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 students when they self-refer will be given an Anticipatory Adjustment Plan when the self-refer to our service. 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.

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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