Looking for some additional support? We can ASSIST.

About ASSIST

Our aim is to enable students to access all aspects of university life, take control of their learning and develop the skills needed for employment. We’re committed to promoting equal opportunities and supporting disabled students to achieve their full potential.

What does ASSIST do?

We work with academic colleagues and teams across the University to recommend additional support, alternative methods, and reasonable adjustments, to ensure that no student is disadvantaged because of a health condition, disability, or neurodiversity.

We recognise that our students’ needs are individual, so the support we offer is flexible and tailored to each person. Our services are underpinned by a commitment to inclusion and respect for confidentiality.

What support can I get with my studies?

• Academic Inclusion Reports (AIRs) which outline support needs and make recommendations for reasonable adjustments
• Applications for adjustments in formal examinations
• Support to access funding such as Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) for disability-related study costs
• 1:1 specialist study skills support, usually funded through DSA
• Support in lectures and taught/programme events, such as note-taking and practical assistance
• Specialist mentoring support for students with autism and ADHD
• Equipment loans, such as digital voice recorders, as well as provision of ergonomic aids and supports
• Dyslexia screenings and diagnostic referrals
• Support to arrange external services such as Sign Language and Interpreters
• Liaison with academic and other staff
• Priority applications for University Halls for applicants and continuing students who have disability-related accommodation needs
• Parking permits for blue badge holders and students with reduced mobility or medical conditions that impact on mobility
• Vibrating pagers for fire alarms in Halls and campus buildings for deaf/hearing impaired students
• Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) for students who may struggle to evacuate or have difficulties with alarms owing to a disability or medical condition.

Registering with ASSIST

If you’re a new student or haven’t previously registered with ASSIST, you’ll need to provide evidence of your medical condition, disability, additional needs or Specific Learning Difference (SpLD). This will be produced by a medical professional, such as your GP, hospital consultant, Educational Psychologist or Occupational Therapist. Without this, we’ll be unable to implement any support or reasonable adjustments for you, including alternative arrangements for exams and time constrained tests, but if you’re in the process of obtaining a diagnosis or are struggling to gather medical evidence, contact us so we can discuss your circumstances and offer guidance.

We’ll also need your explicit consent to share any details about you and your support with any other parties, even if they’re a relative, to ensure we work in accordance with data protection legislation.

You can register with ASSIST online.

How you can contact us

Every weekday* by telephone on 01604 892390 or by email. We also run scheduled drop-ins during term-time, from 11am to 1pm, Monday to Friday, in LH009 (behind the Student Information Desk in the Learning Hub).

*excludes Bank Holidays and University closed days.

Emma Banks, Additional Needs Manager – Student Services.

With over 20 years of experience supporting disabled students, Emma Banks is UON’s Additional Needs Manager and oversees the disability support provision for the students and apprentices studying with us.