appropriate treatment including medication and/or therapy; emergency procedures.
• For anyone: special arrangements as necessary for tutorials, seminars and course assessment (such as exams); personal care or assistance.

All universities should have a written policy statement on students with disabilities, that sets out what facilities they have, what their attitude is and what they are prepared to do.

Only you can properly understand the challenges of any disability you have and so, before accepting a place at a university (or even while you’re considering applying, if only to raise the universities’ awareness), it’s good to talk to them and find out how much they can (and will) do for you.

The problem is who to talk to. Most universities and some students’ unions have a disability advisor or officer who is supposed to know what facilities they already have and will help with further arrangements if necessary or possible. However, all too often this person is a token. Sometimes it’s just an extra responsibility given to a secretary. They don’t know what the situation is in practice and they don’t have any real authority to change anything.

For any prospective student, it’s best to visit a university before applying, but it’s an especially good idea for students with disabilities or special needs to check whether the place really does come up to scratch.

• What about students with disabilities? (tuition fees)
• Students with disabilities

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