Evidence requirements for Reasonable Adjustments

We need medical evidence. It must clearly state that you have a long-term diagnosed condition. This might include a Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) report or a letter from a GP or consultant.

Appointment letters are not sufficient evidence. Unfortunately, some GPs will charge for writing evidence letters, and you will have to pay this fee.

If you don’t already have appropriate evidence, we advise you to obtain a letter that shows you’re disabled under the definition of the Equality Act 2010 (see below). You can use this same letter to apply for Disabled Students’ Allowance.

It is helpful for the medical evidence to include:

• Likely duration of the disability or health condition.
• Whether the condition is fluctuating or progressive.
• Possible impacts on learning and/or attendance at university (described as if the condition was untreated).
• Any impact on day-to-day activities (described as if the condition was untreated).

If possible, identify whether the condition affects:

• Concentration or memory.
• Reading or writing for long periods.
• Use of computers.
• Mobility and/or the ability to walk any distance.

It should also say if your medication has side effects which might impact learning. These might include sleep disturbance or fatigue in the mornings.

You are disabled under the Equality Act 2010 if you have a physical or mental impairment that has a 'substantial' and 'long-term' negative effect on your ability to carry out normal daily activities, including studying.

‘Substantial’ is more than minor or trivial - for example, it takes much longer than it usually would to complete a daily task like getting dressed. ‘Long-term’ means it is likely to last for 12 months or more. This can include conditions where the impact fluctuates, such as depression or fibromyalgia.

The impact of any impairment or disability should be described as though it was not treated by medication, therapy, or other care and lifestyle management.

To receive reasonable adjustments, you’ll need to provide a full diagnostic assessment report. This must be completed in accordance with SASC guidelines by either:

• An Educational Psychologist who holds a current Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) certificate, or
• A Specialist Teacher Assessor holding a current Assessment Practising Certificate (APC).

Please be aware that a JCQ Form 8 is insufficient evidence.

Please see our Accessing Support (DOCX - 38KB) guidelines for more detailed guidance, or email disability@contacts.bham.ac.uk.

If you think you may have:

• dyslexia
• dyspraxia
• dyscalculia
• attention and concentration difficulties

but haven’t yet had an assessment, you might want to use a screening tool to explore your strengths and weaknesses. If the screening tool suggests you may qualify for a diagnosis, you can book a full diagnostic assessment. The following organisations can help:

• PATOSS – Tutor Index
• British Dyslexia Association (BDA)
• The British Psychological Society (BPS)

You’ll be responsible for arranging and funding your own assessment. Get in touch with disability@contacts.bham.ac.uk if you need further guidance.

If you are a current student, please also see our screening and formal assessments information.

We'll need to see a medical letter or report from a GP or medical consultant. This will need to confirm a diagnosis and state that this has a long-term impact on your day-to-day life. We may also consider a needs assessment report which states that the evidence has been seen.

If you have an Educational Health and Care Plan (EHCP) which has been issued by a local authority, we can review these on a case-by-case basis. Please note that you may not get the same adjustments at the University.

If you're applying with us for on-campus parking only, we require a letter from your GP or consultant. This must clearly state that you would benefit from on-campus parking and why. For example, if you have difficulty walking more than 100 metres.

If you're a Blue Badge holder, you don’t need to apply with our service to access car parking on campus. Please attach a copy of your blue badge to the application form available under 'Student Parking' on the Car Parking intranet page.