In addition to the general advice on the UCAS application, these are some extra points you may wish to consider if you are applying to university as a disabled student.
1) Declaring your disability in your UCAS application
- Sharing your needs by ticking the relevant box on the UCAS form is the first step to let universities know your circumstances. Making them aware will mean you are signposted to specialist support teams at universities to ensure your needs are met during your studies
- It also makes it easier for you to apply for Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA), a non-repayable grant that can offer financial, specialist equipment and personalised support towards your needs at university. More information on this can be found in the relevant student finance advice page
- Declaring your disability does not put you at a disadvantage and it is unlawful for universities to discriminate applicants on this basis. However, it is still your choice whether to declare it
2) Writing about your needs in your personal statement
- You may wish to discuss your disability to show how it has given you understanding about or developed your personal values and how this distinguishes you from other applicants
- Think about the skills you might have developed that have helped you achieve certain things and where you can connect them to a course you are interested in applying for
- Remember that writing about your disability is your choice
You can check out further useful advice about applying as a disabled student in this guidance put together by UCAS.
If you have any further questions, please contact the SHU Progress team at SHU-Progress@shu.ac.uk or (0114) 225 4777.