Support available

Support with study skills

Individual study skills support is funded by the Disabled Students’ Allowances and arranged through ASSIST, subject to availability. The study skills support is available for all disabled students, provided it has been recommended in your DSA Needs Assessment report. This support may help you to:

• develop study skills such as writing, reading, time management, presentations, exam revision etc.
• become a more effective and independent learner

However, study skills support is neither subject-specific nor can it be used as a last-minute proof-reading service. Please contact us to find out more.

Study facilitating and enabling support

Note-taking and other enabling support is usually funded through the DSA and can be arranged by ASSIST, subject to availability. It can include:

• note-taking support
• help to make external arrangements such as sign language interpreters or braille arrangements
• library support
• practical support in lectures
• escorting or orientation support
• mentoring
• accessible car parking on campus

Priority status accommodation for Halls of Residence

We give priority to students with disability-related accommodation needs when allocating places in halls of residence.

In order to apply for priority status accommodation you will need to be able to evidence how your disability, medical condition or additional need impacts upon your accommodation requirements and/or need to live on campus. Disability may include long term mental health conditions as well as physical disabilities. Care leavers may also fall within this category and are required to provide supportive evidence from their local authority. For further information about requesting Priority Status Accommodation, please read the Who Can Apply for Priority Status to live in halls information (Word 44KB).

How do I apply?

To apply, you will need to send ASSIST your Priority Status application form and supporting medical evidence that states why a place in halls or a particular type of room is necessary. We will then assess your application and look at any reasonable adaptations that need to be made to facilitate access in halls.

ASSIST send out information on priority accommodation to applicants who have declared a disability on their university application which could impact their accommodation needs and have accepted an offer of study as their first choice. Please contact us for further information.

Applications for Priority Status Accommodation will be considered on a case by case basis. Prior to making a decision, we may require additional information or for you to book and attend a consultation with either ASSIST or the Mental Health Service.

If you have any questions about Priority Status Accommodation or to discuss your particular needs and requirements, please contact ASSIST.

ASSIST Parking Permit for disabled students

The University’s parking facilities

The University has restricted parking facilities and enforces strict parking regulations; details can be found on the University’s Travel and parking page. Please be aware that failure to comply with this may result in a fine.

However, ASSIST facilitates a Parking Permit scheme on behalf of the University, for students who have reduced mobility or medical conditions that impact on their mobility. Please note that eligibility for an ASSIST Parking Permit is dependent on supporting medical evidence; this is explained in more detail towards the end of this section.

How to apply for an ASSIST parking permit

• Go to the Student Parking page and select the pink ‘Apply via PMS’ button to start your application.
• New applicants: You will need to submit medical evidence from your GP or health professional to support your Parking Permit application. Appropriate medical evidence should be a letter on headed paper and signed by your GP or health professional stating your medical condition and how this will impact on your mobility. It should also specify a time scale, e.g. ‘in months or years instead of ‘short, medium or long term’. If a temporary permit is required, your medical evidence should be dated within the last 12 months and should indicate an anticipated time scale of immobility.
• Existing Permit Holders: If you have previously had ASSIST approved parking and your condition is unchanged, you do not need to re-submit evidence, however you do need to apply online via the Student Parking page and select the pink ‘Apply via PMS’ button. Once you have completed your online application you need to email ASSIST and inform them you have completed your online application and have previously provided evidence to support your parking request.
• Blue Badge Holders (new and existing): Please apply online via the Student Parking page. You will need to send a copy of you Blue Badge (JPEG or PDF) to studentparking@northampton.ac.uk for verification and approval. Please note you do NOT need to send any evidence to ASSIST in order to apply for a Blue Badge parking permit.

Please note: applications for Blue Badge parking and ASSIST Permits opens on the 19 July 2021 for new and existing permit holders and will remain open all year.  There is not a limited number of permits, therefore there is no requirement to urgently apply when the portal opens, all applications will be assessed as they are received.  If you find the portal is busy or unresponsive when you try to access it please try again later.  If you have any questions or difficulties with the online process, please contact: studentparking@northampton.ac.uk for further advice.

Exam and assessment adjustments

You can apply for adjustments in exams if standard exam arrangements do not allow you to demonstrate your academic knowledge because of a disability. This is not an automatic arrangement, you will need to register with ASSIST providing appropriate supporting evidence of your disability or additional needs and discuss this with a Disability Advisor.

Types of adjustments

Adjustments may include one or more of the following:

• extra time and/or discounted rest breaks
• adjusted format exam sheets and/or answer books, e.g. alternative coloured paper, large print, font size, Braille etc
• reader and/or a scribe
• use of a university’s computer (Windows PC) to word process answers
• indication to identify that student is dyslexic/or has a SpLD on exam papers
• smaller venue
• provision of alternative seating

Adjustments that are not for formal exams

Should you need adjustments in timed-constrained tests or any types of assessments, other than within formal exam periods, you need to discuss your requirements with your course tutor in the first instance.