Here’s some information to help you choose what to do next if you have a physical disability, learning difficulties or a disability such as autism, attention deficit disorder (ADHD) or dyslexia.
Support you can get
Schools, colleges and universities offer support for students with special educational needs or disabilities. They have to make reasonable adjustments by law.
Depending on what you need help with, you might be able to get:
- a tutor or someone to take notes for you
- information in different ways like sign language, braille or large print
- special computer equipment like a tablet, screen reader or hearing assistive technology
- a mentor or an advocate
- therapies such as speech therapy or mental health services
- flexible class times and extra time for exams
Contact course providers
You are not on your own on the journey into your next stage of education or training. You should contact the place where you want to study to find out what support they offer.
It's best to contact them before you apply as it might help you decide if you'd like to go there.
The provider might also help you:
- apply for the course
- plan how you'll travel
- choose the best way for you to start
- set up a visit before your course begins
Open days
You could also attend open days to find out what:
- courses they offer
- travelling to the campus is like
- facilities you can access
- students and staff think, and ask any questions you have
- support they can provide you with
Filling in application forms
You can ask for an application form in a different format, such as braille. It’s against the law for an education provider to only have application forms in one format.
Applications usually give you the option to say what needs or disabilities you have. It’s a good idea to give as much information as possible.
Only the people who will support you or arrange the support for you will see the details you provide.
This information is not used to make a decision on your application. It’s against the law for a provider to use it against you.
Education, health and care (EHC) plans
If you have an education, health and care (EHC) plan, your school will start to plan your next steps with you from year 9.
Your EHC plan annual reviews should help you:
- create some clear goals that are ambitious
- explore your post 16 options or post 18 options
- choose a next step that meets your interests and needs
- plan for what comes next
Further Support
- Job support if you have a learning difficulty or disability
- You might find it useful to speak to the Disabled Students Helpline, run by Disability Rights UK. They can give you specialist support, information and advice by phone or Workwell email.
- Disability Rights UK: information, advice and resources for disabled students
- Preparing for Adulthood: guidance on supported internships and study programmes for young people with a disability or learning difficulty
- Talking Futures support for parents and guardians looking to explore education and career options with their child
- Access to Work: help to find or stay in work if you have a physical or mental health condition, including financial support
- WorkWell is available for anyone who is 16+ years old is registered to a G.P. anywhere within the Black Country, has the right to work within the UK and is experiencing barriers to employment due to health conditions/disabilities. WorkWell will support those who are in work, need support returning to work or are out of work up to 6 months who require early intervention due to facing health related barriers, however, we also link participants needing more complex support to return to work who have been out of work longer with services who can provide longer term support.