Meeting the Disability Team 🌱

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Tuesday 19 August 2025

The University’s Disability Services team are your main point of contact for any disability-related queries during your studies. They are responsible for recommending and coordinating the support and adjustments you may need.

Under the Equality Act 2010, universities have a duty to make reasonable adjustments where disabled students may be placed at a disadvantage. These adjustments are designed to help you fully access and participate in learning, assessment, and university life.

📝Examples of reasonable adjustments include:

• Exam or assessment arrangements (e.g. extra time, use of a computer).
• Support with reading and research (e.g. extended book loans, help finding materials, access to alternative formats).
• Specialist equipment and assistive software (e.g. text-to-speech, mind mapping tools, note-taking devices).
• Access to teaching materials (e.g. slides and handouts in advance).
• Additional tutor support (e.g. help catching up on missed work or checking understanding).
• 1:1 support (e.g. mentoring, study skills tuition).

Your involvement in this process is essential, as adjustments are tailored individually. If you haven’t yet contacted the Disability Advice team, we encourage you to do so as soon as possible so that your support can be in place before you arrive. A Disability Adviser can also guide you through applying for Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA)💻, if eligible, or advise on alternative options.

If you choose not to contact the team before arriving, you are still welcome to do so at any point during your studies. Keep in mind that arranging support can take time, so the earlier you get in touch, the smoother your transition will be.

What the Disability Service provides:

• Advice on reasonable adjustments and personal support.
• Guidance around medical information and supporting documentation.
• A personalised support plan 📚, which is shared with relevant University services and Academic Schools.

Additional opportunities and support:

• Weekly autism group – a chance to meet peers, share experiences, and get practical information about university life.
• Entrant Essentials webinar (August) – covers arriving in St Andrews, what to expect from teaching, and perspectives from other students (offer-holders will be emailed an invitation).
• Orientation support – can include a peer mentor to help navigate teaching spaces, social areas, and university systems.

How could this affect me? 🤔

Disability Services will work with you to make sure you have the right support in place. Adjustments are personalised, so your involvement is really important.

✨ Here’s what it could mean for you:

• 📝 Fairer assessments – extra time, a computer, or other exam adjustments so you can show your real ability.
• 📚 Easier access to study materials – extended library loans, help finding resources, or digital/accessible formats.
• 💻 Specialist tools – software or equipment to support planning, writing, or note-taking.
• 📂 Organised support – your support plan is shared (confidentially) with relevant staff so they understand your needs.
• 👩‍🏫 Tutor flexibility – extra guidance to catch up, check understanding, or access notes in advance.
• 🤝 1:1 support – like mentoring or study skills tuition to help you stay on track.
• 🌱 Social connection – join the weekly autism group to meet others and share experiences.

💡 If you don’t contact the team before arriving, that’s okay – you can reach out any time during your studies. But support can take a little while to set up, so the sooner you get in touch, the smoother your start will be.