The decision of whether or not to disclose a disability, medical condition, or specific learning difficulty is an individual choice. You may disclose at any point. The majority of students disclose on application. Any disclosure made to the ADRC is treated confidentially.
The ADRC recommends that students disclose as soon as possible. This is particularly important if:
- You require accommodation adjustments - for example, a wheelchair accessible room, an adapted bathroom, or en-suite accommodation
- You have a specific learning difficulty (such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, or ADHD). You may require further evidence and this may take some time to arrange.
Early disclosure also offers you and your Disability Adviser the opportunity to discuss your support requirements in detail, and to let you know which adjustments and support are available.
Please note that late disclosure will have an impact on the ability of the ADRC to determine support requirements in time for the start of term.
Having your support set up as early as possible can put your mind at ease before you arrive. Research shows that disabled students who access support are more likely to achieve their true academic potential.
Confidentiality
When you get in touch with the ADRC for the first time you will be asked to complete a Student Information Form. This form outlines the options for how you would like the ADRC to handle your information.
Students may restrict who the ADRC may discuss their support requirements with. Depending on your situation, you may wish for your disability to be disclosed to their college, but not their Faculty/Department and vice versa. Students can, if they wish, disclose to the ADRC in order to seek advice, but then ask that the information received is not disclosed to anyone else within the University.
The ADRC advises that you give permission for full disclosure, as it means you are more likely to get the support you need, such as exam access arrangements.
The ADRC will only discuss your disability and support requirements with your college or department on a need to know basis. You may change your mind and add or remove permissions throughout your time at the University of Cambridge. Your disability adviser can discuss this further if you are unsure about the level of disclosure to agree to. There is more information about ADRC's confidentiality policy available https://www.disability.admin.cam.ac.uk/staff-supporting-disabled-students/confidentiality-0 .
Please contact us if you have any questions about disclosing a disability, Specific Learning Difficulty or medical condition.
