Reasonable adjustments in college and university education

You do not need a diagnosis to meet the definition of being disabled.

For example, prolonged stress may cause you to have difficulties concentrating or extreme tiredness due to poor sleep.

There are long waiting lists to be assessed for certain conditions such as ADHD. If you think you might be neurodivergent, most colleges and universities will not insist on a formal diagnosis before offering learning support and making reasonable adjustments. 

Some study support may require extra funding. You will need a diagnostic assessment of a specific learning difficulty when applying for Disabled Students' Allowance in higher education.

Adjustments you might get could be things like:

• getting notes and lectures in advance
• alternative formats of lectures or course material
• speech to text for video conferencing
• equipment or aids, such as BSL interpreters, scribes or specialist computer equipment
• one-to-one support
• accessible rooms and venues, such as having quiet spaces
• accessible student accommodation or specific housing arrangements

Adjustments for disabled students and apprentices (Disability Rights UK)

There is no set definition of what is ‘reasonable’ in the Equality Act. It depends on:

• what you need and the difference it will make
• cost
• practicality and effectiveness
• disruption and health and safety

If you cannot agree on reasonable adjustments informally with the college or university, only a court can decide what is ‘reasonable’ under the Equality Act.

Exams often test what you know. How you are able to do this should be adjustable, such as:

• doing the exam in a smaller room without other students
• having comfort breaks or snacks
• dictating to a notetaker or using a computer
• how long it takes you
• setting the exam timetable to meet your needs, such as if your condition is better in the morning or afternoon

Making adjustments for exams that test how you do something can be harder. Some adjustments might not be considered reasonable.

But alternative adjustments might help you do the exam within the time limit instead, like using a computer. If the adjustment gives you an advantage, this would also not be considered reasonable.

Talk to your education provider about adjustments that might help you go to scheduled exams, such as having a gap of a couple of days between exams or having morning exams only.

If you can, try to work with your college or university to find adjustments that both:

• meet your needs
• would be considered ‘reasonable’

If something is not considered ‘reasonable’, your college or university should try to find alternatives for you.

You could also go to disability charities, local support groups or online communities and forums for help finding alternative adjustments to suggest to your college or university.

Find out who supports disabled students at your college or university. Ask:

• student support or learning support services, sometimes called student disability services
• your course leader or your tutor

They should tell you who to contact. The job title can vary:

• disability adviser or officer
• disability co-ordinator
• learning support adviser (further education)

Disability advisers will help you get the reasonable adjustments you need. They can also advocate (speak for you).

Speaking to your disability adviser

Arrange an informal chat with your disability adviser to talk about:

• the difficulties you're facing because of disability
• what you want help with and the adjustments you think will help (if you know)
• reasonable adjustments they can offer

If you have not had a needs assessment yet, ask your adviser for one. A needs assessment helps you find out what equipment, support and adjustments you might need. You will then get a report with recommendations.

If you’re at university or doing a higher education course, your adviser may ask you to apply for Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) to get an assessment and pay for the adjustments. If you are already getting DSA, your adviser can arrange an assessment.

Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA)

In further education, colleges and training providers have funding for reasonable adjustments and cannot charge students for support.

Funding further education for disabled students (Disability Rights UK) 

Get everything in writing

After your meeting, confirm:

• what you talked about
• what happens next, such as getting a needs assessment
• any adjustments you agreed in the meeting

Try to do this in writing, such as an email. This can help you keep a record of things like:

• what you asked for
• why you asked for it
• when you asked for it
• who you asked and how many requests you made
• your education provider’s reply and reasons for accepting or refusing

Having a written record may also help if you do not get your adjustments.

Education providers should consider all disabled students’ requests for adjustments.

Your college or university should also explain why they cannot provide an adjustment. If they do not, ask for the reason.

Understanding their decision can help you:

• work with them to find other ways to make the adjustments you need
• appeal the decision to refuse your request
• work out if it’s discrimination

It may be discrimination if:

• you do not get the recommended adjustments from your needs assessment report
• your education provider does not make the adjustments you agreed with them

Talk or write to your disability adviser if this happens. Remind them they have a legal duty to make any agreed reasonable adjustments.

Discrimination in college and university education

If education provider still does not give you what you need, you can complain.

Making a formal complaint at college and university

You might want to talk to:

• your Students’ Union’s welfare officer
• Disability Rights UK student helpline
• Equality Advisory Support Service (EASS) helpline and online chat

You can also get reasonable adjustments information and advice online.

Duty to make reasonable adjustments for disabled people (Citizens Advice)

Right to Participate template complaint letters

Disability Rights UK education factsheets and guides

Reasonable adjustments and mental health (Mind)