Finding Support That Works for You
The University of Wolverhampton is committed to creating an inclusive environment where disabled people, neurodivergent people and those living with long-term health conditions can participate fully in university life.
We recognise that disability, neurodiversity and long-term health conditions affect people in different ways. Some conditions may be visible, whilst others may not be immediately apparent to others. Everyone's experiences, strengths and support needs are unique.
We aim to ensure that students and staff can access support, adjustments and opportunities that enable them to thrive, whilst fostering a culture of dignity, belonging and inclusion.
Understanding Disability and Neurodiversity
Disability can include physical, sensory, mental health and long-term health conditions that have a substantial impact on day-to-day activities.
Neurodiversity recognises that there are many different ways of thinking, learning, processing information and experiencing the world.
This may include, but is not limited to:
- Autism
- ADHD
- Dyslexia
- Dyspraxia
- Dyscalculia
- Tourette Syndrome
- Other neurodivergent profiles
Many people also live with chronic illnesses, fluctuating conditions, invisible disabilities or long-term health conditions that may affect their studies, work or wellbeing.
Our Commitment
The University is committed to:
- Removing barriers wherever possible.
- Promoting inclusion, accessibility and belonging.
- Supporting reasonable adjustments.
- Fostering a culture of dignity and respect.
- Recognising strengths as well as support needs.
- Enabling disabled and neurodivergent people to participate fully in University life.
We recognise that disability is often created not solely by an individual's condition, but by barriers within environments, systems, processes and attitudes. Creating an inclusive University community is therefore a shared responsibility.
Our Commitment to Disabled Students
The University of Wolverhampton is proud to be a signatory to the Disabled Student Commitment, a sector-wide initiative developed by the Disabled Students' Commission and supported by Advance HE.
The Disabled Student Commitment provides a framework for improving the experiences and outcomes of disabled students throughout their entire university journey. It encourages universities to work in partnership with disabled students to identify barriers, embed inclusive practice and continuously improve accessibility across all aspects of university life.
The Commitment focuses on areas including:
- Access to information and services
- Transition into higher education
- Learning, teaching and assessment
- Student support services
- Placements and professional practice
- Employability and progression
- Participation, belonging and student experience
By signing the Commitment, the University has pledged to listen to disabled students, work collaboratively to identify barriers and continually improve the accessibility of learning, support and campus life.
We believe disability inclusion is not simply about responding to individual needs. It is about creating an environment where accessibility, belonging and inclusive practice are embedded throughout the University experience.
Students: Accessibility, Disability and Inclusion Support
The University's Accessibility, Disability and Inclusion Team provides specialist advice and support for students with disabilities, long-term health conditions and neurodivergent profiles.
Support may include:
- Learning Support Plans
- Reasonable adjustments
- Examination and assessment adjustments
- Assistive technology
- Guidance on Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA)
- Support for long-term health conditions
- Neurodiversity support and advice
- Liaison with academic schools and professional services
The team works collaboratively with students to identify support that reflects their individual circumstances and strengths.
For more information, visit the University's Accessibility, Disability and Inclusion Team webpage.
Staff: Workplace Support and Adjustments
The University recognises that staff may require support and workplace adjustments to enable them to work safely and effectively.
Support may include:
- Workplace adjustments
- Flexible working arrangements where appropriate
- Occupational Health referrals
- Specialist equipment or software
- Wellbeing support
- Managerial support and guidance
Staff seeking advice or support should speak to:
- Their line manager
- Human Resources
- Occupational Health (where appropriate)
- The Employee Assistance Programme
Seeking support early can often help identify practical solutions and prevent difficulties from escalating.
Not All Disabilities Are Visible
Some disabilities, health conditions and neurodivergent differences may not be immediately visible to others.
Examples may include:
- Autism
- ADHD
- Dyslexia
- Chronic pain conditions
- Diabetes
- Epilepsy
- Hearing loss
- Mental health conditions
- Chronic fatigue-related conditions
- Neurological conditions
People should not be expected to repeatedly explain, justify or prove their experiences in order to access understanding, support or reasonable adjustments.
Disclosure and Choice
Some people choose to disclose a disability, health condition or neurodivergent profile. Others may not.
Disclosure is a personal decision.
However, sharing relevant information can help the University understand how best to provide support and consider reasonable adjustments where appropriate.
Individuals should feel empowered to make informed choices about disclosure and should be supported in those decisions.
Disability-Related Harassment and Discrimination
Everyone has the right to study and work in an environment free from harassment, discrimination and victimisation.
Examples of disability-related discrimination or harassment may include:
- Offensive comments or jokes
- Mocking or belittling a disability
- Refusing reasonable adjustments without justification
- Excluding someone because of their disability or condition
- Making assumptions about capability or competence
- Treating someone unfavourably because of a disability
Such behaviour is not acceptable and may be contrary to the Equality Act 2010 and University policies.
Support is available if you experience or witness disability-related discrimination, harassment or victimisation.
Neurodiversity as Difference, Not Deficit
The University recognises that neurodivergent people often bring valuable strengths, perspectives and approaches to learning and work.
These may include:
- Creativity
- Innovation
- Problem-solving
- Attention to detail
- Persistence
- Pattern recognition
- Original thinking
Support is not about changing who people are.
It is about creating environments where individuals can succeed whilst being themselves.
Supporting Disabled and Neurodivergent Colleagues and Students
Inclusive environments benefit everyone.
Simple actions can make a significant difference:
- Avoid assumptions.
- Use accessible communication.
- Be flexible where possible.
- Listen to individual experiences.
- Recognise that support needs may vary.
- Focus on removing barriers rather than creating them.
Often the most effective support begins with a simple question:
"What would be helpful for you?"
Accessing Specialist Support
Some individuals may wish to access specialist disability, neurodiversity or condition-specific organisations alongside University support.
This may include organisations supporting:
- Autistic people
- People with ADHD
- People with sensory impairments
- People with chronic illnesses
- People with mental health conditions
- Carers and family members
Choosing specialist support is a personal choice and many people access both University and external services.
For more information on choosing support that feels right for you, please visit our Finding Support That Feels Right for You section.
Belonging Matters
Everyone should feel able to participate fully in University life without unnecessary barriers.
Disability, neurodiversity or a health condition should never prevent someone from feeling valued, respected and included within our community.
We are committed to creating a University where accessibility, inclusion and belonging are everyone's responsibility.
Remember
There is no single way to experience disability, neurodiversity or long-term health conditions.
Whether you access support through the Accessibility, Disability and Inclusion Team, Human Resources, Occupational Health, specialist organisations or a combination of services, support should reflect your individual circumstances, strengths and needs.
The right support is the support that helps you participate, succeed and belong.