Restricted mobility
We have a number of services described on this page that should enable you to study successfully.
To help you think about your requirements, read about OU study or request a prospectus.
You might need to think about reading or accessing study materials and taking notes; as well as about visiting a variety of non-OU buildings for tutorials, examinations and residential school.
You can contact your regional or national centre to talk about the services and support you might need.
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 additional time may also be available for one-to-one contact with your tutor.
caption: Study group, in home, student with mobility disability end of caption
Your regional or national centre can send you details of the centres used for tutorials, including information about parking, access and facilities. Although attendance at tutorials is strongly recommended it is not compulsory — possible alternatives are telephone tutorials, extended correspondence tuition or, exceptionally, home visits. However, all extra tutorial arrangements are subject to the time that your tutor has available. If you find your tutor is not available please contact your nearest regional or national centre to discuss other arrangements.
Regional or national centre
The OU Learner Support team in your local regional or national centre can deal with any queries you might have. Centres are open Mondays to Fridays, 9am - 5pm.
The Evening Advice Line is also available out of office hours, phone 0870 3331444.
Accessible study materials
OU study materials are delivered in a variety of formats, including books, websites and multimedia. You may have additional study requirements, and if so the OU can provide
- comb-bound materials which lie flat (making them easier to handle or use with an electronic scanner)
- digital versions in Adobe PDF.
If your preference is for PDF files, you should check the availability and accessibility of PDF files for your subject before you register. Not all PDF files are equally accessible: mathematics, science, music and foreign languages may be particularly difficult to access. Read the course (module) description to see what types of study materials are included.
You can check the accessible study materials page for more information on the alternative formats we can provide. If you require more information, contact your regional or national centre.
Equipment
You may be eligible for a Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) to help you purchase specialist equipment. Use this short quiz to find out if you are eligible for a DSA.
If you are not eligible, the OU has equipment available for loan, including
- ergonomic furniture
- a computer with voice-recognition
- assistive software.
If your course (module) has a residential school look at equipment at residential school to see a list of equipment available, get a copy of our booklet Meeting your needs at residential school (PDF, 529KB, 69 pages) and request support.
Examination arrangements
Additional arrangements will be made where there is clear evidence of need and the recommendations are approved by the Examination and Asessment Board. Examples of additional arrangements include
- extra time
- rest breaks
- an examination at home
- an amanuensis
- use of a computer.
Further information, including how to request alternative arrangements, can be found in the main examination arrangements area. Do look at the information as soon as possible as you will be required to provide evidence of your needs, and that can take some time.
Tutorials
If your course (module) has tutorials you will be provided with details of your tutorial centre, including information about parking, access to the building and the facilities inside it. Some tutorial centres have parking spaces reserved for disabled students.
We may be able to arrange tutorials over the phone, by email or, in certain situations, visit you at home. All extra tutorial arrangements depend on the time your tutor has available. Please get your tutor to ask the regional or national centre about alternative arrangements.
Residential school
The places where residential schools are run do not belong to the OU and access to buildings varies between sites. If you let us know that you will need particular facilities we will send you full details of the locations we use. Information about the sites is also available at the Residential schools website.
You should consider in advance whether you’ll need an assistant at residential school. For example, if you use a wheelchair it can be useful to have someone to assist at meal times, to open doors, or to carry books and bags.
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 bear the cost of the assistant’s meals and accommodation for students not eligible for a DSA.
Read more details in residential school arrangements.
Your study tips
When I was studying for my teaching assistant qualification, I would set the scene for myself by always playing the same music cd when I sat down to work on an assignment.
It may sound obvious,but i always try to get ahead in my studies. That way when my illnesses prevent me studying, I am not stressing about getting behind. I also try to do just a little when suffering, even 10 minutes to make myself think I have tried. Motivation is key and I am lucky to have a very supportive hubby and daughter - they build me up on bad days!
Also, never be frightened to go to tutorials, as I was surprised how many were disabled in my group,which instantly made me more at ease. Again, bring a supportive spouse or friend - that helps so much.
Above all else, I know that despite being physically disabled, I am acheiving mentally and that helps alot because I can control this and look at what I achieve DESPITE my illness. Thanks OU.
Stop after 20 minutes and take a 10 minute break. Make sure your blood sugars do not drop or you could lose concentration. Have one day a week without study of any type.
Plan a timetable and stick to it. Prepare your study space. Talk with others about your course. Practise reflective learning. Read widely on your course.
Information for all students:
Information about:
If you have any queries about a course, finance or the support you would receive, please contact 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.
