In order for Disability & Dyslexia Support to put support in place for you while at LSBU you will need to book an appointment to meet with a Disability Officer.
You will need to bring with medical evidence of your disability/medical condition/dyslexia e.g. doctor's letter or dyslexia assessment. Based on this information we will discuss with you the support which is available and make a Support Arrangement Form (SAF) which is sent to your faculty to inform them what they must do to support you.
We try to contact all applicants who disclose a disability through UCAS or through Clearing, usually via the email address you used when applying, so please remember to check your emails!
If you do not hear from us please contact us on 020 7815 6405 or by email:disability@lsbu.ac.uk
There are strict deadlines for implementing support for students with a disability, this is usually the end of week 10 of each semester. The actual dates are published on MyLSBU at https://my.lsbu.ac.uk/page/academic-calendar.
Click here for more information about The Equality Act 2010.
Please contact DDS on 020 7815 6405 or in person in room 4B6 on the fourth floor of the Perry Library.
We're sorry, we can't arrange appointments via email at the moment.
If you are coming with evidence of a disability or dyslexia, or are coming for a dyslexia screening , the appointment will last for about an hour. If you feel that you might have more complex needs it's probably best to book a "double" appointment (for up to two hours) so that you candiscuss your needs fully.
If you are referred on for a full dyslexia assessment (see below) you will need to allow between 1 ½ and 2 hours for this.
Disability & Dyslexia Support offers evening appointments on a Wednesday at 5:00pm and 6:00pm (term time only), these are limited in number. We can sometimes put support in place “remotely” via email or telephone. Please contact DDS to ask if this is appropriate.
Unfortunately we do not open at the weekend or bank holidays.
"Clearing" helps potential students find full-time undergraduate courses if they have their results and want to study at LSBU, or have not yet applied to university.It will start again in August 2012.
You can look at the LSBU Clearing website for details about Clearing at LSBU and the UCAS website has a lot of valuable information about Clearing too.
Some adjustments can be put in place at short notice, however if you need complex support such as a British Sign Language (BSL) Interpreter, DDS may need at least 6 weeks' notice of this in order to find a suitable interpreter. If you think you require complex support you should contact DDS as soon as you have been offered a place, to discuss support.
We try to contact all applicants who disclose a disability through UCAS or through Clearing, usually via the email address you used when applying, so please remember to check your emails!
If you do not hear from us please contact us on 020 7815 6405 or by email:disability@lsbu.ac.uk
Nearly 1,800 of LSBU's 25,000 students are registered with Disability and Dyslexia Support, that's over 7% of the student population.We arrange support for students with many different disabilities – see below.
You don't need to be registered disabled to use the service. Disability & Dyslexia Support (DDS) currently support students with the following conditions/disabilities:
You can be assessed for dyslexia at the University once you are fully enrolled on your course. You will need to book an initial dyslexia screening appointment with a Disability Officer who will determine whether to recommend you for a full dyslexia assessment with a qualified assessor. This can take place at LSBU if you are an enrolled student with a reasonable amount of time remaining on your course.
Please be aware that we have a limited number of assessments assessments so the earlier you approach us the better. They are offered on a first come, first served basis. We sometimes have to stop sending people forward for assessments at Easter, but please ask us for more details.
You decide what information is passed to staff in LSBU. You may be able to get additional help, such as a mentor, that can meet with you each week to help you to set targets for your work or discuss ways of addressing any difficulties.
This will depend on whether you bring evidence into us or if it takes some time to get some evidence of your disability. If you have evidence you will normally get an appointment within a week to ten days (although we are busier around exams and at the beginning of the academic year) and we will usually put your support in place straight away.
If you need to get medical evidence from your GP or medical specialist, your support may be delayed whilst you wait for this. If we screen you and send you forward for a full diagnostic assessment for dyslexia please be aware that you may have to wait 4 – 6 weeks for this, sometimes even longer. We are only able to offer a limited number of dyslexia assessments throughout the academic year so you may prefer to be assessed externally – look at our fact sheet for more details.
Students with disabilities including dyslexia may need additional arrangements in place in order to learn and study effectively. We can put in place arrangements and adjustments for teaching, assignments exams and general university and study access.
Academic arrangements will be agreed between you and the DDS officer, who will forward the arrangements to your faculty. Certain arrangements will need funding to be secured (i.e. support workers).
Arrangements are individual and will vary greatly, but could include any of the following:
You should register with Disability & Dyslexia Support (DDS) as soon as possible, even before you start at the university.
LSBU students, with a mental health issue, medical condition, disability or dyslexia, who would like support, must arrange support for exams by the end of week 10 of the semester.
So, if you have exams in the January you must register by week 10 of Semester 1 (usually the first week of December) in order to have support in the exams. For the summer exams you need to have registered with us by week 10 of Semester 2 (usually around Easter).
You only need to register once (see below: "Do I need to register every year?")
The actual dates are published on MyLSBU at https://my.lsbu.ac.uk/page/academic-calendar.
