Impaired speech
caption: A student using a text phone end of caption
We have a number of services described on this page that should enable you to study successfully.
You might need to think about effective communication with your tutor and other students, particularly at tutorials, residential schools and examinations. Please also contact your regional or national centre. The staff there can advise you about the service and support you might need. You can make contact through letter, email or telephone.
Sources of support
Disabled Students' Allowance
You may be eligible for a Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) to help you fund study-related support. Use the short DSA eligibility quiz to find out if you are eligible. If you are DSA eligible the University will only provide study support that cannot be provided by a DSA.
Tutor or study adviser
Your OU tutor or a study adviser is available for contact at certain times through your period of study so you can discuss your requirements. A small amount of time may also be available for one-to-one contact with your tutor.
Regional or national centre
The advisers in your local regional or national centre can deal with any queries you may have. The regional and national centres are open Mondays to Fridays, 9am - 5pm.
All centres have fax machines and email, or you might prefer to prefer to make contact by letter.
The Evening Advice Line is available out of office hours, phone 0870 3331444.
Equipment
You may be eligible for a Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) to help you purchase specialist equipment. Use this short DSA eligibility quiz to find out if you are eligible.
If you are not eligible for a DSA the University has equipment available for loan, such as
- a textphone to make telephone calls with your tutor easier
- assistive technology, for example synthetic speech software for reading written work
- a portable device to support participation in tutorials and at residential school.
Examination arrangements
Additional arrangements can be made where there is clear evidence of need and arrangements are agreed by the Examination and Assessment Board. Further information, including how to request alternative arrangements, can be found in the main examination section. Do look at the information as soon as possible as you will be required to gather evidence of need and that can take some time.
Residential school arrangements
To enable your participation in discussions, tutorials or field trips you could consider using an assistant or using assistive technology. The university can usually provide interpreters for tutorials and residential schools.
If you have a Disabled Students’ Allowance this might include an allowance for a non-medical helper to act as your support assistant. Alternatively we can usually supply an assistant from our register or you can take a friend or relative who is familiar with your needs and able to support you. Either way, the University will cover the cost of the assistant’s meals and accommodation for students not eligible for a DSA.
Information for all students:
Information about:
If you have any queries about a module, finance or the support you would receive, please contact an adviser in the Student Registration & Enquiry Service.
For DSA, examination arrangements, and some other financial or equipment schemes you will need to provide written evidence of additional needs. This evidence is usually a diagnostic assessment or medical report but will depend on the individual situation. As this can take a considerable period of time to arrange it is advisable to think about this well in advance.
