The Disability Office both provides and co-ordinates support for students with disabilities. Reference to 'disability' includes those with any form of disability/special need/medical condition that requires support. This short note aims to give you basic information about the services available.
Support available

Please note that not all services listed may be relevant for your needs, working with you and other professionals the staff will be able to establish what is most appropriate.

• Access to an Educational Psychologist to undertake assessments for those who suspect they are dyslexic
• Assistance with applications for funding
• Arrangements made for alternative examination provision, e.g. extra time, use of a computer etc.
• Access to our in-house support schemes, such as notetakers, readers, and volunteer support workers
• Liaison with your academic department, the Accommodation Office, the Recording for the Blind Centre and the Academic Registry
• Liaison with external agencies, such as your Local Education Authority, the RNIB, RNID and specialist opticians, to facilitate the necessary support
• Assessments of needs, identifying the best available technology and human support
• IT training in both mainstream and specialist-software packages
• IT technical support, including liaising with the computer supplier as appropriate
• Group and individual dyslexia tuition
• Support for those with mental-health difficulties: we have a Mental Health Co-ordinator who can help you obtain the most appropriate support from the range of services on offer, both within and outside the University

If funding is required, we are happy to make applications for funding on your behalf or to guide you through the process, if you choose to do this yourself.

A Welsh translation of the  Disability Office Handbook is also available Disability A5 booklet - Welsh version

Assessment and Training Centre

The University established an Assessment and Training Centre for students with disabilities in the summer of 2002. This new facility allows us to provide students with a wider range of support services. A fully-equipped IT suite forms the backbone of the centre. This allows us both to demonstrate some of the latest equipment and software and to make better-informed decisions as to what is suitable for each student. IT training on both specialist and mainstream packages is also available. Dyslexia tuition is provided in the multi-purpose meeting rooms. The centre is air-conditioned and particular care has been taken to make the space as accessible as possible.

Employment and volunteering opportunities

The Disability Office employs approximately 60 plus part-time support workers to undertake a variety of support roles.  There are also full-time volunteering opportunities in the Volunteer Support Worker Scheme, where disabled students require support to undertake daily living activities whilst studying.

Dyslexia or other Specific Learning Difficulty

Support for students with Specific Learning Difficulties (Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Dysgraphia, Hyperlexia etc.) is available. This includes one-to-one tuition, small-group seminars, adjustments to examination arrangements, and comprehensive IT training.

Where possible, we can help you secure suitable funding to provide equipment and other support as relevant to your particular needs.

Contact: Please contact the Disability Officer to arrange an appointment to see the appropriate member of staff.

Skill Wales

Skill: National Bureau for Students with Disabilities is an independent charity working to promote opportunities for post-16 disabled people in reaching their full potential in Further Education, Higher Education and continuing education, training and employment.

For more information please visit Skill Wales