Checklist for accessing disability support

Checklist for accessing disability support at university

• Contact the Disability Support Team if you have, or suspect you have a disability, long term health/mental health condition, neurodiversity, Specific Learning Difference (SpLD), visual or hearing impairment or mobility difficulties. support@sunderland.ac.uk

• Apply for Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) if you are eligible for funding from Student Finance England – or speak to the Disability Support Team if you have another funding body who pays your fees.

• If you think you have a Specific Learning Difference, such as Dyslexia or Dyspraxia, get in touch, we can provide you with a link to Quickscan (our online screening tool) which can be completed in 10 to 15 minutes.

This questionnaire will pick up on any indicators of Dyslexia or a Specific Learning Difference (SpLD) which will then inform us if you need a full diagnostic assessment. These are completed externally by a psychologist, or Dyslexia Specialist Assessor. If you receive a diagnosis, you can then proceed to apply for DSA and to have a Student Support Plan put in place with the university. You can complete Quickscan as an applicant but must be enrolled with the University before we are able to put you forward for a diagnostic assessment.

• If you need an accessible room in Halls of Residence, ensure you contact our Accommodations Department early, as there are limited numbers of Accessible rooms available https://www.sunderland.ac.uk/student-experience/accommodation/

• If you think you would benefit from having a transition tour, prior to starting, please contact us at support@sunderland.ac.uk
  • We hold annual transition events in August/September giving ASC applicants the chance to meet staff from the Disability Support Team
  • See where we hold our weekly Autism Centred Coffee Club
  • Familiarisation with some of the key buildings on campus
  • Travel between our City Campus and St Peter’s Campus using the intercampus bus
  • Opportunity to ask questions about support that might be available for your studies

• Check out https://www.accessable.co.uk/university-of-sunderland for extensive information, figures, and photographs to help students, visitors and staff plan their journey to, and around the University, covering everything from parking facilities and hearing loops, to walking distances and accessible toilets.