We offer a range of specialist services to support students with disabilities, long-term conditions and mental health needs.
- Accessibility advisors
- Specialist study skills tuition
- Assistive technology
- Specialist mentoring
- Diagnostic Assessment Service (DSA)
- Support workers and communication support
- Mental wellbeing support
Accessibility advisors
Our accessibility advisers support disabled students by arranging reasonable adjustments and tailored support for your studies.
We recommend contacting an adviser before you start your course or as soon as you register.
Find out more about:
Specialist study skills tuition
We provide access to assistive technology to support your learning.
Available 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 your DSA equipment, you may be able to borrow items on a short-term basis.
Find out more:
- Information on the DSA Computer Equipment Grant
If you are not eligible for DSA, Student Wellbeing may be able to provide loan equipment.
Assistive technology
If students are awarded equipment but there is a delay in the delivery, there are some opportunities for students to borrow alternatives on a short-term basis. Some of the AT available includes digital voice recorders, specialist software, magnifiers, hearing radio aids, Livescribe pens, reading pens, ergonomic keyboards, and mice.
Information on the DSA Computer Equipment Grant
For students who are not eligible for the Disabled Students Allowance but who have a disability, Student Wellbeing may be able to provide loan equipment to support you through your studies.
Specialist mentoring
Specialist mentors support students with:
- Autism spectrum conditions
- Asperger’s syndrome
- Mental health difficulties
Your mentor will help you:
- Develop study strategies
- Build independent learning skills
- Navigate university life
Mentoring is usually arranged through your DSA needs assessment. If you do not have DSA but think mentoring would help, speak to your accessibility adviser.
Diagnostic Assessment Service
We offer diagnostic assessments for specific learning difficulties such as:
- Dyslexia
- Dyspraxia
- Non-verbal learning difficulties
A full diagnostic assessment is required if you are applying for DSA for a specific learning difficulty.
Your assessment will:
- Identify your strengths and support needs
- Provide recommendations for your studies
If you think you may have ADHD or ADD, you will need to speak to your GP for diagnosis.
Support workers and communication support
We can arrange specialist support workers, including:
- British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters
- Specialist notetakers
- Communication support workers
To request support, contact your accessibility adviser.
Mental wellbeing
We support students with a range of mental health needs, whether short-term or ongoing.
You do not need a formal diagnosis to access help.
Our mental health team can support you if you:
- Are experiencing difficulties for the first time
- Have an existing mental health condition
- Need help managing your wellbeing during your studies
If you are unsure what support is right for you, please contact us and we will guide you.
Email: studentwellbeing@herts.ac.uk