Disability and Access

The University of Buckingham values each student as a unique individual. We want to ensure that each and every student has full access to their studies and university life throughout their time with us.

A key part of this is our accessibility for students with a disability.

If you have a disability and require specific or specialised support to fully access your studies, the University will support you through their reasonable adjustments process.

You’re disabled under the Equality Act 2010 if “you have a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long-term negative effect on your ability to do normal daily activities.”

This can include, but is not limited to: a physical disability, mental health, a long-standing health condition, a SPLD (specific learning difficulty).

Reasonable adjustments can include, but are not limited to: a change to course materials, teaching and assessment methods, building, fixtures and fitting changes, equipment and human support.

What is an unfair barrier?

An unfair barrier could be:

Physical

For example, signage, furniture, lighting, and access to buildings.

Attitudinal

For example, stereotyping, discrimination and prejudice.

Organisational

For example, teaching practices, course materials, timescales and assessment methods.

Reasonable Adjustments

We consider each student on a case by case basis, to ensure their needs are fully understood and their reasonable adjustments are individualised and person centred.

We want to ensure all students are ready to start their studies as soon as they begin their journey with us, so we encourage all students to declare their disability and provide supporting, medical evidence as soon as possible. This allows the disability advisor to reach out to the student, and discuss the reasonable adjustments that need putting in place.

We also understand that students may need reasonable adjustments putting in place during their studies, which is again something that can be done through the disability advisor.

If you feel any of the above information relates to you, or if you would like any further information on the support on offer, please contact the disability advisor on WSD@buckingham.ac.uk