How to access support

If you’ve declared a disability, the Disability Advisory Service will contact you to help with registration and ensure you have the right evidence in place.

The process of setting up support will vary depending on your circumstances, and your needs may emerge or change at any time. Disability Advisory Service will guide you through each stage. More information on the range of individual adjustments and study support can be found on the 'What support is available' page. If you have any questions at any point, please contact the service.

1. Find out if you are eligible for support
The Disability Advisory Service facilitates access to study for all students whose disability meets the criteria set out in the Equality Act (2010). Visit 'Who can we support?' to find out more. If you are still unsure, please contact the service.

2. Disclose and register your disability with the Disability Advisory Service 
You can disclose your disability at any point — whether you're applying,  or already studying at Oxford: 

• Current students can start the registration process by updating your record on student self-service.
• Offer-holders who have declared a disability at the point of application will be contacted by the Disability Advisory Service with registration details.

If you haven’t heard from the service or decide to disclose later, please contact us on [email protected]. For more information, go to the 'Tell us about your disability' page.

3. Provide evidence of your disability
We’ll ask you to provide evidence that shows how your condition meets the Equality Act definition of a disability, so that appropriate support can be arranged. You can find details about suitable evidence on the 'Tell us about your disability' page. 

4. Your Student Support Plan
Once your evidence is reviewed, the Disability Advisory Service will follow the University's process for disability inclusion, which outlines recommended inclusive practices and reasonable adjustments. If more tailored support is needed, a Student Support Plan (SSP) will be added to your student record. You may be invited to a meeting to discuss your needs in more detail — or, for some conditions such as Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLDs) or certain mental health difficulties, a standard Student Support Plan (SSPB) may be used instead. With your consent, the SSP or SSPB will be shared with your college, department, and library services to help ensure the right support is in place. Learn more about Student Support plans. 

5. Support with exams and assessments
If you think you’ll need adjustments for exams or assessments — such as extra time or extensions — get in touch with your college or department Disability Coordinator as soon as possible. They’ll guide you through the relevant arrangements and ensure applications are made in good time.

6. Apply for funding
UK students may be eligible for Disabled Students' Allowance. This is a grant for disability-related study support - it doesn’t cover general living costs or medical treatment.  International and other students have different routes to funding. Visit the 'Funding' page to find out more about what’s available and how to apply.

7. Arrange a study needs assessment if needed
Some funding bodies will ask you to attend a study needs assessment. This isn’t a test — it’s a conversation about how your disability may affect your studies and what practical strategies and resources might help. 

8. Keep in touch with us
If your needs change or your support is not working you can discuss making changes with the Disability Advisory Service. Whatever your concerns stay in touch with your disability advisor, or your disability coordinator in your college or department. Let the Disability Advisory Service know about any questions, queries or concerns and they will do their best to help. You can find contact details on the 'About the Disability Advisory Service' page or come to the drop-in sessions held in term-time.