Services for disabled students
Over 12,000 students with a disability, health condition, mental health disability or specific learning difficulty (such as dyslexia) study at the OU. We offer a wide range of support services and facilities to enable you to succeed in your studies, including advice about funding. We also support the arrangements for tutorials, examinations and residential schools, and the provision of equipment.
Considering OU study?
- Accessible study materials available
- Financial support and the Disabled Students' Allowance
- Equipment and other services - what we can do
- Examination arrangements - alternative options
- Contacts for advice
Already registered with the OU?
- How to decide what you need
- See what support is available for tutorials and residential school
- Find out about the Disabled Students' Allowance and other financial support
- Complete a form to tell us what you need
OR
- Use the four step checklist and tell us about your study requirements.
Studying outside the UK?
Studying with us directly?
If you are an overseas student studying with us directly, please be aware that some services and resources mentioned on this site are funded by the UK government for UK-based students only and so won't be available to you. Before you decide to study with us we advise you to contact us on tel: +44 845 241 6555 to talk through your particular situation.
Studying with a 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.
The David Godson Disability Award
If you have restricted mobility or manual dexterity - due to the loss or permanent paralysis of one or more limbs, and/or a severe permanent mobility impairment that affects your physical coordination and ability to walk, lift, carry and perform day to day tasks - you may be able to get support with your first 30 or 60 point undergraduate module fees from the Open University’s David Godson Disability Award. Read the guidelines to see if you are eligible and then use the form to apply.
Information for all students:
Information about:
Disabled Students' Allowance - are you eligible?
Find out about the Disabled Students' Allowance and take the eligibility quiz to see if you could receive financial support.
Help us help you
Would you like to help us? You could
- be a Disability Support Assistant to a disabled student at residential school - training is provided
- become an Audio Recording Centre volunteer reader
