This is a fairly comprehensive guide to what support is available at the university, but only a taster of what is available elsewhere.
Introduction
My name is Kit, and I work as the reception and finance coordinator for the Students’ Union. I came to Aberystwyth as a student in 2019 and finished my degree in the summer of 2022. I have a chronic illness affecting my mobility and use a cane and sometimes a wheelchair to get around, as well as being some flavour of neurodivergent, so I am quite familiar with the accessibility support available at Aberystwyth University by now.
There are a range of services available to help disabled students here at Aberystwyth University; some are well known, and some you have to look a bit harder for. That is why we’ve compiled this guide outlining the support available to you as a student.
Financial
There are various reasons disabled students might need additional financial help; you might not be able to have a job in addition to your studies, or at least not to work as many hours; you might have additional expenses for things like mobility aids, study aids, or medical expenses not covered by the NHS.
Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) is a government grant to cover study-related costs incurred due to a disability, long-term illness, or mental health condition. This can include a reading software for dyslexic students, a computer if you need one and don’t have one, a note taker, a sign language interpreter, or a whole host of other things that costs money you may not have as a student but is nonetheless vital to your course. DSA is available through student finance and is only available to UK students; more information on how to apply is available here, or you can contact the Aberystwyth University Access Centre, located in the Welcome Centre on Penglais Campus, who help students with DSA applications. You can call the Access Centre on 01248 388101 or email them on access_centre@bangor.ac.uk. You can also email disability@aber.ac.uk with questions or phone the Accessibility Service on 01970 621761. In-house alternatives to DSA are available for non-UK students; you can contact accesibility@aber.ac.uk or call 01970 621761 for more information. The key thing for all students is that in order to be eligible for DSA, you need medical and/or educational evidence of your disability or learning difference, such as a diagnosis letter, psychologists’ report, or Educational Psychologist Assessment (EAP). If you do not already have any evidence, Student Services (disability@aber.ac.uk or 01970 621761) can signpost you to how you get it.
The Student Hardship Fund is a grant set up by the university to help students facing sudden, unforeseen financial difficulties. While not designed specifically for disabled students, certain things can be covered by the hardship fund, such as paying for an EAP, as a holdover until DSA comes through, or as a temporary cover for repairs and replacement of aids, if your insurance and/or NHS are not getting it through in time. You can read the details of how to apply and what the requirements are here and here. You must be studying at least 50% (60 credits) on a full-time degree course in Aberystwyth, and it is not available to distance learners or students on YES Placements. For further information on the Student Hardship Fund, you can contact the University’s Advice, Information, and Money Service on student-adviser@aber.ac.uk, by calling 01970 621761, by visiting their offices in the Student Welcome Centre, or by booking an online appointment.
Physical Access Needs
Not all disabilities have a physical component or requires special access, but some do, and there are provisions in place to accommodate physical access needs at the university.
AccessAble is for anyone who needs to use facilities owned by the university; it is an online guide to buildings owned by the university (including student accommodation hubs, though notably not e.g. Seafront accommodation, as those are no longer owned by the university) and/or located on Penglais Campus (such as the Arts Centre and the Students’ Union) with comprehensive maps, directions for accessible/level access routes to rooms, locations of disabled access toilets and a lot of other useful information such as width of doors and corridors, details on doorsteps, directions of doors, and where there are heavy doors. AccessAble is free and available to anyone anywhere, and is thus not limited to students, but also useful for any potential guests to the university. AccessAble is not a live map and is not always entirely accurate, but it is a very good start for finding an accessible route around campus.
For most disabled students, a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP) is required in case of emergency and/or evacuation drills in university accommodation and academic buildings. This starts as a form specifying your needs and what (if any) aids you use around the university; the accessibility office will then use this as a basis for a plan to make sure you can safely evacuate in the event of an emergency and/or drill. If you disclose a disability on your application to either the university or to student accommodation, the accessibility office will reach out to you before your start date to ensure you have a PEEP in place. If not, you can request one by emailing disability@aber.ac.uk and asking for a PEEP, or by calling the Accessibility office (01970 621761), or going to their offices in the Welcome Centre on Penglais Campus.
