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2. Getting advice and support from your institution
Disability Adviser
Every institution has a named member of staff whose job it is to advise disabled students and make arrangements for their support. Their title is usually 'Disability Co-ordinator', 'Learning Support Adviser' or 'Disability Adviser' and their contact details should be given in the institution's disability statement, website or prospectus. You can also find their contact details on Skill's website ( http://www.skill.org.uk ).
If you have not already made contact with the Disability Adviser in your institution, it is important to do so as soon as possible. They can help make arrangements for additional support that you may need and negotiate with other agencies or individuals on your behalf. They can also tell you about any arrangements in your institution for employing support workers.
Your institution's responsibilities
Your college or university has a responsibility, under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995, to make reasonable adjustments to ensure that you are not placed at a substantial disadvantage compared to non-disabled students. This can include all sorts of adjustments, such as providing equipment or services. Your institution is also responsible for ensuring that you have appropriate access to the buildings you need to use, within reason, and that adjustments are made to teaching practices and assessments where required.
The DSA is not expected to pay for the same disability support that your institution provides or adjustments they may make. However, if not all of your needs are met by your institution, then within reason the DSA can provide the additional support that you need. To discuss arrangements for getting support or adjustments, you should arrange to meet with the Disability Adviser in your institution.
For more information about your rights under the Disability Discrimination Act, see the Skill booklet 'The Disability Discrimination Act' or contact the Skill Scotland Information Service - see Section 8 for details.
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