No, once you have support arrangements in place they remain in place until the end of your course. You only need to amend them if there is a change in your circumstances or your course.
If you interrupt your studies it's a good idea to come and see us when you come back, so that we can all be sure that the support arrangements we have put in place for you are still appropriate.
If you are following a series of units for Continual Professional Development (CPD) in the health faculty, you should also come to see us each time you register for a new unit, just be be sure your support is appropriate and that the relevant staff know.
If you have a specific learning difficulty such as dyslexia, you must provide evidence in the form of a 'diagnostic assessment' from a psychologist or suitably qualified specialist teacher. If you have had a diagnostic assessment in the past, it may need to be updated.
The report must be signed and preferably on headed paper. Please do not give us your only copy.
A letter from your previous institution is not normally enough.
Whilst we don't need “proof” of your disability, our staff are not medical professionals. So, what we need is something from a suitably qualified professional that provides us with some recommendations of the type of arrangements that will best support you whilst you are studying at LSBU.
The diagnosis:
The above are suggestions are not exhaustive and are only examples of the kind of information we require and any DSA funding bodies may require.
If you feel you need a very specific type of support please ask for this to be included in the letter, with a justification of the support.
No, the University will not pay your Doctor or other Medical Specialist for any letters of evidence.
If you have an external assessment for dyslexia you will need to pay for it, however you may be entitled to claim up to £250 back from the Access to Learning Fund (ALF) but this depends on the ALF deadlines, your eligibility (enrolled home students only).
Unfortunately although dyslexia is recognised under the Equality Act 2010, unlike other disabilities diagnosis is not funded by the NHS. A doctor/GP would therefore not normally be able to help with funding a diagnostic assessment for dyslexia.
We realise that students from overseas may find it difficult to provide medical or other evidence in English. However in order for us to put support in place at LSBU:
We may refuse to consider evidence that does not meet the above requirements.
A paper file is created for each student after they register with us and paper files are kept in locked filing cabinets in the DDS Office, which is staffed or secured at all times.
Every student signs a paper copy of our Data Protection agreement on their first visit and this is then kept in their file. This document specifies who the student is prepared for DDS to discuss their support with, and in how much detail.
You decide who knows what about you.
Registered students' information is also held on a password protected database. Only Disability and Dyslexia Support (DDS) staff have full access to the database. Faculty disability co-ordinators have limited access to details about their own faculty's registered students.
Please note: If a member of DDS staff believes that you are at risk of harming yourself or others, they may need to break confidentiality.
Only Disability and Dyslexia Support (DDS) staff have full access to your records. This includes the administrators, Disability Officers and the Student Mental Health & Wellbeing co-ordinator.
Every faculty has a disability co-ordinators who has limited access to details about their own faculty's registered students' support arrangements, but they do not have access to your medical or other evidence.
We keep records for students who have been registered with us and had support arrangements put in place, for up to five years after your graduation. Once this period of time has passed we will shred your paper records.
Please remember that it is your responsibility to keep a copy of your medical evidence or dyslexia assessment.
Click here for more information about Data Protection Act 1998 (DPA).
If you apply to LSBU but do not come here to study, we will keep your information securely for one year in case you decide to come the following year. If you do not then your information will be disposed of.
Every applicant is assessed on academic merit.
However, almost every student in the Health Faculty will need to complete an Occupational Health assessment to see if they are fit to practice. This is a confidential questionnaire which is sent to a medical professional. They will look at the information you have provided and decide if you will be able to meet the requirements of the course.
Sometimes they make recommendations about reasonable adjustments that need to be made for a placement. If you have complex needs, Occupational Health may ask for more information or may need to meet to discuss your needs.
Occasionally, applicants are not able to take up their course if the adjustment cannot be made or if the needs are too complex.
The university holds several Open Days/Evenings throughout the year, but specifically throughout the summer and autumn, for more see our Open Days pages. The Disability & Dyslexia Support team always try to send a representative along to answer your questions.
If you'd like the opportunity to sample university life and experience facilities and teaching first hand before you think of joining us then you may enjoy attending a Taster course.
You should contact the person who has arranged the interview as; in this case, it is their responsibility to make reasonable adjustments or arrangements for you.
Usually you will be able to get an appointment to see a Disability Officer within 7 – 10 days. If you already have suitable evidence the Disability Officer will put support arrangements in place straight away.
The Support Arrangements Form (SAF) which you sign will be emailed to your faculty co-ordinator, who in turn will send it on to your Course Director. It is the Course Director?s responsibility to cascade your support requirements to your teaching staff.
Usually you will be able to get an appointment to see a Disability Officer within 7 – 10 days. If you don't have suitable evidence the Disability Officer will discuss with you the best course of action.
If the Disability Officer feels that you need to be assessed for dyslexia you may have to wait up to 6 weeks* for an appointment with an assessor. Dyslexia Assessment Reports take three weeks to write after the assessment appointment, and only then will support be put in place.
*The waiting time for full dyslexia assessments increases significantly later in the academic year.
