All universities provide support for students with disabilities and employ specialist disability advisers to ensure students have full access to all services.

The role of the Disability Advisers may vary between institutions, but they play an essential part in supporting students, as they have an understanding of the course and the institutional environment. Advisers may also be able to help students apply for Disabled Students' Allowance (if they haven't done so before starting there course). Disability Advisers are happy to talk to prostective students before they apply for courses and can usually arrange visits and give useful information on what facilities are available.

The Disability Adviser can:

Help students with their DSA applications

Offer disabled students advice on other sources of funding and support that may be available

Provide students with information on the disability policy of the university

Arrange assessment of needs appointments on behalf of the students

Explain and give advice on educational psychologists’ reports and the assessment of needs reports

Help put in place the support that is recommended in the needs assessment report

Offer you advice on suitable support equipment or software and services available from external organisations

Provide a sign language interpreter or notetaker;

Support you in getting materials put into Braillle or onto tape or large print

Liase on your behalf with academic departments to ensure that your additional needs are taken into account, (for exams and fieldwork); the Health Centre (medical problems), the Student Counsellors (emotional or mental health difficulties), the Estates and Facilities Department, Residence and Catering Services (adapted accommodation or dietary needs)

Listen to you and work with you to help you make the most of your academic and social life!

Without the involvement of a Disability Adviser, the process of obtaining DSA support and putting this support in place can be lengthy and complicated for both students and LEAs. It is advisable to make early contact with the Disability Support Co-ordinator at the institution you are interested in to discuss your individual requirements. Or you could visit the institution to assess for yourself the facilities and support structures available.

What support is available in each HE/FE institution in Kent and Medway?

All institutions in Kent and Medway welcome applications from students with disabilities and dyslexia. You can find information on the disability provision at each institution via their website or disability statement.

Higher Education Institutions:

CANTERBURY CHRIST CHURCH UNIVERSITY
The Disability Advice Service at CCCU supports students who are disabled due to a physical or mental impairment, or medical condition, that may affect their ability to study. This includes invisible disabilities such as dyslexia or depression, as well as those that are visible, such as a mobility difficulty.
http://www.canterbury.ac.uk/studentsupport/

UNIVERSITY OF KENTThe Disability Support Unit at UKC support all disabled students during their time at the university and can assist with apply for the Disabled Students’ Allowance; arranging signers, notetakes and other support workers; helping you find out if you have dyslexia and discussing any special arrangements you may need in lectures, seminar and exams.
http://www.kent.ac.uk/guidance/disabilitysupport.htm

UNIVERSITY OF GREENWICH
Disabled and dyslexic students are welcome at the University of Greenwich at Medway as they have a resource centre which offers advice, information and support.
http://www.gre.ac.uk/about/campus/medway.htm

UNIVERSITY COLLEGE FOR THE CREATIVE ARTS
KIAD is committed to providing a welcoming and supportive environment for students with disabilities, to help you succeed in your academic and social life. They aim to provide appropriate courses and a fair selection process to all applicants.
http://www.students.kiad.ac.uk/disabilities.asp?menuid=73

OPEN UNIVERSITY
The OU’s mission is to be open to all people and their services for disabled students explains how they can support your study needs
http://www.open.ac.uk/disability/pages/common/index.php

Further Education Institutions:

CANTERBURY COLLEGE
The college offers support to those with learning difficulties or disabilities, or those that require extra support with their studies. The support available includes: dyslexia service; exam concessions; production of materials into Braille; communicators and note takers; specialist IT equipment and additional support for Key Skills.
http://www.cant-col.ac.uk/about_us/learning_support.htm

HADLOW COLLEGE
Hadlow College welcomes applications from disabled people and is committed to enabling disabled students to succeed.
http://www.hadlow.ac.uk/courses/financial_support.htm

MID-KENT COLLEGE
The College has Curriculum Access Support Team (CAST) who will work closely with you if you need additional learning support while on your course, to ensure you achieve your full potential. The team has specialist skills in: Dyslexia and language difficulties; hearing and visual difficulties; emotional and behavioural difficulties; physical and medical difficulties.
http://www.midkent.ac.uk/access/help_support.htm

NORTH WEST KENT COLLEGE
The College is committed to responding positively to the needs of students so that they are able to access its full curriculum. Specialist staff are available within the College’s School of Foundation Studies and School of Skills for Life to advise lecturers on appropriate support for individual students and groups.
http://www.nwkcollege.ac.uk/support.htm#disability

SOUTH KENT COLLEGE
At South Kent College Additional Support is a specialist service available to all students with any kind of learning difficulty or disability. One-to-one support is available for those with physical disabilities; hearing or visual impairments; specific or more general learning difficulties.
http://www.southkent.ac.uk/AtOurCollege/AdditionalLearningSupport.asp

THANET COLLEGE
Thanet College has an Integrated Learning and Support Section based at its Broadstairs Campus to support learners with additional learning difficulties and disabilities. They also hold open days for deaf and blind students.
http://www.thanet.ac.uk/basiccolumnpage.asp?pageid=8
http://www.thanet.ac.uk/FOI/Disability%20Statement.pdf