If you feel your academic results have been affected by unfair circumstances or procedural errors, we’re here to help. The LBSU Advice Service offers free, confidential, and impartial support to guide you through the academic appeals process. Whether you need help understanding your rights or submitting an appeal, we’ve got your back.

What is considered to be a disability?

The Equality Act 2010 defines a person as having a disability if:

  1. they have a physical or mental impairment; and

  2. the impairment has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on their ability to perform normal day-to-day activities.

    In this context “long term” means the impairment is likely to last for the rest of their life or at least 12 months.

    This may include students who:

    1. Have a disability or long-term condition at the point of application;

    2. Become disabled after starting their course; or

    3. Become aware of a need for support arising from an existing disability.

Who do I need to tell about my disability?

Ideally your Course Tutor/Course Director and Disability Advice, we would also say that although your course tutors can consider adjustments, its also important to recognise that they are not disability practitioners and may need to discuss the students needs with Disability Advice.

When should I let people know about my disability?

As soon as possible, ideally during your application for the course.

How long does it take from disclosing a disability to getting a reasonable adjustment put in place?

Ideally just a few weeks, but there are busy times during the year. In 25/26, when students they self-refer will be given an Anticipatory Adjustment Plan. Which can provide some interim adjustments before they attend their RAP appointment, or it can be used for the whole duration of their course if it is sufficient for their needs.

Where can I find the published timescales for the implementation of reasonable adjustments for formal examinations?

This is not available, but we will develop this as a resource

What is classed as a reasonable adjustment?

Reasonable adjustments are changes made to remove or reduce a disadvantage related to someone's disability.

My course staff are telling me to apply for an extension via the mitigation and extenuating circumstances procedure. I thought I didn’t have to do that, what should I do?

Extensions for known disability related reasons do not require mitigation, although the school may apply for it on your behalf as an administrative process

I have been given a different deadline for my assessment due to my disability but I still need more time to complete my work, what can I do?

Talk to your course tutor or academic advisor.

What can I do if my reasonable adjustments are not put in place?

  1. Speak to your course tutor

  2. Speak to your course director

  3. Contact the SU

What steps should I take if I feel that the reasonable adjustments agreed upon are not sufficient? Is there an appeals process?

  • Discuss your needs with your tutor/course director or contact disability advice
  • If you are still not happy you can contact the SU for advice on how to complain.
If I have a temporary condition that impacts my ability to complete coursework, is there any forms of support or adjustments I can apply for?

If it does not qualify as a disability (12 month condition) you will need to go through the mitigation process.

What types of evidence do I need to provide to receive reasonable adjustments?

  • None, we use self-declaration, but this may limit the adjustments we can provide.
  • Good examples are: GP letter, Diagnostic report, EHCP, audiology report, Eye test, DSA Disability Evidence Form
Can adjustments be made retrospectively if I didn’t know I was entitled to them at the time of an assessment?

Sometimes it depends on the assessment type and you may require you to resubmit your work or resit an exam. The university does not have a sympathetic marking policy so you may not receive a higher grade.

How does the university handle fluctuating conditions where my needs may change over time? Will my adjustments be reviewed regularly?

Adjustments are not currently proactively reviewed but student can request a review at any time.

Will my student visa status be affected if I need to take time off or adjust my study schedule due to my disability?

Visa requirements from the UK Home Office are the same irrespective disability and impact.

Will documentation from my home country be accepted, or do I need to get new assessments in the UK?

All evidence is able to be considered.

If I am a Business School student entitled to the automatic 5 working day extension, but that is not adequate, as i have flexible extension provision under my RAP can I then request a further 10 working days extension or would this be limited to a further 5 working days?

All disabled students now have access to an automatic (maximum) 10 day submission window, further extensions beyond this allowance need to be discussed with your tutor or academic adviser.

Is it possible for post-graduate students to receive reasonable adjustments?

Yes including PHD students.

I know a lot of the students feel like a burden or that they are making a scene. will my disability/ RAP be taken seriously.

Yes as this would be discriminatory, where students do not feel they are being treated appropriately they can talk to the SU for support and advice or make a formal complaint.

Are there examples of reasonable adjustment plans for various disabilities?

No currently Reasonable Adjustment Plans are bespoke to each person depending on what we know about them and what they tell us.

Student with laptop

Useful links:

Wellbeing resources Cost of living First time in Leeds? Getting home safely Advice Articles Resources for liberation groups University's Harassment & Misconduct page

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