We offer a range of specialist services to support students with disabilities, long-term conditions and mental health needs.
- How do I request accessibility and disability support?
- What accessibility and disability support and reasonable adjustments are available?
- What is a Study Needs Agreement (SNA)?
- What assistive technology and study support is available?
- Can I get specialist mentoring?
- Can I get a diagnostic assessment for dyslexia or learning difficulties?
- What support workers and communication support are available?
- What mental health support is available?
- How can I check accessibility on campus?
- Can I get accessible parking on campus?
- What accessibility and disability support in the Learning Resources Centres (LRCs)
- Where can I find support for my specific needs?
- What is considered a disability?
- What is Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA)?
- Practice Placement Needs Agreement
- Advice from other disabled students
- Contact Accessibility and Disability Services
How do I request accessibility and disability support?
The Accessibility and Disability team can help you access support and reasonable adjustments throughout your studies.
You can access support at any time, and you do not need a formal diagnosis to contact the team. We recommend getting in touch before your course starts or as soon as possible after you register.
Complete the academic support for your disability form.
You can also contact Student Wellbeing:
- Email: studentwellbeing@herts.ac.uk
- Telephone: 01707 284453
- In person: Hutton Hub, College Lane campus
What accessibility and disability support and reasonable adjustments are available?
Accessibility Advisers can help identify the support and adjustments you need for your studies.
They can help you:
- arrange reasonable adjustments
- complete a Study Needs Agreement (SNA)
- apply for Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA)
- understand what evidence you may need for a disability or health condition
- arrange support for placements
- access specialist disability support.
Find out more:
- Meet the Accessibility and Disability Services team
- Accessibility Advisor appointments: what to expect
What is a Study Needs Agreement (SNA)?
Your Study Needs Agreement records the adjustments and recommendations agreed with your adviser.
It helps academic staff and University services understand and support your individual study requirements throughout your course.
Read more about Study Needs Agreements (SNAs).
What assistive technology and study support is available?
We provide assistive technology and specialist equipment to support your learning.
Equipment may include:
- digital voice recorders
- specialist software
- magnifiers
- hearing radio aids
- Livescribe pens
- reading pens
- ergonomic keyboards and mice.
If there is a delay in receiving equipment through Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA), you may be able to borrow equipment for a short period.
If you are not eligible for DSA, Student Wellbeing may be able to provide loan equipment.
Find out more about the DSA Computer Equipment Grant.
Can I get specialist mentoring?
Specialist mentoring is available for students with:
- autism spectrum conditions
- Asperger's syndrome
- mental health difficulties.
A specialist mentor can help you:
- develop study strategies
- build independent learning skills
- manage university life.
Mentoring is usually arranged through a DSA needs assessment.
If you do not receive DSA but think mentoring could help you, speak to your Accessibility Adviser.
Can I get a diagnostic assessment for dyslexia or learning difficulties?
We offer diagnostic assessments for specific learning difficulties, including:
- dyslexia
- dyspraxia
- non-verbal learning difficulties.
Your assessment will:
- identify your strengths and support needs
- recommend strategies and support for your studies.
A diagnostic assessment is required if you are applying for DSA for a specific learning difficulty.
If you think you may have ADHD or ADD, speak to your GP about diagnosis.
What support workers and communication support are available?
We can arrange specialist support workers, including:
- British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters
- specialist notetakers
- communication support workers.
Contact your Accessibility Adviser to discuss the support available to you.
What mental health support is available?
Support is available for students with short-term and ongoing mental health needs. You do not need a formal diagnosis to access support.
The team can help if you:
- are experiencing mental health difficulties for the first time
- have an existing mental health condition
- need support managing your wellbeing during your studies.
Find out about counselling and mental health support
If you are unsure which support is right for you, email studentwellbeing@herts.ac.uk.
How can I check accessibility on campus?
Use AccessAble to find accessibility information for travel, parking, rooms and buildings on our campuses.
Campus accessibility guides:
- College Lane campus access guides
- De Havilland campus access guides
- Bayfordbury campus access guides
Can I get accessible parking on campus?
Parking on campus is limited.
If you have a Blue Badge
You can use an accessible parking bay once you have registered for an on-campus parking permit.
If you do not have a Blue Badge
If you cannot use the park and ride because of your circumstances, you may be able to apply for an Extenuating Circumstances (EC) parking permit..
An EC permit allows you to park on campus but does not guarantee a parking space.
For more information, email studentwellbeing@herts.ac.uk or visit parking at Herts.
What accessibility and disability support in the Learning Resources Centres (LRCs)
The Learning Resources Centres (LRCs) provide spaces, services and technology to support students and staff with disabilities, whether or not you have a diagnosis.
Find out about disability support in the LRCs
Where can I find support for my specific needs?
Find support and guidance relevant to your needs:
- Support for dyslexia
- Support for neurodiversity
- Support for your mental health difficulty
- Support for a stammer or stutter
- Disability support for international students
- Support for postgraduate research students
- Hertfordshire Business School student support
What is considered a disability?
The University follows the definition of disability set out in equality legislation.
Find out more at what is a disability?
What is Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA)?
Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) can provide support, equipment or software to help you study.
The Accessibility and Disability team can explain how to apply for DSA and help you understand what evidence you need, but they do not make the application on your behalf.
Find out more:
- Apply for Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA)
- Book a DSA needs assessment
- DSA Computer Equipment Grant
Practice Placement Needs Agreement
If you are going on placement, a Practice Placement Needs Agreement can help you discuss any support or adjustments you may need.
You decide what information you want to share and with whom. This purpose is also reflected in the newer University accessibility material.
Find out about the Practice Placement Needs Agreement
Advice from other disabled students
Read practical tips and advice from other students at Herts.
Top tips for disabled students
Contact Accessibility and Disability Services
If you are not sure what support you need, contact the team to discuss your circumstances and available support.
Email: studentwellbeing@herts.ac.uk