Graduate School Network

Disability support

This page is applicable to research students at the Open University.

This is a team which has been put together to deal with various disability-related issues, such as profiling of students with disabilities. Please get in touch with them via phone 01908 541 082 or email [email protected]. You may be asked to complete a Disability Support Form.

Dyslexia tests

Research Degree students may be eligible for funding to cover the cost of a diagnostic test for dyslexia. Students can contact Student Fees for further information and assistance. 

Phone: 01908 653411 

Email: [email protected] 

Neurodiversity resources

Student Minds has created a tailored set of videos and podcasts on Life as a neurodivergent student Archives - Student Minds

More about studying with a disability or additional need

The University is an inclusive community and welcomes research students with disabilities or other requirements. 

Whether a student is studying full time on campus or as a part-time student using their own research facilities, the University responds positively to the different needs and circumstances of the students. Where possible, the University will, for example, make reasonable adjustments:

  • for students who are disabled, experience mental health challenges, live with long-term health conditions or are neurodivergent
  • for students with other requirements such as:
    • pregnant or breastfeeding students
    • students with specific needs related to their religion or belief
    • students transitioning to a different gender
    • students with caring dependency responsibilities.

The student should inform the University Disability Support Team (for point 1) or the Graduate School Team (for point 2) as early as possible if support is needed for study as some services may take several months to arrange. The information the student provides will be used only to help the University to assist them in their studies.

Referral process

If a student is disabled or requires additional support, they should contact the Disability Support team and discuss with their supervisor how their circumstances might impact on their studies and inform the Graduate School. Any information that they disclose will be confidential.

Some adjustments can be made immediately, such as making changes to the student’s working environment on campus, arranging meetings in particular rooms to take account of sensitivity to sound or light levels, or producing printed information in different formats.

If the student is likely to need equipment, personnel or services to support them, the Disability Support Team will ask them to apply for a Disabled Students’ Allowance (please see Fee rules inForms and Guidance on the Graduate School Network) to help with any costs arising from meeting their needs. Assuming they are eligible, the student will undergo an assessment and the Disability Support Team will discuss the recommendations with the student. The Disability Support Team will coordinate with the relevant teams responsible for making any reasonable adjustments (e.g., external support, supervisors, Graduate School team) to enable the student to study. The Disability Support Team will communicate to these groups in consultation with the student and the School/Faculty.

If the student is not eligible for a DSA, the University may still be able to provide equipment, personnel and support – the Disability Support Team will liaise with the student, the student’s supervisor and Academic Services to discuss how best to provide support.