The Disability and Inclusion Service (DIS) is committed to supporting our students throughout their time with us.
Successful Transition into Education Programme (STEP-ULaw)
The University offers a transition programme for all students before your course starts in September and January.
The programme includes how to find and set up your emails, the key areas of Elite (the virtual learning environment) you’ll need to successfully start your course. There are sessions on how to use the digital skills academy, so you have the skills needed before you start studying with us. There are sessions for students on how to approach studying if you have a diagnosis or identify with neurodiversity and mental health conditions.
For September starters this programme runs week commencing 4 September 2023 and for January starters, week commencing 11 December 2023. There are eight (8) sessions in total and these sessions will show in your Outlook calendar once you have your university email address. All sessions are online.
If you cannot attend the sessions, they will be recorded and uploaded to our virtual learning environment for you to watch later.
Early induction for students who declare a disability/condition
Early Induction is a session specifically for students who have shared a disability with the University. You'll meet with the Disability and Inclusion Service (DIS) to:
- Find out about how to use the phone appointment system that runs twice a week
- Answer questions about applying for DSA
- Find out about other workshops DIS run at key points to support you throughout the year and;
- How to find DIS’s section on Elite that hosts resources to support you during your studies.
Digital inclusion
Students have access to Microsoft 365; this package includes Microsoft ‘dictate’ and ‘immersive reader’ in-built functions. Dictate can assist you by typing your notes and emails, you can speak instead of type. Immersive reader reads out word documents and emails for you, there are many customisable options.
Claro is networked across ULaw computers and is available as an app to download to your phone or tablet. Claro can read out text to you, create mind maps, take audio notes, filters to change the colour of your screen, a spoken calculator and more.
The University’s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), Elite, is compatible with many screen readers and allows you to download course materials in many formats. For example, immersive reader and beeline (colour gradient), MP4, e-book readers and more.
The technology available for all as described above have corresponding quick start videos produced by ULaw to get you started. These videos are available on our virtual learning environment, Elite, once your join the University.
Our campuses
When choosing to study at one of our campuses you may wish to consider:
- Building accessibility
- Parking
- Facilities for a service dog
- Transport
ULaw’s campuses and rooms are included on AccessAble, this allows you to check out the building and specific room facilities in advance. For example, where are there is step free access, automatic doors, ambulant toilets are more.
View our campuses on AccessAble ➔
For applicants with significant mobility needs we can arrange a personal visit to your chosen campus so that you can experience our campuses and make an informed choice. If you would like to do so, please contact the Disability and Inclusion Service as early as possible in the application process to arrange a campus visit.
Types of adjustments in assessments
Depending on the details you share with DIS, we can arrange for exam and course adjustments for you* please note these are indicative examples and these are not guaranteed.
For example, if you sit an assessment on campus and you have a back condition, you may it is possible to provide and adjustable chair and additional desk (so you don’t have to ben down to get your notes) and 25% additional time so you can stretch and be comfortable.
If you share a type of neurodiversity you may have between 25%-50% additional time, use your assistive software such as Dictate or Immersive reader, you may be able to print the exam paper * subject to the regulator on professional courses.
If you are pregnant, you may have 25% additional time for extra loo breaks, if you attend campus, we have expressing facilities and milk storage.
If you are a carer for a disabled relative, you may have 25% additional time in your exams to fulfil your caring responsibilities and, subject to the regulator on professional course, be able to sit your exams at home.
Information for international students
If you are joining ULaw from outside the UK, you are not likely to eligible for the Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA). Where you have complex needs the Disability and Inclusion Service may invite you to attend a private Needs assessment before the start of your course. The Needs Assessment report will be sent to ULaw and we will be able to arrange support for you. This process is very similar to DSA but is run by ULaw for international students, if you have complex support needs, please get in touch with the Disability and Inclusion Service as soon as possible to discuss your support, while the process is quicker than DSA it still takes some time to be assessed and organise support before the start of your course.
Contact us
Please contact the Disability and Inclusion Service for further information, a confidential chat, or to arrange an appointment.
Email our team or call 01483 216657.