Resources for disabled students
Further resources for applicants and students with a disability.
This page contains information and resources that you might find useful. This includes where you can go for mental health support, academic guidance, and to access assistive technology on campus.
Assistive Software on Campus
Assistive software is available to all students in the centrally managed computer clusters. This includes:
- Read & Write
- Mind Genius
- Jaws
- Zoom Text
These are in the various study spaces on campus.
If you have specific needs, you might be able to use the dedicated assistive technology booths. Please discuss this with your Disability Adviser.
Diversity and Ability (DNA) have compiled a list of assistive technology and resources, including free open-source assistive software you might wish to use.
Other software:
- All students at the University have access to Microsoft Office 365.
- More study-related software packages licensed to the University are available at My Software.
Mental health and wellbeing support
If you're feeling worried, lonely, or overwhelmed at university, we're here to support you.
You can apply to the Mental Health and Wellbeing Service at any point during your study. The University's fully trained Therapeutic Practitioners can provide you with mental health support. They help students with a range of emotional and psychological issues. These include anxiety, depression, and stress.
Library Services and Academic Support
If you’re struggling with your academic work at university, there is no need to struggle alone. The University offers a lot of resources that can help you:
You can speak to your Personal Academic Tutor (PAT) if you have any questions about your academic work. You will be assigned a PAT in your first year of study. They will invite you to attend one-to-one meetings and group tutorials. You can use these to discuss your academic progress and personal development.
The Academic Skills Centre and Maths Support Centre in the main library can help undergraduate students develop their writing, maths, and wider academic skills.
- See the Academic Skills Gateway for access to lots of useful information and resources.
You can also book a one-to-one appointment with a Skills Adviser for personalised support.
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 and 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. This 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.
Disabled Students' Contribution Group
The Disabled Students' Contribution Group (DSCG) is for students who want to help improve life on campus. It is an exciting opportunity for you to meet fellow students, get involved in 'mini projects', and develop transferable skills for your future. It is open to all current students, off and on campus.
Study Spaces
You can find study spaces on the Campus Map.
More information about study spaces across campus, where you can work independently or with your specialist mentor or study skills tutor, can be found at Study Spaces.
Guild of Students
Guild Advice is available on a range of topics on student life, including academic difficulties, financial problems, and housing issues. Advisers are based on the ground floor of the Guild and are always on hand if you need someone to talk to.
The Guild Postgraduate Community is a student-led group. They support all postgraduate and mature students, holding a range of events throughout the year.
SANDAM (formerly DAMSA) - Students' Association for Neurodivergence, Disability and Mental Health - is a student society which offers support and representation for all students who identify as disabled.
MyUoB app
You can download the free MyUoB app to:
- view your timetable
- get the latest news updates
- confirm your attendance at sessions
- and much more!
You can now also subscribe to the Student Disability Service feed via My Subscriptions on the app to receive regular updates on important information and events for disabled students.
Postgraduate Open Days
Attending an Open Day is a great chance to find out more about what it is like to study at the University of Birmingham. Whether you're interested in a Masters, a research degree, or continuing your professional education, there's information for you!
Postgraduate 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 able to speak to current students and university services (including the Student Disability Service) about any concerns or questions you have.
Postgraduate research and academic support
The University Graduate School supports our postgraduate researcher (PGR) and postgraduate taught (PGT) community to ensure you have an excellent experience.
Postgraduate research students can also take part in skills development workshops. These are run by the Graduate School. They include workshops on active reading, note-making strategies, and referencing. For more information, visit PGR Development Opportunities.
Postgraduate research students can also get in contact with the Research Skills Team. They aim to support you in becoming a more effective researcher.
The Academic Skills Centre is based in the main library. They provide support and resources to help taught students improve their skills for postgraduate study.
