Disability

Introduction to the Disability Service, Student Services

Welcome to the Disability Service website. Here you will find information about the services we offer and how you can use them.

A note on language and terminology…

Not everyone who uses our Service will perceive themselves as being disabled or as having a ‘disability’, the University uses this term however to cover the barriers faced by people with a wide range of physical and sensory impairments, including specific learning difficulties, chronic health conditions and mental health difficulties.

And our policy…

The University’s declared aim therefore is to take all possible steps to remove unnecessary barriers and enable full participation by disabled students in all aspects of University life. See Disability Equality Scheme and Code of Practice on the Provision for Disabled Students for further information on policy and procedure.

We are pleased to say that the number of disabled students studying at the University has increased over the last few years and our team has grown to meet the demand. We have gained excellent feedback from students and we offer a friendly and professional service.

The Team

Pictured above are, from left, Cheryl (Mental Health Adviser), Fiona (Mental Health Adviser), Esther (Disability Adviser), Carolyn (Head of Service), Rhiannon (Disability Adviser), Tracey (Administrator) and Dylan (Support Worker Scheme Co-ordinator).

Where are we?

Student Services, First Floor, Neuadd Rathbone, College Road, Bangor.

Please see the online location map for Neuadd Rathbone (No 70).

Making an appointment

Our offices are open between 9.00 a.m. and 5.00 p.m. It is advisable to contact the Disability Service on 01248 382032 or email disabilityservice@bangor.ac.uk if you wish to make an appointment with one of the Advisers.

Ideally you will contact us during your application process to ensure that arrangements can be put in place promptly, but you are welcome to get in touch any time during your course.

Download the most recent Disability Service Newsletter

What we do for students...

We offer a service for all disabled students whether full-time or part-time, undergraduate or postgraduate. We consider each person’s requirements on an individual basis and work within the framework of the University’s confidentiality policy. We do need to ask for some form of documentary evidence for certain arrangements, for example, adjustments to examinations, parking permits.

Here are some examples of what we can do for you:

Offer personal and academic support and guidance.
Advise on strategies to make studying and everyday tasks more manageable,
In conjunction with the Bangor ACCESS Centre we can help you to apply for finance through Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) from your local education authority or other funding provider.
Through the DSA, we can provide support workers, for example Mentors, Notetakers and Practical Assistants.
Assist with the organisation of specific examination requirements
Arrange for the provision of BSL interpretation
Arrange for additional library provision and support
Liaise on your behalf, if necessary and with your permission, with members of staff to ensure necessary arrangements are in place.
Liaise with your local Social Services for the provision of personal care support.
Keep in touch through meetings, newsletters, e-mail and phone.
Provide information about disability or mental health issues, and the services and support which might be available
Refer students to other professionals who can help, for example, the Miles Dyslexia Centre, Counselling Service or Community Mental Health Team.
Work closely with your School’s Disability Contacts

School Disability Contact

For many students, the role of the Disability Service is to advise tutors about your requirements, with your permission, (see PLSP) and much of the direct support will be provided by staff in your School. Disability Contacts are ordinarily members of academic staff who act as a point of reference for disabled students and colleagues in their School and you should make every effort to meet him or her as soon as possible.

List of Disability Contacts

Personal Learning Support Plans (PLSPs)

PLSPs outline the effects of disability on your study and the recommended arrangements that are required to make sure you are able to access your course and facilities. PLSPs ensure that you and the university are clear about what provision is required. For a copy of our leaflet, Explaining your PLSP, click here. Following a study needs assessment we will draw up a PLSP with yourself and your School which will then be circulated to staff in order for arrangements to be put in place. Where necessary PLSPs will be drawn up by the Advisers for students who are not eligible for DSA, for example, international students.