The support we offer
Here we outline who we are, the support offered by the Disability and Neurodiversity team, information about our same-day and longer appointments, and how to get in contact.
Who we are
The Disability and Neurodiversity team provide information, support and advice surrounding:
- Specific learning differences and autism;
- Physical, mobility, and mental health disabilities.
We are made up of a team of specialist advisers and coordinators, within the wider Student Support and Wellbeing Services department, including support staff.
We provide a non-judgemental space
We provide a safe, confidential and non-judgemental space, in which you can discuss your wellbeing, mental health, or disability queries and concerns, particularly those affecting your ability to study.
We work with you
Our team will work with you to explore solutions, improve accessibility and ensure you have equitable access by removing barriers and promoting inclusivity. We are here to enable and enhance access to your studies, teaching and learning, and living experience at UCL.
When you meet one of our advisers, you can discuss these varying forms of reasonable adjustments.
Our specialisms
Our advisers come from a wide variety of backgrounds and have specialities in the following areas:
• Mental health conditions/disabilities;
• Physical disabilities;
• Neurological conditions including ADHD, Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), and Specific Learning Differences (SpLDs) such as dyslexia;
• Mental Health First Aid and suicide prevention trained.
We work very closely with our colleagues in the rest of Student Support and Wellbeing Services, especially Counselling Services, which provides counselling on campus.
Meet the Team
The support we provide
Please see the below pages for a comprehensive understanding of our services.
You can talk to an adviser by booking a free appointment. We offer short 15-20 same day appointments and longer full advisory appointments. You can discuss any wellbeing, mental health or disability concerns that may be affecting your ability to study.
If you're a student with a disability and/or a long-term health condition, including mental health, other neurodivergent conditions and Specific Learning Differences (SpLDs), find out about how you can access and register for support.
Find out about the wide variety of reasonable adjustments and other forms of support we offer, suited to your needs.
Counselling Services provide free counselling, psychiatric support, workshops and more.
Find out about the support available, both internal and external to UCL, for your mental health.
What do we mean by 'disability'?
The term ‘disability’ can have various definitions and meanings. There is no universally accepted definition of disability globally.
Social model of disability
Within UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services, we use the Equality Act 2010 for guidance but also understand:
- Some individuals may not define themselves as disabled but feel solely disabled by society, their environment, particularly within education, or by others.
- Some might feel their disability is disabling but find a majority of negative experiences stem from societal and environmental factors.
- Some individuals see their disability as a key part of their identity, rather celebrating an affirmative model of disability that focuses on their strengths, while targetting how society can make proactive changes to ensure accessibility for all.
Ultimately, it's about ensuring students have the autonomy to take charge of their study and learning with the best tools at hand to achieve that.
For the purposes of implementing some reasonable adjustments, we may require evidence, or the presentation of, a disability. You should discuss this with one of our advisers.
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