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Disabled students

We provide a range of activities, services and support to help disabled students get the most out of University life. 

See below to find out what’s available.

Student Communities

If you are a home (UK) undergraduate disabled student, then the Student Communities programme is for you. 

This is a programme for specific groups of undergraduate students who may face additional challenges when they come to University. 

This includes: 

What Students say: 

  • "Step Ahead is organised so well and tailored to all people requiring different accessibilities. The crafts, the exercises, activities and system of staff/ helpers was so uplifting and supportive."
  • "The event was really useful, very glad I came. Loved the way my autistic needs were accommodated."
  • "Having a Buddy has been really helpful for easing my anxiety and having someone to turn to when I didn't know where to be or who to speak to."

We take an inclusive approach to ensure all feel welcome and we would love to meet you at our events. 

If you have a recent diagnosis or do not currently receive our Student Communities newsletter and would like to be added to the mailing list, please contact us at student-communities@york.ac.uk

Find out more about Student Communities

Getting ready to start Uni

The Complete University Guide for Disabled Students outlines what to consider and how to plan for starting university.

Support while you are at University

Disability Services

The University’s Disability Services team offers a range of help and support to help you with your studies. This includes: 

  • Arranging reasonable adjustments to help with your academic work, through a Student Support Plan
  • Arranging support workers to help you with your studies, for example note-taking, examination support and library assistance
  • Liaising with your academic department
  • Guidance on applying for Disabled Student Allowances
  • Information on how to get a diagnostic assessment
  • Support for students with Specific Learning Difficulties

To access support, complete the Disability Services Registration form. A Disability Practitioner will then be in touch to complete a Student Support Plan.

Contact Disability Services

Student Support and Advice

The Student Support and Advice Team in the Student Hub can help with: 

To access support, complete a Student Support and Advice Team Self Referral form and one of the team will contact you. 

If you have difficulties completing the self-referral form, the Student Information Team based in the Student Hub can help.  Either call in to Sally Baldwin D Block reception, Monday-Friday, 10am-4pm, call on 01904 324140 or email student-hub@york.ac.uk

Student Support and Advice Team

Accommodation

The Accommodation Services team manages our on campus accommodation and provide a range of support for disabled students: 

  • If you have specific requirements or require adaptations, please see their Additional requirements webpages. 
  • If you are a home (UK) disabled student, and received approval for additional requirements when you applied for accommodation, you may be eligible for Disability Funding to help with accommodation costs.
  • If you require a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan to exit campus buildings in an emergency, you will be asked about this on your Accommodation application form, and the Fire Safety Team will then be in touch. 

Accommodation Services

Social networks, societies and opportunities

There’s loads of opportunities to get involved, meet new people and make connections:

  • College Events: Whether you live on or off campus, you will be allocated membership of a college. Colleges run regular events and activities throughout the year.
  • Spectrum: An informal group for students who consider themselves to be on the autistic spectrum, facilitated by a Disability Practitioner. Runs every two weeks during semester time.  
  • The Distractibles: For students and staff who find it hard to focus and are plagued by distractions! They also provide a platform for sharing tried and tested tips, strategies and resources to help with studying and juggling many things at one time. 

York Student Union Networks, Clubs and Societies

There are also hundreds of clubs and societies at the Student Union for you to get involved in. Some that may be of particular interest include:

If you are struggling financially, you may be eligible for financial support towards costs of membership and equipment, through the  YorkSU Activities Access Grant

More about York Student Union

Working While You Study

If you're looking for part time work, there are plenty of resources to help:

Working while you study - Careers and Placements

Working while you Study - York Student Union

Careers Support for Disabled Students - Careers and Placements

Find out more by attending the Careers drop-in sessions from 10am-12pm Monday -Thursday during semester time in the Careers and Placement Building on Harewood Way or you can book an online or in person appointment via Handshake.

More about Careers and Placements

Well Being and Mental Health Support

If you are finding things difficult, there is plenty of support available to  help you.

Open Door  -  a team of Mental Health Practitioners providing support to students experiencing psychological or mental health difficulties

Student Wellbeing Officers -based in academic departments offering advice and support for both personal and academic issues 

College Teams - Your College team are there to welcome you, help you to settle in and to offer support and guidance

Talk Campus - a free app offering 24/7 peer support. 

Other Help and Support

Accessibility

The University of York is constantly striving to make all aspects of university life accessible. 

Related links

 

Related links

 

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