Don't Hide From Disability
Don't Hide From Disability
One of the Union's main priorities is to raise awareness of issues facing students with disabilities. These pages will provide you with information about advice, support and assistance that can be offered if you are a student with a disability at Imperial.
As a student, you may face academic and personal challenges at University, which in some cases can prove too much for some people; students with disabilities often encounter these hurdles.
Students with disabilities however, often require extra support, to ensure they get a fair chance to succeed in higher education.
That’s exactly what this page aims to inform you about.
Imperial College offers support in numerous ways to students with disabilities; this could be anything from extra time in exams to book-fetching services at the library.
On this page we try and list the various facilities available to you in College as well as the people you can contact to access them.
We hope that you will get lots out of this page and be reassured to know that there is support out there for you. Remember that if you don’t see what you want here don’t be afraid to ask!
The College Disabilities Officer
Loretto O'Callaghan, the College Disabilities Officer is here to discuss any matter concerning access and accommodation, or any worries students with any disability may have during their studies. She is happy to visit students either in their area of work or hall of residence at any of the College campuses. Any discussion will be treated in confidence. Loretto can also assist students in applications for funding from Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSAs) and, where applicable, arrange with an outside agency for an enrolled student to be assessed for dyslexia. Students should first approach their personal tutor, Senior Tutor or one of the College Tutors.
College Student Disability Policy
The College endeavours to ensure that students with disabilities appreciate that the College aims to fully accommodate their needs and that it may not be able to do so if it has not been informed of their disability.
Whilst students are encouraged to disclose any disability at the earliest opportunity, they are welcome to inform the College at any time during their studies.
All staff have a responsibility to deal with such information with discretion (see roles and responsibilities, below) and it is intended that all staff dealing with students on a regular basis will receive training on disability awareness.
If you are an overseas student
Part 4 of the Disability Discrimination Act legislation includes rights, under certain circumstances, for international students with a disability studying in the UK and for disabled people from the UK who take part in international study or placements.
Under the Act we are required to make reasonable adjustments to ensure that a disabled student is not placed at a substantial disadvantage.
Most full-time undergraduate disabled students in the UK pay for their equipment and support through the Disabled Students’ Allowances. If you are an overseas student, you are not eligible for these allowances. However, you are still protected under the Act.
Deputy President (Education & Welfare)
Kirsty is your student representative when it comes down to issues like welfare and disabilities. She is there to direct you to the right person to contact when in need and she always keeps an eye on the disabilities services to ensure they are running smoothly.
More than 75% of declared disabled students have a hidden disability. Although the numbers are increasing yearly, these figures are still not an accurate representation.
Kirsty encourages you to disclose your disability in order to allow us all to support you the best we can.
If you are in any doubt about how the Union or the College can assist you; please contact Kirsty and she is more than happy to help.
Library Support Facilities
| Facility | Available Campuses |
|---|---|
22" Monitor | Central, CX, C&W |
Big Keys Keyboard | Central, CX |
Scanner | Central |
Dragon Dictate | Central |
Inspirations | Central |
Choice of coloured paper for printing | All Libraries |
Choice of coloured overlays | Central |
Longer book loans | Central |
Book fetching service | Central |
Dedicated room for quiet study | Central (Level 2) |
Central: Central Library, South Kensington.
CX: Charing Cross Library.
C&W: Chelsea & Westminster Library.
Contact your Personal or Senior Tutor for extra arrangements for coursework and exams.
This information is available in a printed leaflet version from the Information & Advice Centre, Beit Quadrangle.
Contact Details
Library Disability Liaison Officer
Helen Kershaw
(020) 7594 8611
IC Extension 48611
Disabilities Officer
Loretto O'Callaghan
(020) 7594 8935
IC Extension 48935
Deputy President (Education & Welfare)
Hannah Theodorou
(020) 7594 8060
IC Extension 58064
Student Adviser
Nigel Cooke
(020) 7594 8067
IC Extension 48067
