Disability support and inclusive learning

Wherever possible, teaching material for Digital Education Service modules is released at the beginning of each module.  

Videos have captions and a separate transcript (in a Word document or PDF). They are also available as an audio file. Podcasts have transcripts (in a Word document or PDF) and can be downloaded. 

There are directed reading lists identifying core and recommended materials. Guidance about how to select and prioritise readings is included in the module materials. Tutors are available for more personalised recommendations. 

All teaching materials, including core and recommended readings, are available in alternative formats. Email the Digital Education Service Student Education and Experience team via DESStudents@leeds.ac.uk.

Assessments are designed to be appropriate for each module to achieve  learning outcomes. Assessment methods may vary across modules within each programme to provide a wide range of skills. Some courses have been designed to have standard assessment features across thecourse. 

Any mid-point assessment details will be provided in the module content, but the final assessment deadline is always 2pm on the first day of week 8 of the module. This is usually a Monday, but can be  a different day  due to UK Bank Holidays. 

Additional guidance about assessments can be provided by the module leader or tutor. 

Written instructions are available for all assessments and to support submission. 

Disability support summaries are appropriate supporting evidence for extension requests on disability grounds. For more information, read the Digital Education Service mitigating circumstances guidance.

On the Disability Studies, Rights and Inclusion courses, each module has a single assessment task where students choose their area of focus. There are multiple modes of submission (written, audio/visual presentation and a presentation script).  

While attendance at webinars is strongly encouraged, it is not mandatory. Webinars are recorded with captions and a transcript is provided shortly afterwards.  

Webinar participation includes speech and the chat function. 

Students can leave and rejoin at their own discretion. There is no requirement to have the camera turned on or to participate verbally.  

Support workers can attend webinars or view the recordings, however the student must also be in attendance while their support worker is present. The support worker is not a replacement attendee. 

Students are strongly encouraged to register with Disability Services as soon as possible. You can register with Disability Services before submitting your application  and before you have accepted a place on your course.  

There are two steps to registering with Disability Services:  

1. Completing the online sign-up form.  (If you do not have a student number yet, enter 200000000 into the form.) 
2. Providing supporting information about your disability. 

Once registered, you will be contacted by Disability Services (usually via email) with more information about support you can access at university, including possible funding for disability support.  They may also ask you for further information about your disability and its impact. 

If appropriate, Disability Services will complete a support summary sheet for you. This document lists the adjustments to teaching and learning they are recommending for you. This will be based on the information shared via your sign-up form, and supporting information. Your support summary sheet will also be shared with your academic school.  

The processing time for University support is usually about four to six weeks, but during busy periods can go up to eight to 10 weeks. This is why we encourage applicants and students to register as early as possible, even if they are only considering applying for the course. 

If you have any questions about registering, accessing support or possible funding, email Disability Services via disability@leeds.ac.uk.  

The process for accessing externally funded support via the Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) can take up to 14 weeks. Students who are eligible are strongly recommended to apply as soon as possible to ensure they have support set up in time for the start of their studies. 

Examples of possible funded support, depending on impact of disability:   

• one-to-one study skills tutor   
• one-to-one specialist mentor   
• assistive technology software  
• laptop (£200 student contribution required)   
• ergonomic equipment   
• printing, ink & paper allowance.   

Unfortunately, funded support for laptops, ergonomic equipment, and printing, ink and paper allowances are not available outside the UK. Please speak to your disability coordinator about your options as some options will be both location and funding dependent.

Learn more about Disabled Students’ Allowance and how to apply.

If you need further information or support through the process, email Disability Services via disability@leeds.ac.uk.