Many students choose to disclose their disability on the course application form or by contacting the Disability Service directly. Occasionally, students do not refer in this manner and it is important for all staff to be aware of their responsibilities if a student indicates that this is the first disclosure of the disability to anyone in the University.
Under the Equality Act 2010, when a student has told a member of staff that they are disabled, whether formally or informally, then in legal terms, the University as a whole is deemed to know.
What to do if a student discloses a disability to you
The attached form should be completed by the member of staff to whom the disclosure is made and following a discussion with the student in which the outlined points are covered:
- Advise the student that it is in their best interest to disclose. The main purpose of recording a disability disclosure is to ensure that any additional support or reasonable adjustments required can be put in place for the student. Students can request support at any time on their course and they should be encouraged to do so.
- Tell them that they do not need to discuss their disability with you in depth.
- Provide information about the support provided by the Disability Service and encourage them to make contact.
- Ask the student for written permission for the information to be passed on to the Disability Service.
If the student consents, the form should be completed and the information passed on to the Disability Service. The student should be advised that the Disability Service will contact them via email or phone with further information and advice.
What to do if the student does not consent to the information being passed on
If the student does not consent or insists that they do not want the information passed on you should:
- If necessary, contact the Disability Service for advice without identifying the student.
- Reiterate to the student that the purpose of disclosure is aimed at ensuring that they have any necessary support or adjustments in place to enable them to successfully participate in the University experience. It is not meant to be invasive or cause discrimination.
- Explain that consenting to the information being passed on will enable the student to be considered for any necessary tailored support to make the curriculum and university more accessible to them. This may include course and exam adjustments, access to assistive technologies, additional personal support and, where appropriate, access to disability related funding.
- Explain that by requesting not to make the information available to others may place restrictions on the range of adjustments made. It may mean that an adjustment needs to be made in a different, less satisfactory way, or that no adjustment is made.
- If the student still wishes for the information not to be passed on and, providing that withholding such information does not seriously conflict with health and safety considerations, the form should be completed, treated as confidential information and kept in a secure place in line with the University’s Data Protection Policy.
Exceptional circumstances
Please note, there can be very rare, exceptional circumstances when sensitive, confidential data such as disability related information may be passed on. Such as in instances where there is an immediate risk to the personal safety of the students concerned, or to the safety of others. Where appropriate, you should contact the University’s Data Protection Office or a senior member of staff before releasing any disability information. Each case should be considered on an individual basis.