We will create a Summary of Adjustments (SoA) for each student who has shared their Disability or long-term condition with the University. An SoA is a document which lists adjustments that the University deems reasonable 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 & Neurodiversity Service and will be shared with other departments on a need-to-know basis. Please note, supporting medical information and diagnostic reports are not shared outside of our team.
The table below outlines the core reasonable adjustments currently available if you have shared your disability with the University and have a Summary of Adjustments (SoA) in place. Please let us know if you would like to discuss other adjustments or additional support to meet your individual needs.
Anticipatory Adjustments for students with an SOA
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1 |
Accessible Learning & Teaching materials available in Advance
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2 |
Microphones to be worn by lecturers if requested/provided |
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3 |
Presentations to be discussed with students in advance to consider reasonable adjustments such as running order and audience size, recording, or alternative assessment, where this does not impact competence standards |
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4 |
Elements of the course such as group work, field trips, placements or off-site visits to be discussed with students in advance to consider how to manage any disability-related needs |
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5 |
Students may use live captioning/note-taking software (e.g. Caption.Ed) where permissible |
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6 |
Students may use devices including smart phones, tablets or laptops to type notes during lectures and seminars |
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7 |
Students may take breaks during lectures/seminars, without the need to ask for permission |
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8 |
Students may miss classes for disability-related reasons and should report any absence through the normal attendance monitoring system. [Note: Some programmes may have minimum attendance requirements, for example to be able to go on teaching placement, so if there is a need for regular absences the implications will need to be discussed with students. International students will also have required attendance rates under UKVI restrictions.] |
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9 |
Students may need additional time to complete coursework – currently they are entitled to a 2-week automatic extension and can also use their SOA as the reason for Deferral applications. |
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.
You may be eligible for additional government funded support called DSA. This support could include equipment, software, Study Skills support and Specialist Mentoring.
You can find out more about DSA and apply here: Help if you're a student with a learning difficulty, health problem or disability - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
For more detailed information, please click here.
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
Please contact Disabilities & Dyslexia Service on disabilities@roehampton.ac.uk or call us on 020 8392 3636