Disability and dyslexia – Frequently asked questions

I have a disability / I have a medical condition. How can you help me?

Each person has different needs so the best thing to do is book an appointment with an adviser via the MyGlos app, or the Future Plan portal. You can also ring us on 01242 714541 or email on disability@glos.ac.uk and we can discuss your particular needs.

You will need to provide medical evidence for us to put support in place for you, this might be in the form of a doctor’s letter or professional assessment.

I don’t know if my condition counts as a disability / I want to explore getting a diagnosis?

Please do book in for an appointment with us to discuss this. Not everyone realises their condition is classed as a disability, so it is always worth talking to an adviser if you’re not sure.

We can also discuss how to go about getting a diagnosis and signpost you to services if appropriate.

What information should I share with the Disability & Dyslexia Learning Support Service about my disability?

Please share with us any formal assessments or medical evidence confirming your disability. As long as you’ve given your consent to share with us, we are sent a copy of your needs assessment report or disabled students allowance letter from your funding body. We can use the needs assessment report as evidence to put adjustments in place.

There may be other information about how your disability affects you that you wish to share during an appointment so we can discuss reasonable adjustments.

How can I make sure support is in place for me when I start university?

If you are applying to the university through UCAS, you can disclose your disability / learning difficulty / health condition / mental health difficulty on the application form. We will then contact you for further information.

If you aren’t applying through UCAS, please contact the Disability, Dyslexia & Learning Support Service on 01242 714541 / disability@glos.ac.uk with the details of your support needs and the course you are studying. Contact the Disability, Dyslexia & Learning Support Service at any time before starting the course to discuss support needs & procedures for putting support in place.

We offer appointments to prospective students, so please contact us if this would be helpful. We do need you to be registered and have received appropriate evidence in order to have your support in place for the start of your course.

You apply through your funding body, either online or using a form depending on your level of course and rate of study. Please check the relevant funding body website using the links above to see how you apply.

DSA applications usually open around the March before your studies begin. It is advisable to apply for DSA early as the application process can take some time. You can apply for DSA at any point throughout your studies. If you are nearing the end of the course, you may not receive the same package of support. You can also request a reassessment of need if you are diagnosed with a new condition, or your existing condition significantly changes.

Section 5 of my form needs completing, do I send it to you?

Please send off your application form leaving section 5 blank, and either copy us into the email or let us know when you have sent it. We will then send DSA the required information.

Can I apply for DSA before I get to university?

Yes, we recommend you apply as early as possible. You do not have to wait until you have been offered a place at university.

What contact can my parent / guardian have with the Disability, Dyslexia & Learning Support Service once I have started university?

We are unable to answer specific questions about your progress with anyone without your written consent. We understand that this can sometimes be difficult for parents. This is due to data protection and confidentiality. When you register with us, you can give us consent to speak to your parents if you wish. This can be withdrawn, in writing, at any time.