Decide what you need

Step 1

Read the sections that apply to you, to consider how OU study may relate to your circumstances and to see what facilities and services are available to you.

• Blind or partially sighted
• Deaf or hard of hearing
• Restricted mobility
• Restricted manual skills
• Dyslexia or other specific learning difficulties
• Mental health disabilities
• Impaired speech
• Other additional requirements

Step 2

Consider what studying your particular qualification or module involves

If you are choosing a qualification, look at Choosing the right qualification which suggests some of the potential challenges that you should consider.

If you are choosing a standalone module, read the module description carefully as it will tell you about how you are expected to study and what materials are included.

Please take particular note of the description section ‘If you have a disability or additional requirement’, which mentions any aspects of study that might be difficult for students with a particular disability. For example, students may need to access audio or visual material, or take part in online tutorials.

Step 3

Complete the general services and equipment request form to tell us about your study requirements and the services you need

Tell us what you need online (or in Word or PDF format). Alternatively, we can take your details over the phone if you can’t complete the form yourself.

Forms will normally be processed within 15 working days, but applications from students who are about to start their study will be prioritised over those starting later.

Some services can take several months to arrange so, whatever you decide, please let us know your requirements as soon as possible so we can make arrangements for you in good time.

You can ask for help or advice at any time. You needn’t worry about any requirements you may have for residential schools or examinations at this stage: we will contact you about these nearer the time.

Step 4

Once you have completed and submitted the request form, check whether you can get a Disabled Student's Allowance to help with the costs of study

If you are a UK student you may be eligible for a Disabled Student's Allowance (DSA), which is a government grant for disabled students in higher education, and is provided to help with the extra costs needed for study. 

DSAs can help pay for

• specialist equipment you need for studying – for example, voice-activated and synthetic speech output computer software, low vision aids, scanners, ergonomic equipment, a computer, warranties and insurance
• study support helper: this could be a dyslexia tutor, mental health mentor, sign language interpreter, mobility/note taking assistant, assistant for attendance at tutorials
• general allowance may be given for the additional costs you incur for printer cartridges, computer paper, coloured overlays
• travel costs may be awarded if you are unable to use public transport to attend tutorials; a 75% contribution to taxi costs may be approved.

Use the short DSA eligibility quiz to find out if you can apply for a DSA.

We strongly encourage you to apply for a DSA if you are eligible as it can help you to fully participate in your studies by providing support for you at home, in tutorials and at residential schools. This is in addition to many of the services and facilities provided by the OU.

If you are eligible for a DSA, The Open University will only provide study support that cannot be provided by a DSA.

If you have any questions

Please contact the advisers at your regional or national centre for all initial enquiries about modules, the range of support available and how to get that support.

Overseas student planning to study through an OU partner organisation?

You should tell your local education centre as early as possible, and prior to registration, if you need support because of a disability. Please liaise with them to discuss the support you feel you will require. Your local education centre will then contact us to explore the type of support which can be provided. We will only use the information you give us to help you in your studies.

Student whose employer is working in partnership with the OU?

You should register your disability with the OU, who may be able to offer additional support relating to your study needs. Your regional or national centre will be able to provide you with more advice.

Please liaise with your employer or supervisor for any adjustments that should be made in your place of work or placement setting in order for you to complete your learning activities.