While many student accommodations have stairs, there are some accommodation adaptions that can be made for you if you live in student accommodation. You can read more about accommodations here, as well as ask more questions by reaching out to the accommodation office via email (accommodation@aber.ac.uk), phone (01970 622984), or by visiting their offices in Y Sgubor, Fferm Penglais. Briefly summarised, accommodation adaptations can include location (e.g., specifically seafront or specifically on Penglais Campus), upper or lower floor rooms and en suite rooms; there are also fully accessible rooms, some adaptable communal kitchens, adapted flats, and the option to request flashing fire alarms, vibrating pillows, medical fridges, handrails, as well as the lowering of shelves. You do need some medical evidence for most of these adaptations; preferably a written confirmation from a medical practitioner supporting specific requests. When you apply for student accommodation, state what you need, and send your medical evidence to disability@aber.ac.uk to ensure that your needs are met.
Learning Differences Help
If you have a learning difference, there are several systems in place at Aberystwyth University to help you with your academic work.
Texthelp Read & Write is a text-to-speech program installed on all university computers; the program can be found under the ‘Productivity’ section in the start menu. IS (Information Services) has more information here about how to access university computers remotely when off campus, or if you prefer to work from your own computer, or you can contact them via email (is@aber.ac.uk), phone (01970 622400), online chat service, or by visiting the help desk in the Hugh Owen Library.
Like Texthelp Read & Write, Inspiration is available via university computers and found under the ‘Productivity’ section in the start menu. Inspiration is a concept mapping program to visually organise and link information, which can be useful if you struggle with unbroken blocks of text, or struggle to organise your thoughts in a linear fashion.
AberSkills is a resource with advice and guidance on study skills; it is available online to all students. There are subheadings relating to good academic practice, referencing, academic writing, exams, presentations, learning strategies, student wellbeing, library and information skills, statistics and numerary help, language help, as well as more information about the university’s Careers services. While not specifically catered to disabled students, many of the skills presented on AberSkills can be utilised to help overcome learning differences and various neurodivergences that may make studying more difficult.
The International English Centre with Aberystwyth University runs Student Learning Support, which is a way to access courses, skill building, and consultations aimed at helping students with their academic writing and communication skills. You can read more about what courses are available online, or you can email the International English Centre via email (tesol@aber.ac.uk) or phone (01970 622545) with any queries.
The University also offers free dyslexia screening and learning difference assessment through the accessibility office; you can email disability@aber.ac.uk or call 01970 621761 to request a screening.
Support Spaces
The university has a range of Quiet Study Spaces available through the library; you can look at the rooms and book them online here; you can email is@aber.ac.uk or call 01970 622400 for more information as well. There are group study rooms and individual study carrels available in the Hugh Owen Building on Penglais Campus. As well, the Students’ Union has rooms fit for study located both in the Students’ Union building and in the Pantycelyn halls of residence; these can be found here, and although they may not always be as quiet as the rooms in Hugh Owen, they can be a good opportunity to get out of the library and still be productive. More information on the specifics of the rooms can be found by emailing union@aber.ac.uk, calling us at 01970 621700, or visiting the reception in the Students’ Union building.
The Students’ Union also has the wellbeing room, which is a small, quiet room in the downstairs of the Students’ Union. The room is available anytime the building is open and has comfortable seating, a relaxing atmosphere, and on-paper information about a range of support available to you. It is a quiet space to get away from the busy atmosphere of campus, and if you struggle to find it, you can always ask at the reception, and someone will guide you.
