The single term “disability” is used to cover a broad range of physical and sensory impairments, medical conditions, specific learning difficulties and mental health needs. The definition of disability found in legislation is any condition which has a significant, adverse and long-term effect on the person's ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities.

Therefore, “disability” can include students who have

• A sensory (visual/hearing) impairment
• A mental health difficulty
• A mobility impairment
• A dexterity impairment
• Asperger's Syndrome and other autism spectrum disorders
• Chronic medical conditions (e.g. diabetes, epilepsy, asthma)
• Chronic pain / chronic fatigue
• Cancer
• Specific learning difficulties (e.g. dyslexia, dyspraxia)
• Any other condition which has a long-term and adverse effect on study

The University has a Disability Advisory and Support Service (DASS) who can help any students with additional needs and advise students on the support available to them throughout their studies. They can arrange an Assessment of Needs, assist with applications for funding support, arrange dyslexia screenings and discuss appropriate study aids, assistive technology and special examination arrangements if necessary. The DASS liaises with the School of Environment, Education and Development via the School’s Disability Co-ordinator (seed.dc@manchester.ac.uk). Students should be referred to DASS immediately if they feel that their work is being affected by a disability.  DASS will support the student to apply for Disabled Students Allowances (DSA) with can support costs for non-medical helpers such as study coach or mentor and notetakers, assistive technology, consumables and travel costs.

Upon receipt of a DASS support plan, the SEED Disability Co-ordinator will notify the appropriate academics to share the reasonable adjustment the university is legally required to make for that student. Any concerns around these adjustments should be raised with the Disability Co-ordinator who will liaise with DASS.

Location: 2^nd Floor, University Place

0161 275 7512

Email: dass@manchester.ac.uk

Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 10.00 to 16.00

Students attending field courses who have a disability should disclose this in My Placement.  The earlier they do this the easier it is to make accommodations. Students who are engaged with DASS should also discuss this with their Disability Advisor and relevant reasonable adjustments will be included in their student support plan.  They should contact DASS as soon as possible if they have not discussed fieldwork previously or have not registered with them.  Student Support & Wellbeing work with the Fieldwork & Placement team to advise on adjustments.  The Fieldwork Policy also provides guidance on inclusive practice and reasonable adjustments for fieldwork and trips.

Students who have experienced circumstances which have significantly impacted their studies are entitled to apply for mitigation via the Mit Circs process.  The mitigating circumstances policy is available online.

The School’s application process for this is currently under review following an update to the policy in 2024.  You will be able to find advice and information about how students follow this process in the staff sharepoint [insert link to main folder].  You can also contact us for specific questions via the mitigating circumstance email address below.

• seed.mitcircs@manchester.ac.uk

Students are now entitled to a week extension without applying for mitigating circumstances. 

The School’s application process for this is currently under review following an update to the policy in 2024.  You will be able to find advice and information about how students follow this process on the SEED Students Community page.  You can also contact us for specific questions via the mitigating circumstance email address below.

• seed.mitcircs@manchester.ac.uk

Students wishing to interrupt their studies or withdraw from their programme need to submit an online form for approval, available here: 

• SEED Interruption Form (office.com)

Students should be directed to the SSW Team in the first instance to have a discussion regarding their circumstances, so that they can be advised of all possible options and support before making a final decision.

Students are advised of the outcome of their application in writing, and this is copied to relevant stakeholders.

From September 2024, SEAtS will provide a new way for all full-time, UG and PGT students to check into their taught sessions. This will mean that academic colleagues, technical staff or Graduate Teaching Assistants (GTAs) will use the SEAtS system to access a QR code and a 6-digit pin to share with students during each taught session, or will complete a digital register on the system (for smaller groups). Students will scan or enter these codes to log their attendance.

The SharePoint site for SEAtS has been launched, and will act as a hub of information and resources for you to access throughout the implementation of the system. This site will be updated with the most up-to-date information, resources and support.

On the site you can access: 

• An overview of SEAtS and how it will work. 
• Tailored information for academic staff and support teams. 
• Useful videos and ‘how to’ guides. 
• Information on our Lunch and Learn Q&A sessions (more information on these below). 
• Information on the project’s timeline. 
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on a variety of topics. 
• A direct route to provide feedback, ask questions and seek support. 

The Viewpoint blog is a space where senior leaders from across the University share their thoughts and insights on a range of topics. On 2^nd September the Engagement Analytics Project Sponsor and Associate Vice President of Blended and Flexible Learning, Professor Dan George, launched a blog piece on the University’s Viewpoint blog. This piece discusses the reasons for introducing the new system and its key features and implementation.