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GROWS for Disabled Learners

Higher Education support for SEND learners

According to UCAS, over 100,000 disabled students apply through UCAS to study at a university or college in the UK every year. Students can access a range of support to help them succeed with their studies, day-to-day activities, travel, and lifestyle.

Under the Equality Act 2010, universities are required by law to make reasonable adjustments to their services to ensure that students with a range of disabilities including sensory and physical impairments, mental health difficulties, specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia are supported throughout the duration of their course and given the same opportunities as all students at university.

When you apply to university, you will have the option to let admissions staff know that you have a disability. For some people, this may be hard to do, but the sooner you let your chosen university know, the quicker staff can put adjustments in place ready for you to begin your studies.

Disabled Learners Transition Pack

Download the Disabled Learners Transition Pack

Useful resources

UCAS for disabled students

This website includes information on researching choices, sharing a disability or mental health condition in the UCAS application, preparing for open days and visits, accommodation, financial support, and more.

Click here to go to the website.

DSA (Disabled Student Allowance)

DSA is a small, non-repayable bursary for students with a disability, medical condition, sensory impairment, mental health condition, or specific learning difficulty (recognised and clearly defined by the Equality Act of 2010). As part of the DSA, you might, for example, be eligible to apply for a new computer.

Reasonable adjustments in college and university

Colleges and universities have a legal duty to try to remove the barriers you face in education because of disability. This is called making reasonable adjustments. These adjustments help make sure you get the same access to education as anyone else.

Colleges and training providers must also make reasonable adjustments for disabled apprentices and trainees.

SCOPE website

GROWS partners' support for disabled students