Next steps for applicants with a disability
From open days to accommodation adjustments, find out what you can do to prepare for life at university.
Timeline for Disability Support
Disclosure
You can disclose your disability on your UCAS application, if you make one.
Telling us about your disability (including dyslexia, mental health and other conditions) as early as possible allows more time for you to:
- obtain appropriate evidence
- identify any support and adjustments that you might need
- apply for any financial support you may be entitled to.
Apply to the Student Disability Service
To receive a reasonable adjustment plan (RAP) you need to make an application with the Student Disability Service. You can apply before you arrive at UoB or at any point during your course (the earlier the better).
Obtain appropriate Reasonable Adjustments
Once you have applied to SDS with appropriate evidence, you will be assigned to a Disability Adviser who will work with you to compose a Reasonable Adjustment Plan (RAP). The RAP outlines the support and reasonable adjustments that have been recommended for you. It provides information for your School and the wider university in relation to your requirements, to enable them to implement accordingly.
Funding
Eligible students can apply for Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSAs). The application process usually opens in the February for the coming academic year. You can discuss eligibility for DSAs and other funding options with a Disability Adviser if required.
Review
RAPs are working documents. Once you have one in place, should your needs or requirements change, it can be amended as appropriate at any time during your course following a discussion with your Disability Adviser.
Re-register
If you change courses during your time at UoB or move from undergraduate to postgraduate then you will need to re-register with the Student Disability Service using the online application form.
Visit us on campus
Open Days
Many applicants find that attending our open days helps them to feel confident in their decision to study at Birmingham and to make the transition to university.
Undergraduate open days
On these days, you can look around our campus, find out more about your chosen course, and meet academic staff. You’ll also be invited to speak to current students and university services such as the Student Disability Service and accommodation services about any concerns or questions you have.
Offer-holder Visit Days
If you’ve been made an offer to study at Birmingham, the department of your chosen course may invite you via email to an offer-holder event. During this event, you’ll be invited to meet your lecturers and other students on the course. You’ll gain an insight into what you can expect during your study and will get some time to explore our campus.
Offer-holder Visit Days
Accommodation
The University has a provision of accessible living accommodation, including:
- Prioritisation for en-suite, close to campus, or ground floor rooms.
- Mini fridge in your room for medication or specialist food.
- Visual alarm and doorbells if you are D/deaf.
- Physical adaptations, such as power assisted doors.
If physical adaptations to a room are required, it can take several weeks to do any necessary work, so it’s very important we know of your requirements as soon as possible.
Please make sure you complete the accommodation section on your application for reasonable adjustments, so we are aware of what your needs are. You’ll need to do this in addition to applying for accommodation.
If you choose to live in university or partner accommodation and have specific room requirements (for example, you need an en-suite room), you may be eligible to receive funding from the University towards the higher cost. This will need to be discussed with your Disability Adviser and will be assessed based on your individual circumstances.
You will have the opportunity to visit accommodation sites at the Accommodation Open Day and University Open Days, where lots of bedrooms are usually open. You can also visit for a Taster Stay where you spend a few hours of stay overnight in accommodation during the summer. Contact Student Living for more information.
Getting around campus
Accessible campus map
At Birmingham, we are passionate about creating an environment that is accessible and inclusive for all. The University campus spreads across parts of the Edgbaston and Selly Oak area. This includes teaching areas, social spaces, libraries, and Student Support Services such as the Student Disability Service.
You can find further information about campus accessibility at the University of Birmingham and access to maps in a range of formats on the Campus Accessibility page. You can also download the University's Campus Map app to help you with navigating the campus when you arrive.
AccessAble
The University has worked closely with AccessAble to provide accessibility information for most of our buildings across campus.
Where we are located
The Student Disability Service is based in the Student Hub which can be found in C Block of the Aston Webb Building (next to the Old Joe clock tower). Further details about the location of our service and other areas across campus can be found on the Campus Maps and Directions page.
Transition events
BeBirmingham
The Student Disability Service recognises that the transition to university can be difficult. BeBirmingham is a free two-day event run by us which invites applicants with a diagnosis of an Autistic Spectrum Condition to meet our team and take part in organised information sessions. It will take place before the start of Welcome Week and will allow you to settle in, explore campus, and meet a small group of students before the rest of the student population arrive.
On-campus students will be given the opportunity to move in to their accommodation early as part of the event.
Every student who attends will be able to bring along a support person, such as a parent or carer, should they wish to.
Students who have notified us of having an Autistic Spectrum Condition should automatically be contacted with further information about the event in early September to see if they would be interested in attending, but it is completely optional.
Welcome Week
The Student Disability Service will be offering several activities and events during Welcome Week. Please keep an eye on UoB Welcome for more information on when and where these will take place.
