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Student Disability and Inclusion offers a variety of support for disabled and neurodivergent students including students with mental health conditions, long-term health conditions and specific learning differences, such as dyslexia.

We can offer support right from your arrival such as helping you to settle in, meeting our team and providing practical support. During your studies, we can provide ongoing specialist support that could include 1:1 specialist study skills appointments, study skills advice and workshops, learning support and mentoring. Please see the Disability and Study Support sections of our website for more information on the types of support that are available.

You can contact the Student Disability and Inclusion Team via the Student Hub .

Email: studenthub@soton.ac.uk
Phone: 02380 599 599

To access our support, please visit ourÌýÌýand complete our request for support form. ÌýOnce you have completed the form, this will be reviewed by our team and we will contact you regarding support.

If you have supporting information of your disability/health condition/neurodivergent condition, it would be greatly appreciated if you could upload this when completing the form.Ìý

The purpose of the student support appointment is for students to speak with a specialist practitioner to receive support, advice and guidance on various topics. Information can then be shared with other parts of the University on a ‘need to know’ basis in order to ensure that appropriate and reasonable adjustments are made. You will meet the practitioner on a one-to-one basis in a private meeting room on campus or via MicrosoftÌýTeams.Ìý

Most appointments are booked for 60 minutes, however if you've met with a practitioner before, the appointment may be shorter (around 30 minutes).Ìý

To find out more, as well as some tips and advice on how to prepare for the appointment,Ìýplease see our appointment guidance.Ìý

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Students with a disability, long-term health condition, mental health condition or Specific Learning Difference (SpLD) (such as dyslexia, dyspraxia or slow cognitive processing) may be eligible to receive exam arrangements such as extra time, rest breaks and/or smaller exam rooms.

At the University of Southampton, exam arrangements are known as Additional Exam Recommendations (AERs). AERs are made according to individual need and studentsÌýmust provide supporting informationÌýof their disability, health condition or SpLD to the Student Disability and Inclusion Team.

AERs can be arrangedÌýthroughout the year, not just inÌýthe lead up to exams, howeverÌýthe University has AER deadlines in place to ensure support can be put in place for each semester. All students will be advised of the AER deadline via email and SUSSED.

For further information regarding AERs, including comprehensive FAQs, please see theÌýAER page.Ìý

As a student with a disability, long term health condition, mental health condition or Specific Learning Difference (SpLD), you may be eligible for additional funding for services and equipment through Disabled Students' Allowance (DSAs). You can find out more about DSA and how to apply on our dedicated DSA section of our website .

If you require reasonable adjustments for your studies, or exam arrangements such as extra time, we ask that you send us supporting information as soon as possible so that we can be fully informed about how best to support you during your time at university.

This could include:

• A letter or report from a doctor/healthcare provider.
• Any supporting information you have submitted as part ofÌýÌýapplications.
• Other supporting documentation.
  This could be a printout or scan of your medical records, information from the NHS app or a clear picture or copy of any medication prescriptions. ¸£Àû×ÅƬ out more information about medical records viaÌýÌýorÌý.
• A specific learning differences diagnostic assessment report.
• A JCQ8 form.
  Your school or college is required to complete aÌýJCQ8 form for students receiving exam arrangements for their public exams. You can obtain a copy of this from your school/college.
• A JCQ9 form.
  The JCQ9 form is used by SENCOs for pupils with a physical disability, sensory impairment or medical condition such as ADHD, autism and mental health conditions. ÌýJCQ9 forms can be obtained by contacting your previous school/college.

Please refer to the information outlined on the DSA section of our website .

‘Disability’ is an umbrella term which has a special legal meaning under the Equality Act (2010).Ìý

The definition of a disability is set out in section 6 of the Equality Act (2010). It says that you're classed as disabled if you have a physical or mental impairment and your impairment has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on your ability to do normal day-to-day activities.