You could also get an assessment done externally and make an appointment with a Disability Officer to have support put in place bringing the report with you. If you wish to be assessed externally please see our fact sheet.
Usually you will be able to get an appointment to see a Disability Officer within 7 – 10 days. If you don't have suitable evidence the Disability Officer will discuss with you the best course of action.
We can give you a template letter to give to your doctor, the letter comes from you as the students, but we have outlined the information that we need and where to send it.
The University will not pay your Doctor or other Medical Specialist for any letters of evidence.
If you are a home student then you may be eligible for the Disabled Students' Allowances (DSA) which is additional funding for students in Higher Education. DSA is a government grant, which is not currently means tested, that can help pay for additional education costs due to your disability. Types of things they fund may include:
Disabled Students' Allowances which are usually known as DSA is a government or NHS funded grant, to cover the cost of equipment or support such as, note-takers, or sometimes travel costs disabled students may have to pay in order to attend a course. The amount of DSA you receive will depend on a DSA Needs Assessment, and who you apply to depends on how your course is funded. Please see our DSA pages for more detailed information.
You can apply for DSA at any point during your time at University, but the sooner you apply the sooner you will receive the support. You can even apply before you come to university so you can get the ball rolling. The details about your course can be updated when you make your final choice.
Please see the Student Finance England (SFE) website for more information about DSA. (See below if you have a NHS Bursary)
Yes, you can apply through the NHS Bursary Unit please follow this link to their website where you will find more information: http://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/students
Yes, you can apply through Student Finance England but as well as your evidence you must also send a letter from your employer confirming that you are seconded with your application.
If you have evidence from a professional that recommends note taking support, the university will discuss this with you.
In reality the whole process can take quite a while, sometimes around 12-14 weeks from your initial application to receiving your funded support.
Your initial application can sometimes take between 4 and 6 weeks to process so try to be patient. But as it is your application it is your responsibility to first chase your funder if you haven't heard anything.
If you apply to Student Finance England they can be contacted on 0845 300 5090, you will need your Customer Reference Number (CRN).
If you apply to the NHS Bursary they can be contacted on 0845 358 6655, you will need your NHS Bursary Number.
It depends who funds your DSA and whether you are part time or full time and undergraduate or postgraduate. Please ask one of the DDS team.
Our website has a section devoted to information about the DSA
Dyslexia tuition is Non Subject Specific Study Skills support, which takes place regularly on a one-to-one basis with a qualified dyslexia tutor. It is usually funded by the DSA.
The purpose of dyslexia tuition is to help students to develop their independent study skills. Dyslexia tutors will work with their student to identify their learning style and strengths and use these to develop an individualised programme that focuses on enabling them to move towards independent learning.
Mentoring is a regular, one-on-one support with an experienced mental health professional to enable you to move towards working independently. It is usually funded by the DSA.
The support focuses on developing your study skills, such as organisation and prioritisation, time management or concentration, which may be affected by your mental health condition or medication. It can also provide some emotional support.
What mentoring is not…
Unfortunately, the Southwark Campus is a mix of old and new buildings, which are not all accessible to wheelchair users. We will do our best to ensure your lectures and seminars are delivered in an accessible room.
Disability & Dyslexia Support is currently situated on the fourth floor of the Perry Library, but we can arrange to meet you elsewhere if necessary.
In September 2012 we will be moving into the new state-of-the-art Student Centre which is being constructed under the university's existing Tower Block at the corner of Borough Road and Southwark Bridge Road.
The university has a small number of accessible rooms. It is important that you contact the Accommodation Office as early as possible to discuss what facilities you need. For more information please contact them on 020 7815 6417 or go to their website:www.lsbu.ac.uk/accommodation.
Their email is: accommodation@lsbu.ac.uk
Yes, but you will need to register with DDS as soon as you know you are coming to ensure all the support arrangements are in place for when you start your course.
Student Advice Tel: 020 7815 6407
The Student Advice Workers (SAWs) are responsible for providing information, advice & guidance to help students develop strategies for improving their academic and personal skills which are essential for successful adaptation to university life, personal effectiveness and further study.
Mental Health & Wellbeing
Student Mental Health & Wellbeing offers support and advice around mental wellbeing and emotional issues
If you feel like you're having a tough time, you don't know where to turn or who to talk to, or if you're concerned about the university knowing you're finding it difficult to cope, why not book for an informal chat? (Enrolled students only.)
Employability & Careers Tel: 020 7815 6710
The Careers service is a professional information, advice and guidance service, offering a range of services, free-of-charge, to all LSBU staff, students and recent graduates.
Skills for Learning Tel: 020 7815 6409
Developing your study skills can ease your path through University and improve your chances of success both at University and in the job market later on.
Information Technology (IT) Support
For IT Support please go to: http://www.lsbu.ac.uk/learningsupport/itsupport/index.shtml .
If you feel that there is information missing from this list please contact us at disability@lsbu.ac.ukwith your question.
Page updated 06 March 2012
