Am I eligible for support?
What do we mean by 'disability'?
The Equality Act (2010) replaced the Disability Discrimination Act (2005) in providing protection and legal rights for disabled people. It uses the following definition of disability:
“The Act defines a disability as a physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long-term (i.e. has lasted or is likely to last for at least twelve months) adverse effect on a person’s ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities.”
More information about the Equality Act can be found on the following websites:
More information about the University’s Disability Equality Scheme and Disability Equality Policy is also available from the Equality and Diversity Unit.
Who is eligible for support?
The following is not an exhaustive list, but people in these circumstances (and some others) are likely to have rights under the Equality Act 2010 to protect them from discrimination.
- Specific learning difficulties (SpLDs), including dyslexia, dyspraxia, and attention deficit (hyperactivity) disorder;
- Developmental disorders, such as Asperger Syndrome and other Autism Spectrum Disorders;
- Mental health difficulties, such as depression, psychotic illnesses, eating disorders, bipolar affective disorders, obsessive compulsive disorders, as well as personality disorders and some self-harming behaviour;
- A range of health conditions, such as respiratory conditions (including asthma), cardiovascular diseases (including thrombosis, stroke and heart disease), rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, myalgic encephalitis (ME)/chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), fibromyalgia, and epilepsy;
- Progressive conditions, such as cancer, HIV, multiple sclerosis; motor neurone disease, muscular dystrophy, forms of dementia and lupus (SLE);
- Sensory impairments, such as those affecting sight or hearing;
- Mobility difficulties.
Contact the Disability Advisory Service if you are not sure whether you have a disability or are eligible for support.
How do I demonstrate that I have a disability?
Students with specific learning difficulties (SpLD)
A diagnostic assessment report carried out by an educational psychologist or specialist teacher with a valid practising certificate is required before you can apply for or the Disabled Students' Allowances (DSA).
Your assessment must also meet Oxford’s Guidance on SpLD Diagnostic Assessments before alternative examination arrangements can be agreed by the University Proctors.
Your assessment must have been:
- conducted after your sixteenth birthday;
- conducted within three years (for undergraduates) or five years (for postgraduates) of the start date of your course at Oxford*;
- conducted on an individual basis;
- have used tests designed for use with adults.
*Students continuing directly from undergraduate to postgraduate study will not normally require a new diagnostic assessment and should contact the Disability Advisory Service for guidance on how to proceed.
Please contact the Disability Advisory Service if you have any questions or if you would like to find out to arrange a new assessment.
Other types of disability
A medical letter from a GP or Consultant will be sufficient for most other types of conditions or impairments and must specify:
- What your condition or impairment is (including any diagnosis) and how long you have had it or when you were diagnosed;
- Any treatment or support you are currently in receipt of (or that is recommended);
- If you are likely to require any alternative examination arrangements, the medical letter must state what they should be (e.g. extra time, alternative seating, etc) and why it would be of benefit to you.
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