You, or someone you know could be eligible for Disabled Student Support. We asked Matt Lowe, Senior Disability Adviser at Sheffield Hallam, to write a short piece for us about the support available. Over to you, Matt…
We know that one in ten Sheffield Hallam students tells the University about a disability, but not all students know about what support is available, or that ‘Disabled Student Support’ might be able to help them. We also know that there are many students who do not disclose a disability, so go without support which might be helpful to them.
We support students with:
- physical, visual or hearing impairments
- dyslexia / dyspraxia /ADHD
- long term medical conditions
- mental health difficulties
- autistic spectrum conditions
How can I find out more about your service?
There is information about our service on the website and on shuspace, but we have also launched a new drop-in service at both campuses. This is the ideal place to ask any questions about support whether you have never received support before, or if you have some support, but have questions, or need to change something. You don’t need an appointment, you can just turn up
Disability Drop in
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 10am – 4pm
Student Services, Owen Building Level 5 (City Campus)
Thursday 10am – 4pm
Student Services, Heart of the Campus, Level 0 (Collegiate Campus)
What sort of support do you offer?
The support depends on your condition and what you need. We have to get some medical evidence first which is usually just a letter from your doctor, but might also be a dyslexia report. We then discuss what are ‘reasonable adjustments’ for your condition.
A person in a wheelchair might need accessible classrooms and furniture
A person with depression might need tutors to be aware that they may not always be able to attend classes
Once we have agreed these adjustments with you, we write them in a learning contract – a document that is shared with teaching and support staff on your course so that they can have an idea of your support needs. It contains responsibilities for them, but also for you too.
What about support workers and equipment?
Many students are eligible for Disabled Students Allowances (DSA). Again, like Disabled Student Support, most people are not aware of this. DSA is a non-means-tested benefit, so it doesn’t depend on your earnings, your partner or parents’ earnings and won’t affect any benefits you are on. It is not money paid directly to you, but is money to fund support workers and equipment. Often students are recommended computer equipment, digital recorders, assistive software, and support workers such as mentors, study skills tutors or note takers. There is information available on the governments website, but we can also help with DSA applications in the Drop in.
I suppose that the main message is – if you think that any of this might help, then please come and see us, there’s more support than you might think.
Thanks Matt!