We recognise disabled students can experience barriers within education and have prioritised disabled students in our Access and Participation Plan.
We are committed to fostering an inclusive learning environment that empowers our disabled students to reach their full potential. This support includes neurodiverse students and those with mental health conditions.
Our Disability Services staff work with disabled applicants and students throughout their time at the University. Student advisers provide detailed plans of the student's support needs, help them apply for funding such as Disabled Students Allowances and arrange one-to-one support, including note-taking and study skills.
More about our Disability services
Specialist study skills tuition includes specialist tutors to provide bespoke study skills support to eligible students. Eligible students usually need to have a diagnosed specific learning difficulty and have funding agreed through Disabled Students Allowances. If they are not eligible for Disabled Students Allowances, our advisers can work with them to explore support to meet their needs.
More about our specialist study skills tuition
Student Life is a central hub where every student can access a wide range of support services, including:
Students are encouraged to contact the Student Life team with any queries related to support. All enquires are carefully triaged and directed to the most appropriate service based on individual needs. There is no requirement for students to know exactly which service to approach - by simply sharing as much information as possible about their situation, the team ensures the enquiry reaches the right professionals, who will follow up directly.
We fund and arrange diagnostic assessments for students who may have a specific learning difficulty. In the academic years 2021-24, 791 students were diagnosed. Over 90% of those students went on to access support from our Disability Services.
We are expanding our award-winning residential transition event. This two-day event for students with autism or a mental health diagnosis takes place during the summer and provides participants with an insight into the University, our support services and an opportunity to build meaningful connections before enrolment.
Students eligible for an iPad through the Advance scheme have access to its multiple in-built accessibility functions.
More about Teesside University Advance
All staff have access to online training to help them understand the needs of our disabled students and how best to support them and create an inclusive learning space.
Disability Services contribute towards multiple events across the academic year, including Dyslexia Awareness week, Mental Health Day and neurodiversity awareness raising events.
View Student Life events
Staff work with the local charity Daisy Chain to run a weekly social group for autistic students.