Disabled student support at UWE Bristol: 10 things you need to know

Author Student Communications | Posted on

1. You belong at UWE Bristol

We welcome disabled students at UWE Bristol. Around 10,000 students have disclosed a disability, long‑term health condition, mental health condition, or are neurodivergent. Being disabled is a normal part of our student community, and support is available to help you take part fully in your course and university life.

2. You need to request reasonable adjustments

If you haven’t already, you can contact us to upload evidence, and request reasonable adjustments. You can also contact us via MyStudentLife if:

  • you don’t have evidence
  • your circumstances change
  • you have questions about support
  • you’re not sure what adjustments might help

There are deadlines in place for you to apply for reasonable adjustments to exams and to coursework deadlines. Make sure you request reasonable adjustments before the deadline.

3. You need to apply before adjustment deadlines

There are deadlines in place for you to apply for reasonable adjustments to exams and to coursework deadlines. Make sure you request reasonable adjustments before the deadline.

You can check which reasonable adjustments you have in place on your student record.

4. Coursework deadline adjustments

If you have a coursework deadline adjustment, you will need to request it separately for each individual coursework submission. Use our Reasonable adjustment to coursework deadline request form.

Please ensure that you apply before 14:00 on the original deadline date. Requests that are received during the late submission window will not be accepted.

5. If you want to inform your teaching staff, create an impact statement!

An impact statement is a short paragraph that explains how your disability affects you in your studies. It helps your teaching staff understand what support you might need, without you having to explain your situation repeatedly.

Take a look at our example impact statements and create one that works for you.

6. Keep a check on your disability information on MYUWE

You can view your disability information on MYUWE, including:

  • your disability disclosure(s)
  • your impact statement
  • any reasonable adjustments that are in place

You can check this information as soon as you are registered.  It’s worth checking regularly and letting us know if anything needs updating.

7. Apply for Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) if you’re eligible

If you’re a UK student, you may be eligible for Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA). This is government funding that can pay for:

  • specialist equipment (for example, software or ergonomic equipment)
  • study‑related support
  • training to use the equipment

The process includes a needs assessment to look at what will help you most. Apply for DSA >

8. Accessible support and study help from the Library Disability Support team

The Library offers a range of inclusive study support, including:

  • accessible learning resources (including alternative formats)
  • skills sessions open to all students
  • one to one help and guidance on all aspects of using the library, study skills and assistive technology

Library services for disabled users >

If you are on a Health or Education programme that has a professional placement element and you are a disabled student or the primary carer of a disabled person, support is available:

  • If you are neurodivergent, please read our Neurodivergence Placement Guidance for Students.
  • If you are concerned about your mental health on placement, please find advice and strategies in our wellbeing placement guidance: Wellbeing placement guidance
  • If you need bespoke reasonable adjustments to access your placement, please speak to your tutor to request an Access to Placement Plan. They will have a detailed conversation with you to discuss any barriers.

9. Careers support for disabled students

UWE Careers and Enterprise offers tailored support for disabled students, including guidance on:

  • Developing your career ideas and making plans
  • Access to work, and finding work and placements
  • Talking about disability in applications or interviews and sharing your needs with employers
  • Understanding your rights at work
  • Positive action schemes

You can access appointments, resources and specialist advice through the UWE Career Toolkit.

10. Support at The Students’ Union

UWE Students’ Union clubs and societies aim to be inclusive and accessible. All of our sports clubs and large societies have a Participation and Equality Officer who can help with access arrangements and make sure you can get involved in activities you’re interested in.

Each year, the Students’ Union has a Disabled Students’ Officer who represents disabled students and works to improve access, inclusion, and student experience across UWE.

They can raise issues affecting disabled students, work on campaigns and projects and help make change happen.

Need more information or want to get in touch?

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