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How can I disclose my disability?

  • You can disclose your disability on your UCAS application form
  • You can disclose your disability on your direct entry application to Ulster University
  • You can disclose your disability to us directly, you can contact us through the link at the top of this page.

You can find out more about the process and support available in our Open Day Presentation.

What do I need to do to get support?

  1. Complete an Additional Study Needs (ASN) online form to tell us about about your support needs.
  2. Provide medical evidence to demonstrate the impact of your disability, by either uploading it with your application or sending it to Student Wellbeing directly or on campus.
  3. Attend an introductory appointment to meet one of our AccessAbility Advisers
  4. Apply for funded support from the Disabled Students' Allowance (if appropriate)

How to complete an Additional Study Needs (ASN) form

What medical evidence is required?

Before you meet with an AccessAbility Adviser, you need to provide us with your medical evidence.

If you cannot provide adequate medical evidence, we will not be able to proceed with your reasonable adjustment recommendations and you will need to book another appointment.

What happens at the introductory appointment?

This initial appointment will take up to 1 hour. During the meeting, you will discuss various themes so that the adviser can develop your personal reasonable adjustment recommendations.

These discussed themes will include:

  • Previous supporting strategies used in school/education
  • Anticipated challenges/worries/concerns for university
  • Thoughts on your transition into university life
  • Your involvement with other support networks (social worker, transitions etc.)
  • Information and advice on other support services available at Ulster University
  • Your eligibility for funded support and guidance on how to apply

What is the Disabled Students' Allowance?

The Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) provides funded support for UK students with disabilities in higher education, to enable them to benefit fully from their chosen course of study.

There are four elements of DSA support:

  • Non-medical help
  • Specialist equipment allowance
  • General allowance
  • Travel allowance

Additional information and application forms are available through Student Finance NI and it is best to apply as soon as you can.

Delaying your application could mean a delay in accessing your support at University.

It is your responsibility to apply for Disabled Students' Allowance (if you are eligible to do so) so that you can proceed to arranging a needs assessment.

We have created a DSA roadmap to guide you through the process of accessing funded support at university.

If you are an international student or from the Republic of Ireland you may also be able to access funded support and your accessibility adviser will discuss this with you at your meeting.

What happens next?

The AccessAbility team have an anticipatory duty to arrange support for prospective students, but this does not constitute an offer or acceptance of a place to study at Ulster University.

However, after your first meeting and prior to confirmation or registration the following things may happen:

  • You will be given your advisers details to contact them if you have any queries.
  • Your adviser will notify relevant schools or departments within the University if any adjustments are required prior to your anticipated arrival at university.
  • When you have DSA1 approval we can arrange for you to have a needs assessment to access funded support. Find out how to book a needs assessment.
  • If your circumstances change regarding your course, disability or health you should contact us in case further action is required.
Please note your Disabled Students' Allowance application and needs assessment report are specific to you, and will still be valid at other institutions if you do not accept your offer to study at Ulster University.

Confidentiality and Data Protection

Confidentiality 

Student Wellbeing views confidentiality as a means of providing students with safety and privacy, as well as creating an environment where our students feel comfortable in seeking support.

We hold and process your data in line with the University’s General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR).

On occasion, it may be necessary for us to share information with relevant third parties in your best interests including; health and social care professionals, parent and/or next of kin if there is a known or suspected risk of harm to yourself or others.

There may also be occasions where we have a legal obligation to share information and you will be advised of this. These instances may include;

  • If you present with significant risk of harm to self, others or from others
  • If you disclose involvement in or awareness of a criminal offence and give details in relation to the offence
  • If you raise concerns in relation to child protection or concerns regarding an adult at risk
  • Disclosure of physical, emotional or sexual abuse or neglect, including domestic violence, child abuse, child sexual exploitation and human trafficking

Data Protection

Your data is collected only for the purposes of providing support services to you, and held electronically on the University CRM system.

This information is held securely against your student record, but is only accessible to staff within Student Experience & Wellbeing.

All personal data is held securely and only accessible in relation to providing additional support services to you, and is compliant with GDPR.

Read more on the Student Privacy Notice.

We may require copies of documentation as supporting evidence in order to provide some services, making recommendations to other University departments or services providers (or third party organisations), but this will be at your request.