So what do we mean when we say 'disability'?
The University defines disability as: A disabled person as defined by law is someone who has a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on their ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities. This may include students with a:
- Specific learning difficulty such as dyslexia, dyspraxia or dyscalculia
- Mental health condition
- Sensory Impairment
- Mobility impairment
- Long term health condition
- Other unseen condition
If any of the above applies to you, please don't think you're alone here at Birmingham. There are many disabled students studying here and there's lots of help and support available for you. Read on below for just some of the people who can help you.
Disabled Students' Officer
Your Disabled Students' Officer, Imogen Mann, was elected into her role by her fellow students. Your Guild of Students is a democratic organisation, run by students for students, so it's really important that all Disabled Students at Birmingham have a voice to express their views and opinions throughout the University. Imogen also works to improve the accessibility and inclusivity of all parts of student life, as well as campaigning for positive change in relation to disabilites. Imogen also helps to educate staff and fellow students on the importance of issues affecting disabled students, and what they can do to provide help and support.
You can find out more about Imogen here, or you can contact her, via social media, here:
Facebook – Imogen Mann (DSO)
Instagram – @guild_dso
Twitter - @GuildDSO
Email - disabledofficer@guild.bham.ac.uk
DAMSA (Disability And Mental Health Students' Association)
The Disability and Mental Health Students’ Association (DAMSA) are a Liberation Association for self-identifying disabled students. They take part in local and national student campaigns to campaign on issues affecting disabled students. They are a student group which is free to join and open to all students with any kind of disability.
You can contact DAMSA via social media, here:
Facebook - @UOBDAMSA2020
Instagram – @uobdamsa
Email - disabledofficer@guild.bham.ac.uk
University Support
The University can help you in a number of ways, including:
Disability Support Service
The University's Disability Support Service, located in the Aston Webb Student Hub, is open to any students with study support needs related to a disability. These include dyslexia and other specific learning difficulties, mental health difficulties, autism, Asperger's syndrome, or other health conditions.
Email – disability@contacts.bham.ac.uk;
Reasonable Adjustment Plans
The University can advise you on how to get one, who to go to, a typical form and examples of adjustments available for you. They also offer advice on how to ensure these are implemented correctly.
Disabled Students' Allowance
These are allowances available for you, to cover specific disability-related costs during your time at university. This can include specialist equipment you may need, non-medical helper's allowance, general and other expenditure allowance, and travel costs. The allowances aren't means tested and aren't dependent on your parents' income, and they won't affect any other benefits you may receive.
Advice and Apply here button & link https://www.disabilityrightsuk.org/applying-disabled-students’-allowances-dsas
Individual College Wellbeing
Each College within the University has it's own Wellbeing team, who can offer course specific advice as well as supporting you with the implementation of RAPs, and signposting you to both internal and external help you may need.
Personal Academic Tutor Support
Your Personal Academic Tutor will be able to help you with course management and offer you advice if you're struggling with workloads. You'll be introduced to your Personal Academic Tutor when you begin yoru course and they will stay in regular contact throughout your time at university.
Accommodatiopn Services
Transport Services
Estates (campus accessibility)
You're Not Alone!
We have lots of students with disabilites at Birmingham whose experiences can help you with your student journey. Here's a few case studies of current students.