General Support and Mentoring
Through the Student Wellbeing Services, the university has wellbeing practitioners and counsellors available for all students to access. You can arrange an appointment with the Student Wellbeing Services via email (studentwellbeing@aber.ac.uk), by calling 01970 621761, or by filling out their online registration form. The Student Wellbeing Services also offer access to Care First, an online external advice service, and Togetherall, an online peer-support community with a range of advice and support.
Through DSA, students may be able to access Specialist Study Mentors, who are study mentors trained to assist students with specific needs through university. There are four kinds of Specialist Study Mentors; ASD specialist mentors for students on the autistic spectrum; study skills tutors for students who struggle with studying due to their disability; mental health mentors for students who struggle with mental health issues more generally; and study assistant, though not very common, who assist students in their studies. Specialist Study Mentors are assigned through DSA, so a student must be a recipient of DSA to be assigned one. You can learn more about Specialist Study Mentors by contacting the Accessibility Office via email (accessibility@aber.ac.uk), phone (01970 621761), or in person at the Welcome Centre on Penglais Campus.
The university also offers Signpost Mentors, which are students in their 3rd or final year of undergraduate studies, or postgraduate students, who can help newer students with questions, issues, or concerns regarding the university or town, as well as help signpost them to the correct services. As signpost mentors are also students, they are not qualified to give specific help or support, but they are a good first point of contact to find the help you need. You can read more about signpost mentors and how to request one here, or via email (signpost@aber.ac.uk).
The Students’ Union have our own Student Advisor. She can help guide students through tough times, signpost to support services, and be of assistance through various processes such as complaints procedures, academic boards, and so on. Our advisor is available in-person the Students’ Union building Mondays and Thursdays, or you can contact her via email (union.advice@aber.ac.uk), phone (01970621700), or read more about what services she offers here.
Exam Provisions and Special Circumstances
If you struggle with traditional exams, there is a possibility you can be offered alternative assessments for your degree. Be aware that this is highly dependent on your situation, and not all departments offer alternative assessments. You can contact your department, personal tutor, or module coordinator for more information about your department’s specific requirements, or contact student services (disability@aber.ac.uk or 01970 621761) to request help with your alternative assessments request.
If alternative assessments are not available, or just not what you need, there is also the possibility of an individual exam provision. This can include extra time in exams, a quiet/private space, the option to get up and move around, a computer to type on rather than handwrite your exam, a dictation program, or any host of other options that may accommodate your particular disability. Individual exam provisions require some form of evidence, such as a diagnosis or an Educational Psychologist Assessment report, and you can discuss your exact needs and show your evidence by emailing accessibility@aber.ac.uk or disability@aber.ac.uk or call the Accessibility Office on 01970 621761. Individual exam provisions are available both to those with long term disabilities and mental health conditions, learning differences, and those with a temporary injury that changes their needs in an exam, such as a broken bone or similar.
If you were not able to get an individual exam provision in place in time, or something changed that meant it wasn’t enough, you can apply for special circumstances for assessments or, if you just need a bit of extra time, deadline extensions. Specials circumstances and deadline extensions are both for major life events that may impact performance in an assessment or your ability to complete it in a timely manner, such as an illness or injury, severe financial or accommodation problems, bereavement, or other grounds for compassionate leave. In order for special circumstances to be accepted or a deadline extension to be granted, there must be some sort of evidence of the need for special circumstances; Student Services can provide letters as evidence if you have been in regular contact with an Advisor or Counsellor who can confirm the nature of the issues, or if there has been a sudden change in needs for a student with disabilities, such as a change of medication that affects your performance. A deadline extension is usually one week but can be up to two, depending on the reason for the extension. The nature of special circumstances vary; sometimes they take it into account when grading, and sometimes you can get to resit the assessment for full marks. You can read more about your department’s policies regarding special circumstances here or contact your module coordinator or personal tutor for more information and advice regarding your specific situation.
