Medical and physical
There may be occasions when mobility, physical impairments, medical conditions or side effects of medication may affect the student's ability to study or take part in wider university life. It is the responsibility of the University to support and enhance the student experience. It is particularly important for students who have physical or medical impairments that their support requirements are identified as soon as possible.
Nature of disability
The term 'medical conditions and 'Physical Impairment' often covers most unseen disabilities and may include epilepsy, diabetes, chronic asthma, arthritis, chronic fatigue syndrome. Some conditions may be congenital and include cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, spina bifida, and scoliosis or have occurred as a result of an accident.
Services and Support available
It is important for students to arrange guidance appointments with a specialist Disability Adviser in order to discuss issues and to organise support measures.
Support offered may include
- Teaching and learning arrangement incase of regular hospital appointments, unable to attend university when unwell
- The support from personal assistants to get around the university
- Support during exams such as extra time or a scribe
Personal support
Daily living related support such as assistance with shopping, cooking, bathing, toileting etc. is funded through social service departments and needs to be organised well in advance of the student's arrival at University.
Disabled students have the right to ask their local social services for an assessment of daily living needs. You may choose to have 'direct payments' to buy services that meet your assessed needs instead of receiving services directly provided by Social Services
Needs Assessment
The support provided will depend on recommendations made by your assessor when you have your Needs Assessment, therefore you will need to apply for Disabled Student' Allowances as soon as possible. Sheffield Regional Assessment Centre can undertake your needs assessment.
