Frequently Asked Disability Questions (FAQ's)

What is a Disability? 

The Equality Act 2010 defines a disability as a physical or mental impairment that has a ‘substantial’ and ‘long-term’ negative effect on your ability to do normal daily activities. You can find the full definition here: Definition of disability under the Equality Act 2010 - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

This includes conditions such as Specific Learning Difficulties, Mental Health Conditions, Social and Communication Impairments, Long-standing Illnesses and Physical Impairments. 

What is the role of the University of Bolton Disability Service?

The Disability Service at the University is here to implement and/or recommend study-related support to students who have disclosed and provided evidence of a Disability, as defined by the Equality Act 2010. 

The service is also able to advise prospective students, applicants and staff members in the context of supporting students. Disability Advisors at the University of Bolton offer bookable appointments Monday-Friday, as well as regular drop-in sessions. The Service offers Face-to-Face, telephone or video-call appointments. 

Disability Advisors can advise students who are not sure if they have a Disability, and can provide information on how to arrange to be tested for a Specific Learning Difficulty such as dyslexia.

How do I disclose a Disability to the University?

Students or Applicants can disclose a Disability to any member of University Staff, at any point during their application/studies. The staff member would complete a disclosure form with the Student or Applicant, that includes options on whether they wish for the information to be shared with the Disability Service, or not. 

If consent is given for the disclosure form to be shared with the Disability Service, the student/applicant would be invited to make an appointment with a Disability Advisor. Other ways of disclosing a disability might be on a UCAS/University Application form or via a student self-referral form, which can be found on the Disability Service web page Services for Disabled Students - Support (bolton.ac.uk). 

How do I contact the Disability Service?

• Location: Student Services, Chancellors Mall
• Telephone: 01204 903478
• Email: [email protected]
• Drop-In Sessions: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 14:30-16:00
• Bookable Appointments: Monday-Friday between 08:45-17:00
• Webpage: Services for Disabled Students - Support (bolton.ac.uk)

What study-related support can the Disability Service offer? 

Internal adjustments differ for each student, based on individual needs. 

Examples of support that the University can offer might include:

• Notifying tutors of a condition (with consent), and how they can help support the student. 
• Exam arrangements such as extra time or an individual room.
• Library loan extensions.
• Specific Marking Guidelines for Students with a Specific Learning Difficulty. 
• Providing access to Disabled parking (blue badge holders only).
• Providing Assistive Software (on loan equipment).
• Referral to RNIB Bookshare.
• Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan. 
• Offer advice and guidance on applying for funding for other support, such as Non-Medical Help, Specialist Equipment, or Assistance with any extra transport costs incurred by a disability.  

What funding is available for study-related support?

Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA)

The Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) is support to cover any additional study-related costs that a student may incur due to their disability. External funding bodies such as Student Finance provide the DSA – this is separate to the University of Bolton Disability Service, although the Disability Service can provide advice and guidance on this. 

DSA Support might include: 

• Non-Medical Help such as a Specialist Mentor, 1:1 Study Skills, or a BSL Interpreter.
• Specialist Equipment such as a Laptop with Assistive Software.
• Support with additional travel expenses incurred by a disability.

For more information, including eligibility criteria and how to apply, please click here:

Help if you're a student with a learning difficulty, health problem or disability: Disabled Students' Allowance - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Internal Panel Requests

There will be some circumstances where students may not be eligible for external funding such as the Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA), but may still have disability-related costs associated with their studies. 

The aim of the Internal Panel is to ensure that students are not disadvantaged in their studies because of a disability, despite not being eligible for external funding. 

Examples of support might include:

• Non-Medical Help, such as a Specialist Mentor, 1:1 Study Skills, or a BSL Interpreter.
• Specialist Equipment such as a Loan Laptop with Assistive Software.
• Support with additional travel expenses incurred by a disability.

Rather than applying for external funding, a Disability or Mental Health Advisor would put together recommendations for the approval of a panel at the University. Any approved support would be funded by the University’s Disability Premium Fund. 

Justified recommendations for support would be made following on from an appointment with a Disability or Mental Health Advisor, with a student’s written consent.