The reasonable adjustments duty

“The duty is ‘to take such steps as it is reasonable to have to take to avoid the substantial disadvantage’ to a disabled person caused by a provision, criterion or practice applied by or on behalf of a school, or by the absence of an auxiliary aid or service.” (Equality and Human Rights Commission, 2022)

Three main areas to consider for reasonable adjustments

• Auxiliary Aids and Services (a piece of equipment or support from a member of staff).
• Physical alterations (access for disabled pupils to the curriculum, the physical environment and to information).
• Provisions, criteria, and practices (the way in which a school operates on a daily basis, including its decision and actions).

Here are a few examples of reasonable adjustments that could be made for an autistic child with eating differences:

• A separate room to complete exams in.
• Rest breaks in exams.
• Lecture or seminar presentations sent out in advance.
• More contact time with academic tutor.
• Extensions on essays or coursework.
• Separate study rooms in the library.
• Allocation to a wellbeing mentor.
• Accessible accommodation based on needs.

Disability and university

At university, a disability is described as any health condition which has lasted, or is likely to last, more than 12 months. This includes mental health conditions, sensory impairments, mobility difficulties, autism, ADHD and learning difficulties (such as dyslexia).

All of these things can create barriers to people accessing education, which is why additional support may be needed.

Universities therefore encourage you to declare if you have any of these conditions so adjustments can be put in place to support you as much as they can. Under the Equality Act (2010), all students who meet the criteria for a disability are entitled to additional support.

Universities are often welcoming and encouraging of ALL students and will ensure that everyone is supported to meet their full potential.

Universities often have disability advisors who can provide information or advice about students with a disability or long-term health condition (both autism and mental health conditions such as eating disorders are included in this bracket). They may be able to:

• Provide an individual learning plan and liaise with your department to recommend study adjustments (for example, extra time in exams).
• Help you apply for specialist one-to-one support or equipment.
• Help you access support arrangements around transport and accommodation.

Universities often allow you to book appointments to discuss your circumstances and support needs before you have arrived at university.

the disabled student allowance

The Disabled Student Allowance (DSA) is a branch of student finance that helps to cover any study-related costs due to a disability or long-term medical condition (including mental health). Students have to make an application to the DSA which university disability advisors can support with.

The DSA may be able to provide:

• specialist equipment.
• one-to-one support (study skills, mentoring etc.).
• other costs you have to pay because of your disability

STaying well at university

It may be helpful to think with young people about the following things to help with staying well at university:

Setting realistic goals which are achievable and motivating. Your tutor and peers may be able to support with this.

Be kind to yourself! We all make mistakes as we are only human. Think about what you would tell a friend or a loved one if they were in your situation.

Creating a clear routine around eating and sleeping can be helpful. You may have much more ‘free time’ at university than you are used to so planning your day to create structure can be really useful. Remember to balance studying, recovery and doing activities that you enjoy.

Be flexible when you can, as there may be opportunities that arise that you haven’t planned for. It may be good to think about whether you feel able to go if it is something that you would enjoy.

A relapse prevention plan may be helpful to think about in advance:

• What are my early warning signs?
• What can I do to help myself? (Meal planning, sticking to regular eating, seeing friends more, focusing on other interests, setting recovery goals)
• Where to go for support? (Friends, family, GP, local eating disorder service/ autism support, university wellbeing services)

Allow time for relaxation, fun, and engaging in your interests!

Further information

The FREED website has some really useful information about managing an eating disorder at university, fitness to study and advice on seeking support:

Eating disorder information for young people & carers | FREED (freedfromed.co.uk)

The National Autistic Society website has lots of advice around coping with, starting at and leaving university:

Search (autism.org.uk)

The government website has more information on the DSA, eligibility and how to apply:

Help if you’re a student with a learning difficulty, health problem or disability:

GOV.UK (Welcome to GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)