Disability and Learning Support
Cranfield University promotes an inclusive learning environment. We aim to support you whatever your particular needs.
Disability and Learning Support
Cranfield’s Disability Learning and Support Officer is based in the University Registry and co-ordinates support for students with disabilities. We also have several Learning Support Officers based in schools and departments across the University.
We offer a range of support services, including:
- advice and guidance to prospective students on support available
- dyslexia assessments and support, with needs assessments appointments
- help with completing Disabled Students Allowance application form
- specific examination adjustments (based on an educational psychologist’s report).
Further details on our disability, dyslexia and mental health policies, as well as our Disability Equality Scheme for students are available via our website. This information will also be issued to you at registration, or directly through the Disability and Learning Support Officer.
We encourage you to let us know of any particular requirements you have on your application form so that we can offer full support.
Dyslexia Awareness
Every year there are several students who are newly diagnosed with dyslexia. Accompanying weaknesses may be identified in the areas of speed of processing, short-term memory, organisation, sequencing, spoken language and motor skills.
Tutors are able to spot signs of dyslexia in your work, or you may suspect you are dyslexic yourself. The information you will be given at Registration contains a dyslexia checklist (taken from the British Dyslexia Association website) which you should find helpful.
We urge you to let us know if you are dyslexic at application stage or after, as the University has a well-established system of support for all students and you may be surprised at the difference this makes to your studies.
For some UK-based students with special needs Disabled Students’ Allowance may be available. However, applications can take time to process by the relevant authorities. Therefore, if you have already been assessed as having dyslexia or other specific learning difficulty we advise that you bring a copy of your latest assessment to registration, so that the appropriate support can be implemented immediately.
However, if the assessment was carried out when you were below 18 years of age or carried out more than five years ago, a further assessment will be required and will be arranged by the Disability and Learning Support Officer.
Feel free to contact the Disability and Learning Support Officer before registration if you suspect you are dyslexic to discuss next steps or to discuss your support requirements if you have already been diagnosed.
Mental Health Awareness
Student life can be stressful; you will be studying hard and your expectations will be very high. In addition, you will be in a new environment, perhaps a new country and probably away from your family and friends.
Experience shows that it is much better to have support right from the start of your studies rather than trying to fix a problem partway through, when examinations and thesis work are underway. Some students are reluctant to discuss these issues because they are afraid that their difficulty may count against them when grades are being considered. Please be assured that any information you choose to give will be treated in the strictest confidence.
At Cranfield University, we have support mechanisms to help students who have mental health difficulties, including a network of Mental Health Mentors and University Counsellors. Therefore, if you can advise us of any problems early on, we will be able to support you more effectively.
For more information, and to discuss your support requirements, please contact:
Mrs Hiran Odedra.
University Diversity Manager
T: +44(0)1234 754113
E: h.odedra@cranfield.ac.uk
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