Disability and Access

Support for Your Studies

At The University of Buckingham, we value every student as a unique individual. We want you to feel supported and able to fully access your studies and university life.

If you have a disability or a long-term health condition, we are here to help through our reasonable adjustments process, ensuring that any barriers to your learning are removed wherever possible.

What does “disability” mean?

The Equality Act (2010) classification of disability is used. Under the Act, disability is defined as “a physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on normal day-to-day activities”. The condition must last or be likely to last 12 months or more.

This can include (but is not limited to):

• physical or sensory impairments,
• mental ill health,
• specific learning difficulties and
• chronic or fluctuating conditions.

Whilst normal day-to-day activities are not defined in the Act, examples relevant to students could include, writing, typing, walking or other forms of travelling, communicating with others and carrying out routine practical tasks relevant to the subject of study

What are “reasonable adjustments”?

Reasonable adjustments are changes we make to remove or reduce barriers caused by a disability. These might include:

• Adapting course materials, teaching methods, or assessments.
• Adjusting deadlines or timetables where appropriate.
• Making changes to fixtures or study spaces.
• Providing specialist equipment or human support (e.g., scribes or interpreters).

We look at each request on a case-by-case basis to ensure the adjustments are effective, practical, and maintain academic standards.

What is an unfair barrier?

An unfair barrier could be:

• Physical: Inaccessible buildings, signage, or furniture.
• Attitudinal: Stereotyping, prejudice, or discrimination.
• Organisational: Teaching practices, course materials, or deadlines that unnecessarily disadvantage students with disabilities.

When should I tell you?

It’s best to let us know as early as possible—ideally when you apply—so support can be in place before you start your studies. However, you can request adjustments at any point during your time at the University.

We will ask you to provide medical or professional evidence (normally less than two years old) to help us understand your needs and create an individualised support plan.

Is my information kept private?

Yes. Anything you tell us about your disability is treated with the strictest confidentiality. Your information will only be shared with staff on a need-to-know basis to put your agreed adjustments in place. We’ll ask for your consent before sharing information unless there’s a legal requirement or serious concern for your safety.

How do I get help?

Our Wellbeing, Skills, and Diversity (WSD) Team will:

• Talk with you about your needs.
• Put your reasonable adjustments in place.
• Review them with you during your course to make sure they’re still working for you.

If you think this applies to you—or you’d like to know more about the support we offer—please contact the Wellbeing, Skills, and Diversity Team at WSD@buckingham.ac.uk