Supporting information about your disability

If you think you are eligible for student support, please take a look at the acceptable standards of evidence which will help to see if you qualify

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If you think you are eligible for student support, please take a look at the acceptable standards of evidence which will help to see if you qualify

Supporting information about your disability

If you have a health condition or disability, including mental health and neurodivergent conditions, we encourage you to book an appointment as soon as possible. We do request supporting information of your diagnosis whenever possible. However, if you are unsure of what supporting information to provide, please still book an appointment and we can discuss the support available to you.  

Please continue reading for information on the types of supporting information that you can provide to help us set up your Access Arrangements.

Please note: if you are applying for additional external support via the Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) scheme, differing evidence criteria will be required. Information on DSA’s Standards of Evidence can be found on the DSA Eligibility webpage.

Supporting information for disabilities, long-term physical or mental health conditions

  • A completed DSA Disability Evidence Form found on the DSA Eligibility webpage.
  • A letter from a medical professional, e.g., your GP or Consultant.  
  • A Certificate of Hearing or visual impairments (CHI or CVI).
  • Medical summary or history, confirming your diagnosis. 

Supporting information for neurodivergent conditions and learning differences

Specific learning differences can include: 

  • Dyslexia
  • Dysgraphia
  • Dyscalculia
  • ADHD
  • Autistic Spectrum Condition (ASC) 

You can provide a range of supporting information. We have listed the type of documents you might have that can be provided to us as confirmation of your diagnosis and access requirements.  

  • EHCP (Education Health and Care Plan) that includes a diagnosis or details of your previous support
  • Diagnostic assessment report  
  • An individual learning plan from a college or a university
  • A DSA needs assessment report  

For Autism and ADHD (diagnosed by a Clinical Psychologist) you may also like to look at the supporting information for disabilities and long-term physical or mental health conditions.

Supporting information for short-term conditions

Short-term conditions are those which will heal but may take a long time, such as a broken bone or fracture. During this time the injury will have an impact on a student's ability to study and/or complete exams.  

A Disability Advisor may make recommendations for short-term support. This decision is made on a case-by-case basis.

We ask students provide:  

  • A letter from a medical professional
  • A fit note or sick note
  • Medical summary confirming treatment for a short-term condition.
  • We cannot accept X- rays or A&E attendance slips.    

 

If you are requesting a letter from a medical professional, please ask they include:  

  • How long it will take to heal/recover;
  • How it may affect your studies and day to day activities.

Supporting information FAQs

What supporting information do I need to provide?

You need evidence of your disability, long-term condition or specific learning difference.

This may include: 

  • A medical letter or report
  • A diagnostic assessment (for dyslexia or specific learning differences)
  • Evidence from a qualified professional

Does my medical evidence need to be recent?

Your evidence should reflect your current condition and how it affects your studies.

If your documents are older, we may ask for updated information.

Can I still get support if I do not have evidence yet?

Yes. You can still contact the Disability and Dyslexia Team for advice. 

We can explain what evidence you need and how to get it before your support is put in place.

Who can provide supporting evidence for my application?

Your evidence should come from a qualified professional, such as:

  • A doctor or GP
  • A specialist or consultant
  • An educational psychologist (for dyslexia or specific learning differences)

What happens after I submit my supporting information?

We will review your evidence and contact you with the next steps. 

This may include an appointment to discuss your needs and agree on a support plan.

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