The Accessibility and Disability Resource Centre (ADRC) can help you find funding to cover course-related costs due to your disability.
There are several sources of funding that cover support for disabled students. What you can get and which funds you are eligible for may depend on:
- the country you come from
- your course
- your condition or impairment
Some funds, such as those provided by the UK government, are only available to UK home students. This includes, for example, Disabled Students Allowance (DSA), or other state assistance like Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
What ‘disabled’ means
Many funds use the Equality Act 2010 definition of disability. Under this law, you’re disabled 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. 'Substantial' means that everyday tasks such as getting dressed take much longer. 'Long-term' means 12 months or more.
You do not necessarily need to have a diagnosis. But you will need documentation supporting how your symptoms meet this definition.
Other costs
You will also need to cover costs that exist:
- for any student, such as tuition fees
- whether you are at university or not, such as personal care, (if any)
Personal care support
Personal care support is any practical help you need that is not related to your studies.
This can include:
- getting up, going to bed or adjusting position
- washing, getting dressed and using the toilet
- cleaning, shopping and preparing meals
- help with eating or medication
- driving or helping you get around outside study hours
It can take up to 12 months to arrange personal care. The ADRC cannot recommend a care provider.