The UCO is committed to a policy of inclusion. It is our aim to widen participation and to increase opportunities for high-calibre students from diverse backgrounds that have the aptitude and potential to achieve. Students with a range of seen and unseen disabilities are all warmly welcomed and supported at UCO.
What is a disability?
Disability is defined as a physical or mental impairment that has a 'substantial' and 'long-term' negative effect on a person’s ability to carry out normal daily activities.
Specific Learning Differences (SpLDs), i.e. dyslexia, visual impairments, hearing impairments, mental health difficulties and chronic health conditions such as multiple sclerosis, myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), repetitive strain injury (RSI), HIV/AIDS, arthritis, diabetes and epilepsy are all considered a disability.
Who can we support?
Students with visual impairments, hearing impairments, mobility difficulties, autistic spectrum disorder and other long-term health conditions can all be provided with tailored support during their time at the UCO.
Students with Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD) such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD and dyscalculia can also receive support with their studies.
Who do I tell?
Students are encouraged to contact the Student Support Officer and arrange a confidential appointment if they have or believe they may have a disability. The Student Support Officer can discuss the reasonable adjustments that can be put in place to support the student with classes, clinic and assessments.
How can we support you?
- Both sites are accessible to all students: there is adequate parking at the rear of the main building and lift access to all floors. Entrances are fitted with either stairlifts or ramps
- Hearing loops are available for students with a hearing loss
- The ‘Calm room’ is equipped with a bed and is available in the main building
- Students have free access to our counselling service
- Reasonable adjustments and exam adjustments can be arranged via the Student Support Department
- The Student Support Department can offer guidance on the Disabled Students Allowance
- Financial support is available through the Access to Learning Fund
Frequently Asked Questions
Are students able to access any assistive software (e.g., text-to-speech or mind mapping) on university computers. If so, are any of these programs networked across the university?
The UCO has networked computers for student use which are available during building opening hours. Assistive software can be downloaded on specific computers and these can be labelled so that they are reserved only for students that need this software to work.
Is lecture recording provided in normal circumstances, if so, how good is the coverage?
In normal circumstances, lectures are not usually recorded, and students are expected to be in full attendance. Practical technique sessions are also not recorded.
If a student requires DSA funded mentoring or tutoring support, are there any local providers you would like to be considered?
When allocating students a DSA funded mentor, we advise that this is within the local area of the university so that it is accessible, or if this is not possible, we advise a mentor near the students home address.
Does the college provide any assistance to the £200 that students are expected to contribute to DSA funded computers?
This is considered on an individual case-by-case basis. If necessary and appropriate, we can provide financial assistance.
Is there on-campus parking available for disabled students and do they need to have a Blue Badge to access this?
There is limited parking available at our teaching site on a first-come-first-served basis.