The Accessibility and Disability Resource Centre (ADRC) is the main source of support for students who require reasonable adjustments as a result of a disability, physical or mental health condition or injury.
The ADRC can provide eligible students with Student Support Documents (SSD) or summary emails to suggest reasonable adjustments that can be put in place to alleviate any academic disadvantage faced as a result of a disability or long-term health condition.
You can find out more about the support offered by the ADRC on their website.
If your reasonable adjustments are not being adhered to or you have questions about the process, the ADRC should be your first port of call. We can also help clarify the process and liaise with your college or department if that would be helpful.
STUDENT SUPPORT DOCUMENT (SSD)
An SSD provides a summary of recommendations specific to a student to help support their studies.
This will be sent to the agreed contacts in University and College who can then ensure the recommendations are put in place.
Recommendations could include reserved seating during lectures, extended library loans or 1:1 study skills sessions; recommendations will be tailored to an individual’s specific needs.
Further information about SSDs can be found on the ADRC’s website.
EXAMINATION ACCESS ARRANGEMENTS (EAA)
If you are a disabled student, you might be eligible for an EAA to help alleviate any academic disadvantage you may face during an examination due to your disability.
Examples of EAAs include extra time, use of a pc or a separate room to complete exams.
Your College will need to apply for an EAA on your behalf by the division of Lent Term.
You will also need to provide medical evidence to support your application, such as, but not limited to, a full diagnostic report written by a Practitioner Psychologist or Specialist Teacher.
Where supporting documentation is required but not available by the division of Lent Term, it must be submitted no later than the last Friday of Lent Term.
Further information about EAAs and the process of applying for EAAs can be found here and here.
The ADRC’s website also provides information about Examination Access Arrangements.
Adjusted Modes of Assessment (AMAs) could be put in place where an EAA does not adequately address the needs of a disabled student.
An AMA will relate to the specific needs of the individual student. Examples could include replacing a written examination with an essay, a portfolio of essays or a long extension.
Further information about the AMA process can be found here.