Disability & Academic Support (Placements)

You are welcome to contact the Disability & Academic Support Team for assistance and advice during your placement search and whilst you are on placement. Advice and guidance can also be sought directly from the Careers and Placements team. The level of support available will depend on the type of placement you choose e.g. some placements may mean that DSA funding is not applicable or available for that year. 

University services such as the University counsellors, the Disability & Academic Support Team and the ARC (Advice and Representation Centre) are all still available to support you on placement. If you are moving away for your placement your local GP may be able to advise you of someone who you could register with for the duration of your placement. 

The Disability & Academic Support Team can arrange for certain support to continue during your placement, if appropriate funding is in place. E.g. Study Skills Tutors may be able to support you using Skype. 

Should I disclose my disability to employers? 

Deciding when and how to provide information about your disability is a very personal decision. During your placement search you may be asked on application forms or during the interview stage whether you have a disability. Disclosing early in the process and during the application stage allows the employer to prepare any necessary support. These may be things such as extra time on a psychometric test (if you are Dyslexic) or ensuring easy access or ground floor interview rooms and parking (if you have mobility difficulties).You may find it easier to disclose when face-to-face during the interview stage. 

You may feel that your medical condition or disability will have no impact on your ability to do the job and therefore feel you do not need to disclose. Before making your decision you may wish to talk it through with Disability & Academic Support Team. Even if you are not registered with us you can still arrange a meeting for an informal chat.