If you have a disability, impairment, long-term health condition or specific learning difficulty, the Disability Service can provide you with confidential advice, guidance and support.
If you state in your course application that you have a disability, we will contact you as part of this process to discuss your needs.
If you have not mentioned a disability in your application, but still need help, contact the Disability Service for support at any point during your course.
What we can help with
The disability service can support you in several ways including:
- creation of a Disability Access plan (Daps) to help support you and your study
- exam assessment arrangements
- referrals to other specialist teams (e.g. other Student Support teams and other professional services e.g. Accommodation, Skills or Careers)
- access to specialist or assistive software or equipment
- one-to-one support including specialist mentoring and specialist study skills support. This support can take place virtually or in-person where possible.
How to see a Disability Adviser
If you would like to book an appointment to discuss your requirements you can book one yourself online via . Alternatively you can call the Student Support Help Desk on 01225 383838 or email studentsupport@bath.ac.uk.
Appointments can take place in-person, online via Microsoft Teams or via telephone.
You are also able to book appointments in-person at the Student Support Helpdesk in The Roper Centre 4 West.
What to expect from a session with a Disability Adviser
We will discuss the support options that are most likely to meet your needs and agree a plan with you to help you move forward. This could include:
- providing you with advice and guidance
- helping you to develop a plan for how to deal with your situation
- exploring self-help resources, such as apps, websites or books
- helping you to seek support from a service outside the University
Disability Access Plans (DAPs) & Exam/ Assessment arrangements
The Disability Service will work with you to create a plan for how we can support you while you are a student. This support may include:
- departmental support e.g. help to manage your assignments or support to access teaching materials
- examination and/or assessment arrangements
- information for your department to help them better understand the impact of your disability
We will share the plan with you so you can tell us if it suits your needs. With your consent we will share it with your Department including your personal tutor and Director of Studies.
Financial support
If you are a UK student, you can apply for a Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA). DSAs help you pay for services and resources to support your studies, like one-to-one mentoring or study skill support; or specialist software and equipment. You may be eligible for a DSA if you have a:
- disability
- long-term health condition
- mental health condition
- specific learning difficulty, like dyslexia or dyspraxia
You must meet the .
DSAs aren't means-tested (based on your family's income), and you don't have to pay them back. However, you may need to pay the first £200 towards the cost of a computer as part of your DSA support. If this is likely to cause you financial hardship you can apply to the Financial Support Fund for assistance.
If you are an EU or international student, you are not eligible for DSAs, but we may still be able to help. Contact the Disability Service for advice.
Diagnostic fee support
You may require a formal diagnostic assessment via an Educational Psychologist to identify potential Specific Learning Difficulty (SpLDs) or traits of ADHD. This may be required to enable access to some disability related support (including Disabled Students Allowances). Certain criteria for the funding application are applicable.
You could receive support up to £380 towards the cost of your diagnostic assessment, depending on your family’s household income for students under 25 or your income for students aged 25 or over.
The table below illustrates the level of support you can expect to receive based on gross household income. Students are normally referred to Student Money Advice to apply for this support following an appointment with a Disability Adviser.
| Gross household income | Level of support |
|---|---|
| £42,875 or below | Full Support (up to £380) |
| £42,876 - £62,349 | 50% of full fee paid (up to £190) |
| £62,349 or above | 0% of full fee paid (£0) |
You can claim the cost of your diagnostic test retrospectively once you have enrolled with the University. The diagnostic test in question needed to have been taken within 12 months prior to starting your course and the University will only cover up to a maximum of £380 as per the terms and conditions of the Diagnostic Fee Support.
If you are require a combined SpLD/ADHD diagnostic assessment, you can apply for support up to £600 based on your household income i.e. £42,875 or below then full support up to £600; between £42,876 - £62,349 then 50% of full support up to £300; and over £62,349 no support.
Accommodation
If you have a disability, we offer accommodation options designed to meet your needs. This can include adjustments for wheelchair usage or extra space for special equipment.
You should discuss your requirements with the Disability Service when you apply to Bath.
Access on campus
is a website that offers access information for our campus. This includes details for accommodation, lecture halls and other venues.
24/7 support
If you are struggling and need advice, support, or just somebody to talk to, professional help is also available 24/7 from our free, confidential support line Be Well- Talk Now. Students can contact a trained adviser by phone from anywhere in the world.
Please email Disability Service (contact details below) with Disability specific issues.
Emergency support
If you need to talk to somebody urgently about your, or a friend's or student's, wellbeing call one of the helplines listed in the urgent or emergency wellbeing support guide.
In cases of overdose and serious injury through self-harm you must seek immediate medical help by calling 999, even if you or the person you are with, do not/does not feel unwell. The effects of an overdose can be delayed by hours (even days) and can be fatal.
External support
There are several charities and organisations that can also provide support:
- who can be contacted on 116 123
- offer a 24/7 text-based volunteer crisis support line - text 85258
- is a volunteer crisis line to support young people at risk of suicide, or who are concerned about someone else’s wellbeing