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Other disability-related Support
Disability Discrimination Act
Your college or university has a responsibility to make reasonable adjustments to ensure that you are not placed at a substantial disadvantage compared to non-disabled students. This might include:
- changes to the course content and course delivery if you have a visual impairment;
- providing learning materials in alternative formats if you have dyslexia;
- full access to the physical environment, such as providing a car parking space and adaptations to buildings if you have a mobility difficulties.
Under the current legislation, the failure to make a reasonable adjustment may be justified in rare circumstances, but only if the reasons are material and substantial. However, from September 2006, this justification will be removed and education providers will only be able to justify failure to make a reasonable adjustment if it is not deemed to be 'reasonable', or if the reason relates to a 'competence standard' for the course ( e.g. if a certain level of ability in playing an instrument is required for a degree in music). When determining whether or not an adjustment is 'reasonable', the education provider can take account of factors such as health and safety requirements, the maintenance of academic standards, cost and resources, and the practicality and effectiveness of the adjustment. However, institutions will have to think through the implications if they decide not to make an adjustment.
Personal care assistance
Personal care assistance is the practical help and support you need to go about your daily life, whether you are studying or not. The main source of help with personal assistance for your daily living needs is your local social work department.
As a disabled person, you have the right to an assessment of needs from your social work department. This assessment should include needs such as practical help at home, attending recreational facilities, lectures or games outside your home, and any help needed to take advantage of educational facilities. The needs assessment is intended to establish your eligibility for services, what needs you have and which of these needs social work services are able to meet. If you leave home to go to college or university, the funding for personal assistance with your daily living needs should continue to be provided by the social work department where you normally live. You can choose to receive services to meet your needs direct from social work, or you can opt to receive funding to meet your needs through Direct Payments.
For further information, see the Skill booklet 'Personal assistance for disabled students in higher education'. The Scottish Executive guidance 'Partnership Matters' and the guide for young people 'Supporting you at College' provide information about the roles and responsibilities of colleges, social work, health and others in providing additional support for students in further education.
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