Transition to and from University
Student Services offers Accessibility Advisers who are advisers specifically dedicated to support students through the process of transition in and out of university. The Accessibility Advisers are available to students and applicants who request them; you can request an adviser by emailing accessibility@aber.ac.uk or calling 01970621761 or 01970622087.
Student Services also host an Acclimatisation Event for incoming students on the autistic spectrum or with similar neurodiversities and/or learning differences. The acclimatisation event is an opportunity for incoming students to arrive on campus a few days before everyone else, accompanied by their carers, guardians, or supporters, to get used to the University and the surroundings before the main cohort applies. You can hear more about acclimatisation events by emailing disability@aber.ac.uk or by calling 01970 621761.
The university Careers office has a dedicated disability in the workplace lead, who can help advise disabled students on their transition into the workforce, including advice on adjustments and disclosure, graduate applications and interviews. You can email careers@aber.ac.uk or call 01970 622378 to hear more.
Other Resources
There is plenty of support available throughout the university, but there is also plenty to be found outside of it. If you are already receiving any form of support from your local Social Services at home, you will need to contact them directly, as they will still be responsible for your care while you are away at university, and they will be the ones liaising with local services in Aberystwyth. If you have or need a full-time carer, it is possible that the university will be able to provide, or assist in finding, accommodation for your carer; email disability@aber.ac.uk or call 01970 621761 for more information.
If you’re in need of counselling, Area43 is a local charity which offers a free online counselling service for young people aged 14-30 in Ceredigion, or in-person counselling at their centre in Cardigan to Ceredigion residents aged 16-25; you can read more about their counselling services and register online.
If you struggle with reading, either due to visual impairments, dyslexia, or another learning difference, the Hugh Owen library offers CD players and disc audiobooks and braille displays for computers on loan; most books that are course requirements should be available in audio format, and if not, you can use the More Books campaign to request it purchased via their online form.
The Hugh Owen library also offers Deaf alerters one-day loans for emergency fire alarms and messages via radio, as well as infrared personal hearing loop receivers and portable hearing loops as an alternative to induction loop systems for Deaf and hard-of-hearing people who use hearing aids and/or cochlear implants. They also offer voice recorders as an alternative to traditional note-taking, and a variety of IT equipment that can prove useful for disabled students; you can see a full list on their website, or by asking at the help desk at the Hugh Owen library.
On a Personal Note
This is a fairly comprehensive guide to what support is available at the university, but only a taster of what is available elsewhere, so on a final note, some personal advice from my time as a student:
- Ask questions! If you think something should be available, you’re probably not the only one who would benefit from it, and you can and should contact the accessibility office about it.
- Ask for help. Most people are kinder than you think they might be; I would not have gotten through my degree if not for the lecturers and university staff who quietly helped adapt lesson plans to my needs, who were gracious when I had to take breaks or use up more of their time, and the friends and classmates who offered to take on the parts of the group project that I was unable to do, who were patient when my parts took a bit longer, and who never made me feel bad or less-than for the many extensions I needed to apply for, and indeed often encouraged me to ask for them.
- Never feel bad about your needs. There is often a pressure, especially in university as you are entering adulthood, to be self-sufficient, but human beings are not always designed to be. Make use of the help available and offered to you, ask for, demand the help you need, and never feel bad for taking a break. Attempting to be self-sufficient and get everything done on an able-bodied and neurotypical person’s timescale took a severe toll on my mental health; accepting help and giving myself grace to be late made a colossal difference and gave me the ability to enjoy university, as opposed to just surviving it.
- Take care of yourself! Your health depends on what you eat, when, and how much, as well as your sleep schedule, how much water you drink, how much alcohol you drink, and how much exercise you get. There is no universal guideline, and if there was, I wouldn’t be qualified to tell you what it is, but figure out what works for you, know your limits, and try your best to stay within them.
That concludes this guide! I really hope you found something helpful here, and if not, I will leave you with this: the courage to reach out and ask for what you need so that you can have the best university experience possible and learn to love student life.