The University has an inclusive teaching and learning policy and alongside this we can make further adjustments to support your individual needs. Some examples of this could be:

• informing tutors when students have a disability-related reason for missing lectures, arriving late or leaving early (except where attendance is used as a means of assessment)
• similarly, some students may need to move or stretch during lectures to alleviate discomfort due to a physical impairment or health condition, and tutors can also be made aware of this
• all students are permitted to make recordings of lectures (unless the content is confidential). If additional assistive technology is needed, such as an assistive listening device/radio aid system, we can advise lecturers of what they may need to do to facilitate this
• in practical sessions, additional help can be requested if students struggle to follow demonstrations of written instructions, or have difficulties with physically using any of the lab equipment
• tutors can be asked to compile a glossary of course language in order to support Deaf students working with sign language interpreters.

If you require adjustments to examinations or assessments, you will need to register with the Disability Advisory Service and arrange to speak with an Adviser.

Please contact the Disability Advisory Service as soon as possible to ensure there is enough time for adjustments to be put in place. Adjustments can include:

• additional time
• smaller exam venues
• rest breaks
• use of a computer, plus access to assistive technology
• provision of ergonomic aids, such as an adjustable chair
• 'green stickers’ can be applied for students with specific learning difficulties for empathetic marking, so spelling, punctuation and grammar errors are not penalised (unless this is a specific learning outcome of the course)
• exam papers with enlarged fonts, coloured paper or use of coloured overlays.

When students are required to give presentations, adjustments may be made to present to tutor only.

Adjustments can also be made for placements. The Disability Advisory Service can discuss with you and the academic department if you have a placement for a vocational course. Examples of this could be:

• adjustments to working hours
• consideration of travel time
• parking on site
• accessibility of buildings

The library staff can assist with:

• providing accessible electronic versions of books
• finding books for you to collect
• sourcing and creating accessible formats of materials
• accessing the library online catalogue to locate books
• 1:1 introductions to the library building, its study spaces and facilities
• using assistive technology installed on the library PC’s.

For more information and support in the library, please contact library@reading.ac.uk or visit reading.ac.uk/library

Apps Anywhere is a web based tool which provides access to a range of software applications which can then be used by students using their own Windows device or from a university owned PC, from any campus location. The applications available include Texthelp Read&Write (textto-speech) and MindManager (mind mapping), as well as Audacity, which can be used to make and edit recordings, and EndNote to help with referencing. There is also one computer within the library with Supernova available for students with visual impairments.

Blackboard materials are available to download in a range of accessible formats to suit student’s needs.

Academic mentoring

Students who experience organisational difficulties may benefit from additional support through our Academic Mentoring Scheme.

This support may be provided by a postgraduate student and can assist with:

• organising workloads
• prioritising work
• time management.

Academic mentoring does not provide teaching support, but aims to reduce the impact of organisational difficulties on study.

Social mentoring

Students who experience challenges managing the social side of university life may benefit from Social Mentoring support.

This support is provided by current students and they can assist with:

• questions you may have about settling in at University
• support to join clubs and societies
• orientation around campus
• meeting for a chat.

This is likely to be during the first few weeks of term, but can be for longer if needed.

If you think that this support may be useful to you, please contact the Disability Advisory Service. Eligibility will be based on medical evidence and discussion with a Disability Adviser.

Reasonable adjustment requests involving animals

The University does not allow pets in any University buildings or properties, this includes but is not limited to University Accommodation, lecture theatres, seminar rooms, laboratories, exam halls, cafes and catering outlets and the Library.  

If you;

A. have an Assistance Dog, which is registered with Assistance Dogs UK (ADUK),

B. have a disability whereby you require assistance from an animal to access the services provided by the University whilst studying, as a Reasonable Adjustment under the Equality Act 2010,

Please complete the relevant sections in the form below to submit a request for your animal to be permitted onto campus with you, while you study with us. 

We would encourage you to do this at the earliest possible opportunity, to allow the University adequate time to consider the practicalities of the requested adjustments and where appropriate, implement them.

1. Register with the University’s Disability Advisory Service (DAS) as soon as you accept your place with us; 
2. Complete the Reasonable Adjustments involving Animals request form, and include as much information as possible; 
3. Where applicable, provide relevant supporting documentation to show how the animal alleviates the disadvantages caused by your disability;
4. Provide evidence of public liability insurance for your animal;
5. If living or planning to live in University Accommodation with the animal, you will need to inform the accommodation office at acmo@reading.ac.uk when you apply; 
6. If you are planning to come to the University from outside of the UK, there may be rules related to bringing your animal into the country that you need to be aware of (for example animal passports or vaccinations), and you should ensure you understand and abide by the requirements well ahead of planning your journey. 

Once you have completed all of the above, the University will make a decision on your request, which may involve a university Reasonable Adjustments Panel meeting to discuss your application.  

The panel will need to consider:

The University may need to contact you for further information if we do not have enough to make a decision. 

If the University agrees to your request to bring your animal with you to university, we will inform you in writing, and will ask that you sign and return an animal conduct agreement before you arrive. 

DAS will include this information on each student’s Individual Learning Plan, so that colleagues across the University are aware of the student’s animal-related reasonable adjustments.  

We strongly recommend that if an assistance animal has been organised through one of the ADUK organisations, a representative from the organisation should make contact with the Disability Advisory Service to discuss practical details, including arrangements for Accommodation, at the earliest possible opportunity.

Please note: 

Once you have submitted this form and the required accompanying evidence, the University will make a decision as to whether to allow your animal on campus as a reasonable adjustment.

If you believe that you also require other reasonable adjustments while at University, please ensure you have discussed these with the Disability Advisory Service as soon as possible, to avoid any delays.

 
For any queries; 

email disability@reading.ac.uk

or call 0118 378 4202

or visit us - Room G08 Carrington Building, Whiteknights Reading, RG6 6UA  
Reception Opening Times: Monday to Friday, 10am - 1pm and 2pm-4pm 

PEEP stands for Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan, and these only apply to certain individuals.

A PEEP is a personal plan for people who require assistance or special arrangements in order to get to safety during an evacuation. PEEPs are created between the individual student and the Fire Safety Adviser, then disseminated to Security, Fire Safety, Disability Advisory Service, Academic Tutors, and Disability Representatives, so that colleagues are aware of those who require assistance. If you think you might need a PEEP, please fill out the University's PEEP form.

How do I know if I need a PEEP?

If you are not sure whether you need a PEEP try answering the following questions:

When the fire alarm goes off, are you able to evacuate the building on your own quickly (approximately 2.5mins) without assistance?  (if your answer is no, you need to fill out our PEEP form) 

To find out more about fire safety and evacuation procedures, visit the webpage on Essentials.

The University has a wide range of support that can be accessed by all students.

These services include information on:

Accommodation for disabled students

Medical and general health - find the best person to help, and how to register with your local GP

The University of Reading Counselling and Wellbeing service - professional counselling, wellbeing and mental health support for students

Extenuating circumstances - if something happens that impacts your study find out what to do

Careers advice

Support from your peers - through peer-assisted learning and STaR mentors

Support Centres and Student Services - your first port of call for all questions, help or advice throughout your time at university

Study Advice and Maths support team

Religious and spiritual care

Reading Students' Union advice - Reading Students’ Union has independent advisers who give advice on general students matters including money matters, harassment, housing and many more topics