The definition covers a broad scope of conditions, specific learning differences such as dyslexia, long-term health conditions and neurological and developmental conditions such as autism.Ìý

We acknowledge and understand that on an individual and personal level, not everyone that is legally classed as having a disability necessarily identifies as, or resonates with, being disabled. In terms of our service, we follow the definition above and help people overcome barriers that are constructed in society, implementing adjustments to make things easier in relation to a diagnosis. This includes diagnoses such as autism, ADHD, autoimmune conditions, anxiety and depression.Ìý

Even if you don't identify with being disabled, we encourage you to get in touch with us viaÌýThe Student HubÌýso that you can explore any support options that may be available to you.

If your supporting information is not written in English,Ìýplease send this to us anywayÌýviaÌýThe Student HubÌýas there are some instances where we can accept this in the language it was created in.Ìý

If we do need this to be translated, it will need to be aÌýcertified translation.Ìý You can find out what this means atÌý.ÌýWe are not able to recommend a translation company and advise students to look at a few options to ensure youÌýare getting a reasonable quality and price.Ìý

The University of Southampton offers a range of software applications for students to download on personal systems to facilitate learning. Assistive Technology (AT) facilities are available at each campus throughout the University. Please visit theÌýUniversity’sÌýÌýtoÌýaccess the resources.ÌýÌý

If you have met with a specialist practitioner from the Student Disability and Inclusion Team to discuss your reasonable adjustments, you may be able to access further Assistive Technology (AT) software. These technology resources can support you to learn more efficiently and independently. They include accessibility tools, productivity and organisation apps, speech-to-text tools, screen readers and more.ÌýÌý

Students who are eligible for Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) are highly recommended to apply for it to access additional funding, including assistive equipment, software and user training catering to individual needs in education. You can find our more details on ourÌýDSA pages.Ìý

¸£Àû×ÅƬ out more about the AT resources and how to access them by visiting theÌýAT sectionÌýof our SharePoint site.Ìý

Access to the ATS is upon recommendation from one of our Specialist Practitioners through a Student Support Appointment. Once you have been granted computer login access, you can find the Assistive Technology SuiteÌýon Level 2Ìý(Room 2047) in the Hartley Library, Highfield campus.

For further information about the Assistive Technology Suite, please visit theÌýAssistive Technology (AT) Facilities page.Ìý

If you require a University parking permit on medical grounds but you are not a council-issued Blue Badge holder, there are two steps you need to take.

Step 1)ÌýGet in touch with the Student Disability and Inclusion team viaÌýThe Student Hub, who will review your need for a permit.

We require the following information in order to proceed:Ìý

• A copy of your supporting information (such as a GP letter or healthcare report).
• How your condition affects you on a daily basis.
• How your condition affects your ability to use other modes of transport (e.g public transport).
• Any further information you can provide us regarding your need for a permit.

Once we receive this information, we will review your need for a parking permit and inform you of the outcome. If we can support this, we will email you to let you know.Ìý

Step 2)Ìý. When you apply, you will be asked to upload supporting documentation. Please attach the email you received from the Student Disability and Inclusion Team to this section.Ìý

Whilst Student Disability and Inclusion are able to provide practical support for students we are unable to give advice on issues relating to difficulties in relationships with academic staff. The provide academic help and support in this area. Please refer to their website for further information.

You could speak to your Academic Course rep, which you can find in the Students' Union section of your Faculty Blackboard Hub.

If you find that these difficulties are having a negative impact on your studies or wellbeing please contact the Student Wellbeing Team via the Student Hub at studenthub@soton.ac.uk .

Students can bring their own mini-fridge appliance to their university accommodation, if the appliance meets the following requirements:

• Fridges must be no larger than a mini fridge (approximately H55cm x W45cm x D50cm).
• Fridges must be less than 2 years old. If older, it will be required for a Portable Appliance Test (PAT) to be undertaken.
• A visual check will be conducted to ensure the unit is safe for use in the UK and in good condition.
• Fridges must not obstruct entry or exit routes for fire and health & safety purposes.
• Please note that residents of Highfield Hall already have a mini fridge in bedrooms where space permits.