Further education

Your college is responsible for providing the equipment and support you need to complete your course successfully. It has a legal responsibility to make reasonable adjustments.

Support if you are deaf or hard of hearing

All further education establishments are covered under the Special Educational Needs and Disability Act (SENDA), which means they are required to provide support for all disabled students. However, the amount of support may vary depending on the university.

You should make sure you visit the college or university you are thinking of attending and ask to meet someone from its support service. This will give you the chance to ask questions and will help you get a good impression of what support you could get.

Check the college or university website and prospectus. Student support should be listed there and you will be able to get an idea of how much support is available.

Don't wait until you have a firm offer of a place. Your Local Education Authority will tell you what you have to do to get help in time for the start of your course.

Communication support

You are entitled to the communication support of your choice while in education.

Find out about what kind of communication support is available.

A communication support worker (CSW) provides provide educational and communication support. Read more about them in our factsheet Working with a communication support worker. The types of support that may be available can vary at different universities. It could be

Any special assessment or examination arrangements will need to be discussed with your disability support or guidance team at the university. This should be done as soon as you start your course, so preparations for your support can be made.

Financial support

Disabled Students' Allowances can provide extra financial help. They are available on top of the standard student finance package and don't have to be repaid. Find out more about Disabled Students' Allowances (external link, opens new browser window).

Useful links

Directgov has a comprehensive guide to the support available to all students (external link, opens new browser window).

The Connexions Service (external link, opens new browser window) provides support for learners aged 13 to 19 and will help with decisions about and planning for transition from school to college or employment.

Skill (external link, opens new browser window) is an independent charity that promotes opportunities for people with any kind of disability in learning and employment.