Using existing institutional information systems
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The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) requires institutions to have systems in place for facilitating disclosure of disability and for passing information on to those staff who need to know.
As part of the admissions and enrolment processes your institution should have systems for
- providing disabled applicants and students with information in accessible formats on the courses that are offered, and on the general and specialist services that are available
- encouraging applicants to disclose a disability (for example, by statements in the prospectus)
- identifying applicants who have declared a disability through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS), Graduate Teacher Training Registry (GTTR) and other admissions services, and for referring them on for specialist advice and information
- conducting an assessment of needs of a disabled student - at the application stage, shortly after enrolment, or at any time during the student's time at university
- with the disabled student's permission, disseminating information about the needs of individual disabled applicants and students, and the reasonable adjustments they will require, to relevant academic departments, tutors and support staff.
Part 5 of the DDA also requires institutions to develop a Disability Equality Scheme, which requires a proactive approach.
The student may also have had, or be entitled to, a needs assessment as part of the process of application for the Disabled Students' Allowances.
These activities are likely to be coordinated by your institution’s disability officer, but may also involve admissions administrators and tutors. Your academic department may have a nominated contact for matters relating to disabled students who may also have a role in this process.
Most institutions have developed systems for disseminating information to teaching staff on the needs of an individual disabled student. Proper flow of information is essential so that tutors can make the necessary adjustments to their teaching.