Disability service (Enabling support)

We provide advice on...

• Pre-entry
• Campus accessibility
• Assistive technology
• Dyslexia screening and assessments
• Exam support 
• Liaison with academic departments
• Referral to other support agencies
• Library support
• Accommodation
• Financial assistance

Pre-entry

Our service participates in University Open Day and in Applicants’ Visit Days.  Prospective students will be given a warm welcome and will be able to obtain initial information about the support available for their needs while on course. For those who require a more confidential chat, a private interview can be arranged on request.

We can support a fully co-ordinated pre-entry visit with advice on Accommodation, the Library, Assistive technology and meetings with relevant academic departments for those with more complex needs. Please contact our office for further details or to arrange a pre-entry visit.

Campus accessibility

Two of the buildings at Dumfries campus are currently used by Glasgow University students.  Both have lift access and catering facilities within them.

Assistive technology

The Disability service arranges evaluation and training sessions for students who have assistive technology requirements.

Assistive software packages can be provided and most of these are available on the University network. Advice on training in assistive software or on IT quotes for DSA claims is also part of the service we offer. A loan pool of equipment is available for those who require such a service.

Dyslexia screening and assessments

For students who have dyslexia and require an updated psychologist’s assessment we offer access to the services of a Chartered Educational Psychologist experienced in assessing the needs of adults in Higher Education.

For those who feel they have study difficulties, which may be linked to undiagnosed dyslexia, we offer a diagnostic screening service which is free of charge. A referral can then be arranged for an assessment with the Educational Psychologist, if appropriate. A Disability Adviser who is an appropriately qualified dyslexia specialist sees all students who refer with such difficulties.

Exam support

Our service is responsible for assessing the needs of those requiring support in examinations and for informing academic departments of such requirements, subject to approval by the Clerk of Senate. All exam support arrangements are subject to appropriate and relevant professional evidence being provided by the student.

Liaison with academic departments

Our service works closely and successfully with academic departments and Advisers of Studies to support disabled students.  Each School has a Departmental Contact (DC)  responsible for addressing and promoting the needs of disabled students within their department.

Referral to other support agencies

Our service is part of a network of support services within the University. We refer students to other services including Student funding, Careers, Chaplaincy, and Counselling.  We also work with external support agencies in supporting our students on course.

Library support

The library offers a range of support services for disabled students. These include: extended loans, private study facilities, a fetching and carrying service, help with the catalogue system and with locating books and journals where necessary.

Accommodation

We liaise closely with the Accommodation service to co-ordinate appropriate allocation of accommodation where there is a disclosed disability related need. The Accommodation service ensures that appropriate support is available within accommodation for students with disabilities and certain medical conditions. Further information is available on application.

Financial assistance

Where a student incurs additional study related costs as a consequence of their disability they may be eligible for additional financial assistance such as Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA). This is a non-means tested award paid for by the student’s funding agency. Further information on assistance in applying and advice on eligibility can be given on application to our service.

For further advice, contact the Enabling Support Advisers:

 University Student Services, Dumfries and Galloway College Building, Bankend Road, Dumfries DG1 4FD.

+44(0)1387 734279

studentservices-dumfries@uws.ac.uk