How we can help

Woman laughing in conversation

With the relevant supporting evidence and consent to share, we will create an SoA for each student registered with our service.  An SoA is a document which lists adjustments that the University deems reasonable for a department to make in order for you to best demonstrate your academic ability, many of which are considered inclusive practice.   

SoAs can include (but are not limited to):

  • Exam/assignment adjustments (e.g. extra time in exams, extensions to deadlines)
  • Equipment recommendations (e.g. use of a computer, specialist software)
  • Environmental adjustments (e.g. level access, ergonomic seating)
  • Person support (e.g. notetakers, support workers, British Sign Language interpreters)
  • Accessibility (e.g. digitisation of materials, subtitles/transcripts)

Your SoA will be emailed to you by the Disability & Dyslexia Service and will only be shared on a need-to-know basis with the wider departments.  Please note, medical evidence and diagnostic reports are not shared outside of our team.

If you think you may have a SpLD or you do not have a suitable SpLD report, we can support you to explore a diagnosis.

Our team can offer SpLD screenings. We will send you a pre-screening SpLD questionnaire to complete and once returned, we will offer you an appointment to discuss your responses and advise on the appropriate way forward.

If there is enough evidence to suggest you may have a SpLD, you will be advised to get a formal diagnostic assessment and/or be referred on to the appropriate medical professional.

Please note: We do not offer standalone assessments for ADHD or Autism. You will need to book an appointment with your GP to discuss your symptoms and a referral to a specialist/psychiatrist. Please be aware that the waiting lists are extremely long. Our team can also speak to you in more detail about any other co-occurring diagnoses (e.g. mental health/health diagnoses) and how best to approach your medical professional.

Formal diagnostic assessments are offered (when recommended following a SpLD screening). These are with one of our Specialist SpLD Assessors, who are fully qualified professionals and are contracted by University of Roehampton specifically to carry out assessments for SpLD.

In the assessment you will be asked questions, similar to the ones in the SpLD Screening, and you will be required to do a variety of different tasks to identify whether you have a SpLD.

The Assessor will give you verbal feedback during the meeting and then they will write up a comprehensive Diagnostic Assessment Report. This will be sent to you electronically by the university within 10 working days.

If you would like the details contained in the report explained to you or support in applying for Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) (where eligible), you can book a follow-up appointment with the Disability & Dyslexia Service.

Preparing for your Diagnostic Assessment

  • Diagnostic assessments take place in the Richardson building on the Digby Stuart campus.
  • Please arrive at the Disability & Dyslexia Service (Richardson Building – room 001) 15 minutes prior to the start of your appointment. Your assessment could take up to three hours.
  • If you are running late or need to cancel, please contact us via phone 020 8392 3636 or email disabilities@roehampton.ac.uk as soon as possible.
  • There is a cancellation procedure, which you will be notified of at the time of booking your assessment.

This support is provided for students with disabilities where inclusive approaches to teaching and/or DSA support will not meet the disability related needs.

LSA support can include:

  • Manual notetaking support in class
  • Examination support (e.g. reader, scribe)
  • Study Assistance
  • Library Support (e.g. collecting books, manipulating shelves)
  • Practical Support (e.g. opening doors around campus, manipulating equipment)

Please note, no personal care is carried out by a LSA – please see our FAQs page for information on personal assistance