Some of the possible adjustments that could be discussed with a Disability Adviser. Contact the Disability Advisory Service to discuss your requirements: disability@reading.ac.uk.
Support for your disability or condition
The University has an inclusive teaching and learning policy and alongside this we can make further adjustments to support your individual needs. Some examples of this could be:
- informing tutors when students have a disability-related reason for missing lectures, arriving late or leaving early (except where attendance is used as a means of assessment)
- similarly, some students may need to move or stretch during lectures to alleviate discomfort due to a physical impairment or health condition, and tutors can also be made aware of this
- all students are permitted to make recordings of lectures (unless the content is confidential). If additional assistive technology is needed, such as an assistive listening device/radio aid system, we can advise lecturers of what they may need to do to facilitate this
- in practical sessions, additional help can be requested if students struggle to follow demonstrations of written instructions, or have difficulties with physically using any of the lab equipment
- tutors can be asked to compile a glossary of course language in order to support Deaf students working with sign language interpreters.
If you require adjustments to examinations or assessments, you will need to register with the Disability Advisory Service and arrange to speak with an Adviser.
Please contact the Disability Advisory Service as soon as possible to ensure there is enough time for adjustments to be put in place. Adjustments can include:
- additional time
- smaller exam venues
- rest breaks
- use of a computer, plus access to assistive technology
- provision of ergonomic aids, such as an adjustable chair
- 'green stickers’ can be applied for students with specific learning difficulties for empathetic marking, so spelling, punctuation and grammar errors are not penalised (unless this is a specific learning outcome of the course)
- exam papers with enlarged fonts, coloured paper or use of coloured overlays.
When students are required to give presentations, adjustments may be made to present to tutor only.
Adjustments can also be made for placements. The Disability Advisory Service can discuss with you and the academic department if you have a placement for a vocational course. Examples of this could be:
- adjustments to working hours
- consideration of travel time
- parking on site
- accessibility of buildings
The library staff can assist with:
- providing accessible electronic versions of books
- finding books for you to collect
- sourcing and creating accessible formats of materials
- accessing the library online catalogue to locate books
- 1:1 introductions to the library building, its study spaces and facilities
- using assistive technology installed on the library PC’s.
For more information and support in the library, please contact library@reading.ac.uk or visit reading.ac.uk/library
Apps Anywhere is a web based tool which provides access to a range of software applications which can be used on your own device from any campus location.
The applications available include MindManager (mind mapping), Audacity, which can be used to make and edit recordings, and EndNote to help with referencing.
There is also one computer within the library with Supernova available for students with visual impairments.
Academic mentoring
Students who experience organisational difficulties may benefit from additional support through our Academic Mentoring Scheme.
This support may be provided by a postgraduate student and can assist with:
- organising workloads
- prioritising work
- time management.
Academic mentoring does not provide teaching support, but aims to reduce the impact of organisational difficulties on study.
Social mentoring
Students who experience challenges managing the social side of university life may benefit from Social Mentoring support.
This support is provided by current students and they can assist with:
- questions you may have about settling in at University
- support to join clubs and societies
- orientation around campus
- meeting for a chat.
This is likely to be during the first few weeks of term, but can be for longer if needed.
If you think that this support may be useful to you, please contact the Disability Advisory Service. Eligibility will be based on medical evidence and discussion with a Disability Adviser.
Reasonable adjustment requests involving animals
The University is committed to supporting all students and recognises that some students will need to bring an assistance animal (usually a dog) onto campus to assist in accessibility.
In these circumstances, students or applicants to the University will need to make an application to the University to bring their assistance animal with them.
The Policy on Students bringing Assistance Animals to the 糖心Vlog covers how students or applicants should make an application, how the University will make a decision about whether an animal will be permitted and how adjustments will be implemented. If your application is accepted, you will also need to agree to the Assistance Animals Conduct Agreement.
PEEP stands for Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan, and these only apply to certain individuals.
A PEEP is a personal plan for people who require assistance or special arrangements in order to get to safety during an evacuation. PEEPs are created between the individual student and the Fire Safety Adviser, then disseminated to Security, Fire Safety, Disability Advisory Service, Academic Tutors, and Disability Representatives, so that colleagues are aware of those who require assistance. If you think you might need a PEEP,
How do I know if I need a PEEP?
If you are not sure whether you need a PEEP try answering the following questions:
When the fire alarm goes off, are you able to evacuate the building on your own quickly (approximately 2.5mins) without assistance? (if your answer is no, you need to fill out our PEEP form)
To find out more about fire safety and evacuation procedures, visit the webpage on Essentials.
The University has a wide range of support that can be accessed by all students.
These services include information on:
Accommodation for disabled students
Medical and general health - find the best person to help, and how to register with your local GP
The 糖心Vlog Counselling and Wellbeing service - professional counselling, wellbeing and mental health support for students
Assessment Adjustments are available for you if things don't go to plan and you cannot make a deadline
Support from your peers - through peer-assisted learning and STaR mentors
Support Centres and Student Services - your first port of call for all questions, help or advice throughout your time at university
Study Advice and Maths support team
- 糖心Vlog Students’ Union has independent advisers who give advice on general students matters including money matters, harassment, housing and many more topics