Information and Advice for Students with Disabilities
Please note that upon request this document can be provided in alternative formats, such as in large print or as an audio file.
Contents
University Campus Suffolk is fully committed to equality of opportunity and values diversity in the university community. You can see our Equality & Diversity Policy here|.
Who to contact
There are staff available at each Learning Network Centre that can help with disability issues.To contact or make an appointment with a disability adviser, you can use the contact details below
To contact or make an appointment with a member of the Student Support team please contact the relevant person as listed below:
Accessibility
Each Network Centre is committed to making UCS accessible for all students, staff and visitors. There is information about accessibility at each Centre below:
Physical Access
UCS Bury St Edmunds
The centre has good access and all parts are accessible to wheelchair users. West Suffolk Hospital Education centre has good access to the ground and first floors.
UCS Great Yarmouth
The centre has recently installed ramps, automatic doors, accessible toilet facilities, additional lifts and arrangements for car parking. Drake Centre (Health) is fully accessible.
UCS Ipswich
Ipswich campus is accessible to wheelchair users. All door/access points are positioned to enable wheelchair users independent access. UCS Union is fully accessible to wheelchair users. Heath Road Hospital Education centre – access only to ground floor for wheelchair users.
UCS Lowestoft
The Centre provides good access to all buildings and facilities for those with restricted mobility. There are automatic doors at most entrances. There is lift access to upper floors in all but the technology block. The majority of the lifts have Braille controls and audio announcements. There is more information about accessibility at Lowestoft College through DisabledGo (http://www.disabledgo.com/en/access-guide/core/lowestoft-college|).
UCS Otley
The whole of the site is accessible to students.
Car Parking
Car parking in designated parking areas is available at all sites. There is accessible parking available at all sites.
Students without a blue badge who require accessible parking spaces on site should contact the relevant Disability adviser (see above).
Accessible toilet facilities
There are accessible toilets available at every site.
Personal Care
If you need personal care support please contact the disability adviser at the relevant Centre.
Specialist equipment
There are hearing loops available at each Centre. If you require a signer, this can also be arranged by contact the relevant Disability Adviser.
Assistive Technology is also available at some Centres. Contact the relevant centre for more information about what technology is available and how to access it.
FAQ's
Q: Why should I tell you I need support?
A: It is up to you whether you want to disclose a disability to UCS. However, if we know that you require some support we will be able to ensure that this is in place.
Q: When should I tell you I need support?
A: As soon as possible, preferably as soon as you make an application.This will enable us to ensure that support is in place for when you start your course. Some students like to speak to someone about what support is available before they make an application to UCS. You can contact the Disability Adviser for your centre at any time before you begin your course.
Q: How do I tell you that I need support?
A: You can let us know in a number of ways:
- You can indicate on the UCAS or UCS application form that you have a disability or additional support need.
- On enrolment you will have an opportunity to let us know that you have a disability or other additional need and whether you would like to discuss support arrangements. We will then contact you to invite you in to meet a Disability Adviser to discuss your support arrangements. On occasion students studying professional health courses may also need to meet the Occupational Health service representative, to discuss support whilst on placement.
- You can contact a Disability Adviser at any time before or during your course.
Q: What support is available?
A: Your Disability Adviser will discuss your support needs with you and Individual support arrangements will be made. These many include:
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Specialist study skills support for students with specific learning difficulties, such as dyslexia.
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Note taking support
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Mentoring Support
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Examination concessions
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Advice on applying for assessment for specific learning difficulties or Disabled Student Allowances (DSA).
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Advice on equipment, personal care support and the use of the library or other facilities.
Q. What arrangements can be made for exams?
A: If you need alternative arrangements for exams, you should discuss them as early as possible with your Disability Adviser who should ensure that the exams office is aware of your requirements. Arrangements that can be made include; additional time, enlarged or coloured papers, readers, scribes, signers, separate rooms and the use of word processors. The arrangements for each student depends on their individual requirements recommendations
Other types of support
All students can access the whole range of support services at UCS and across the Network Centres. The services available are outlined below and also available on the UCS website and on Wolsey. If you have any queries about the support available, please contact your relevant Centre.
Counselling
A free professional and confidential counselling service is available to all students. Appointments can be made through Student Support at each Centre.
Welfare Advice
Careers and Employability Advice
We can help you to explore career options and ideas at any stage of your studies. There is open access to careers resources and information and appointments can also be made for one-to-one advice sessions.
Childcare
Advice on finding suitable childcare provision, both on and off campus, is offered by student support advisers at each Centre.
Chaplaincy
A multi-faith chaplaincy team is based in Ipswich and they are available throughout term time. There are also services available in Lowestoft, Bury St Edmunds and Great Yarmouth. Unfortunately there are currently no chaplaincy services available in Otley, but arrangements can be made if the services are requested.
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Lowestoft - Paul McDonough (flexible availability)
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Bury St Edmunds - Multi-faith chaplaincy available from September at lunchtimes.
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Great Yarmouth - Margaret Bazely - Multi-faith chaplaincy available Monday and Thursday 9am-5pm.
Health Care
There are first aiders available at all Centres. For local information about health care, registering with GP’s and Dentists you should contact NHS Direct on 0845 4647 or visit the website: http://www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/|.
Accommodation
The UCS Accommodation Service provides a list of approved landlords and properties available for rent in Ipswich. For more information e-mail info@ucs.ac.uk / or ring the Infozone on 01473 338833| or ring the Infozone on 01473 338833
Is there a cost?
All services offered by Student Support are provided free of charge. As a student in Higher Education, you may be able to apply for Disabled Students' Allowances through Student Finance England or the NHS Student Bursaries. This allowance can help pay for specialist equipment to assist you in your studies and fund additional support. You will be supported in making this application by your Disability Adviser.
If you are unable to meet the financial demands of your studies you can make an application to the Access to Learning Fund.
Who do I tell about the quality of the service?
We value your views on the service provided. We welcome your opinion on any good points, queries, complaints or concerns. You may feedback to your tutor, to Student Support or through the annual evaluation procedures.
What other information can I read about UCS?
UCS has a range of policies which you may access on the website or request in an alternative format. The UCS Student Directory includes the UCS Disability Statement (this document) and UCS Student Support Statement of Service, as well as:
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Health & Safety policy
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Equality & Diversity policy
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Tutorial policy
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Complaints procedure