It is not easy to define what a disability is and listing conditions is not generally very helpful. The 1995 Disabilities Discrimination Act defines a disabled person as someone who has:

"A physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on a person's ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities."

• Physical impairments include those affecting the senses, such as sight and hearing.
• Mental impairments include learning disabilities (including specific learning disabilities such as dyslexia) and mental illness.
• Some impairments, such as epilepsy, are hidden

However, many applicants are still reluctant to declare a disability on their UCAS form because they fear that it will go against them. Please understand, this is not the case and if you declare a disability it actually provides our Disabilities Office time to contact you to offer support, advice and information.

• Providing I.T. and/or technical training
• Arranging short term equipment loans
• Assessing your educational and technological needs
• Providing advice and information on a wide range of issues
• Advising on accommodation

Medical evidence of disability will be required for students with a physical or sensory disability, or for students with mental health difficulties. For students with dyslexia and other specific learning difficulties, a report from an educational psychologist will be needed.

Every year, the DfEE produces a booklet giving details of the latest rules and amounts available through the DSA. Copies can be obtained by calling:

Free information line: 0800 731 9133
Textphone: 0800 210 280

The booklet is also available on the DfEE website at:
http://www.dfee.gov.uk

FURTHER INFORMATION

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact either: