Disability Support

Going to university is a major step and we're keen to support you so that your time with us is enjoyable and successful.

Who We Are

The University of Derby is an inclusive university, and support is embedded within our programmes. We provide a wide range of support for our students with disabilities. This will vary according to each persons individual need. The Disability team is here to ensure you get the right support at the right time.

Organising your support

To enable us to put support in place we need you to provide us with evidence of your disability. This is usually in the form of a doctor's letter or a diagnostic report.

If you have this, please email it to studentservices@derby.ac.uk with your details (full name, student number if known, date of birth, general availability and course you're hoping to study).   

We'll contact you to arrange an appointment with our Disability team to discuss your support requirements. 

If you're unsure about evidence or don't have any, don't worry, you can still contact us and we'll be happy advise you.

If you're on an apprenticeship programme please email this to als@blc.ac.uk

Disabled Students' Allowance

The main support you'll receive at uni is through the Disabled Students' Allowance (sometimes called DSA). It's really important you apply as soon as possible because this is what our students find to be the most beneficial support.

 DSA is a non-repayable grant to cover some of the extra costs you may have because of a disability or long term condition. It can also help to cover costs of specialist equipment and non-medical support such as a mentor or tutor.   

All students are assessed based on their individual need and the support will be bespoke to your specific disability or condition. You’ll be able to apply for this once you have your Student Finance England loans account set up.     

Check out the tiles below for more information on the process.

Further info

Check out the drop-down menus below for more information about your specific circumstances. Please note these are a few of the common areas we offer support with, but our support is not limited to these conditions. Feel free to get in touch if you have a query about a condition that is not listed here.

Please see our D/deaf pages for more information

Please see our Visually Impaired pages for more information 

Please see our SPLD page for more info.

Please see our ADHD/ADD pages for more information.

Please see our Autism pages for more information

Please see our student parent pages for resources.

Please see our Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) for more information.

Close up of fingers typing on a computer keyboard

Get in Touch

You can email the team directly on disabilityteam@derby.ac.uk. If you would prefer to call or speak to someone in person, please follow the link below.

Find our contact details and opening hours hereFind our contact details and opening hours here

Meet the Team

Name Title
Chris Ross Deputy Head of Student Services - Disability
Sarah Jones Disability Service Manager
Nina Hurry Disability Advisor
Natalie Ball Disability Advisor
Shameem Hussain Disability Advisor
Clare Hanly Disability Advisor
An Open Day event in the Atrium with students walking in the foreground

Latest News and Events

We've got lots of events and activities coming up throughout the academic year - soon you'll be able to check out what's on here.

Please see these pages for information about conditions affecting mobility and accessibility