- What is classed as a disability?
- What does long term mean?
- What about fluctuating conditions?
- How is disability assessed?
- Need more support?
What is classed as a disability?
Under the Equality Act 2010, a disability is defined as:
"A physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on a person's ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities."
This can include:
- Sensory impairments, such as sight or hearing loss
- Physical impairments, including mobility difficulties and chronic pain
- Specific learning difficulties, such as dyslexia or dyspraxia
- Mental health conditions, including depression, schizophrenia and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Medical conditions, such as epilepsy or diabetes
- Cancer, HIV and multiple sclerosis (from the point of diagnosis)
- Progressive medical conditions
- Autism spectrum conditions, including Asperger syndrome
- Conditions involving ongoing pain or fatigue, such as ME/CFS
- Musculoskeletal conditions, such as repetitive strain injury (RSI) and carpal tunnel syndrome
- Stammers
- Severe facial disfigurements
- A history of disability
Please note: This is not a complete list.
What does long term mean?
A condition is usually considered long term if it:
- Has lasted, or is expected to last, at least 12 months, or
- Is expected to last for the rest of a person's life
For example, a broken arm would not normally be considered a disability if it is expected to heal within 12 months.
What about fluctuating conditions?
Some conditions may not affect a person all the time but can still be classed as disabilities if they have a substantial impact when symptoms occur and are likely to recur.
Examples include:
- Epilepsy
- ME/CFS
- Some mental health conditions
How is disability assessed?
When determining whether a condition meets the legal definition of disability, the impact is generally considered without:
- Medication
- Treatment or therapeutic interventions
- Coping strategies
- Assistive aids or technology
This means that some people may be protected under the Equality Act even if their condition is well managed through treatment.
The main exception is visual impairment, which is assessed using the person's glasses or contact lenses where applicable.
For more information, visit the UK Government guidance on the definition of disability under the Equality Act 2010.
Need more support?
If you would like to discuss your support needs or find out what help may be available during your studies, complete the Support for Your Studies self-referral form.