Supporting students with disabilities
The OU is committed to making study accessible.
Over a quarter of our students tell us they have a disability, which currently equates to around 38,000 learners.
Accessibility is at the forefront of the OU's mission to be 'open to all'
You may not think of yourself as disabled, but if you have:
- a long-term health condition,
- a specific learning difficulty (such as dyslexia), or
- a mental health difficulty.
Then, along with other disabilities, when you register, you may want to share that with us so we can talk with you about your studies and the support available.
I never believed I could achieve a qualification, let alone a degree. I worked at my own pace, and the support I was given throughout gave me the ability to succeed. I cannot thank the OU enough for making me achieve, what was in my eyes, unachievable.
Faye Coles, BSc (Hons) Social Sciences
Helping you get the best from your studies
Whether you’re studying for a qualification or a standalone module, depending on your specific situation, the learning outcomes, and teaching approach, some courses may be more suited to you than others. Take time to understand how we provide teaching and learning, read the description carefully and ask any additional questions about what’s involved. This will ensure you get the right support to make the best of your studies.
The key is to share that you have a disability when you register, which will prompt us to ask you to tell us more so we can support your study.
It can take over 16 weeks to get support in place, so it’s a good idea to choose your study and register well before the final registration date of your course.
Study support
UK students may qualify for Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) to fund assistive technology and specialist support. DSA isn't means-tested and doesn't affect other benefits.
Specialist equipment
We can provide information on accessing specialist technology and equipment for disabled students, from adaptive software to ergonomic furniture, screen readers and reading pens. We can also help maximise built-in disability adjustments in your existing Microsoft products.
Access to tutorials
Most of our tutorials are online and recorded so you can play them back if you cannot participate. We can help you with access and taking part in talking, listening, note-taking, and group activities.
Tailored assessment
If you cannot sit an examination under standard conditions or have difficulty with an assessment, we will make reasonable adjustments to suit your needs.
Residential schools support
A few courses have mandatory residential schools or day schools. We’re committed to helping you attend and may be able to provide the support and facilities you need.
Accessible study materials
We provide a variety of formats to make printed texts, audio/visual content, interactive activities, or other online resources accessible.
Next steps
You can read about the steps to prepare to study with us. If you have questions about your choice of qualification or module, please contact us for help.