In this article:
Who are Disability Support and Inclusion & how can they support me?
Disability Support at King’s are a team of specialist advisers, who offer information, advice, and guidance to both prospective and current students, who have a long-term medical or mental health condition, Specific learning difficulties (SpLD’s) or other impairments that impact learning.
This includes but is not limited to:
- Specific learning differences such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, and attention deficit disorder
- Long-term medical conditions such as epilepsy, diabetes, Crohn’s disease, chronic fatigue syndrome
- Physical mobility impairments that are not restricted to wheelchair users but include conditions such as repetitive strain injuries
- Hearing impairments
- Visual impairments
- Autistic spectrum disorders such as Asperger syndrome
- Mental health difficulties such as anxiety disorders, depression, schizophrenia
The term ‘disability’ applies to a person if they have a physical or mental impairment which is having a substantial, adverse, and long-term (lasting 12 months or more) effect on their ability to perform normal day-to-day activities. (Equality Act 2010)
What do Disability Advisers do?
Disability Advisers meet disabled applicants and students in confidential, one-to-one appointments. They are each linked to central services and faculties for whom they are the main contact for advice and training. Disability Advisers also participate in projects with colleagues within the university to support the advancement of inclusion at King’s.
Assistant Disability Advisers do not provide appointments, but they assist the advisers by answering phone calls and emails. The Assistant Disability Advisers run regular drop-in sessions and can follow up on queries about topics such as Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA), assistive technology, exam provisions, and accommodation. They are also the first point of contact for prospective students seeking information visits.
What other support can I access from Disability Support & Inclusion?
Examples of how the DSA grant can be used include:
- Paying for specialist equipment, and software
- Funding non-medical helpers such as one-to-one study skills support tutors, specialist mentors, sign language interpreters etc.
- A general allowance for printing costs and travel costs may also be offered
Support with getting a Statement of Disability
What is a Statement of Disability?
A Statement of Disability confirms the nature of your disability, long-term medical or mental health condition or specific learning difficulty in line with the Equality Act (2010). It confirms you've provided medical evidence and/or a diagnostic assessment report from a suitably qualified professional.
The Statement is a confidential document for you to share with individuals as you wish. It will not be shared by Disability Support & Inclusion (DS&I) or by other King’s staff.
You can share your Statement to facilitate a discussion about the impact your disability may have on your studies and to raise awareness about any support needs.
The document can also be used as evidence of your disabled status when applying for internal support processes at King’s, including Mitigating Circumstances requests and Personalised Assessment Arrangements.
How can I get a Statement of Disability?
Disability Support & Inclusion can create a Statement of Disability for you. You will need to contact the service and provide your disability evidence. DS&I can be contacted on disability@kcl.ac.uk.
You can find more information on evidence requirements by reading our article How do I register with Disability Support for the first time?
Drop-in sessions for current students
Drop-in sessions – on campus and online
You can speak to one of our Assistant Disability Advisers in a 15-minute drop-in for any quick queries or general advice on disability support.
In-person drop-ins:
Online quick query session:
To book an online (Microsoft Teams) drop-in please use the booking form. We have limited availability and slots are released two days in advance. If you find that the online sessions are booked up, please check again the next day or come along to an in-person drop in.
If you're a prospective student and would like to speak to a member of the Disability & Inclusion Support team, please email us.
Specific Learning Difficulties
This section is relevant for students with Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, (Specific Learning Difficulties) / ADHD diagnosed as a specific learning difficulty.
Accessing Advice and Support
Our Disability Support team can provide you with support and advice on how to apply for the following:
- Disabled Students' Allowance
- Personalised Assessment Arrangements (PAA)
- Mitigating Circumstances
- Additional disability support from the team
How can I contact Disability Support?
To discuss your support options further:
- You can contact Disability Support via email or;
- Attend a drop-in where you'll be able to meet with a member of the team.
For the latest guidance on contacting the team, please read our article What student support services are available at King's?
What reasonable adjustments can be made for my disability?
We've included an overview of the adjustments that can be made below.
Standard Personalised Assessment Arrangements (PAA) include:
- 7-day extensions
- Disability Cover Sheet
- 25% extra time in tests / exams
Other Personalised Assessment Arrangements (PAA) can include:
• Use of a computer in exams
• Scribe /Reader for exams
Important to Know: For the following adjustments (use of a computer, scribe/reader) to be made, you will also need a specific recommendation from a qualified medical professional. Read our article How do I register with Disability Support for the first time for guidance on obtaining this.
How can I apply for Personalised Assessment Arrangements?
Please read our article Guidance for applying for Personalised Assessment Arrangements (PAA) for further guidance.
Reasonable adjustments for PGR students
A Note for Examiners can be submitted for Vivas which describes your disability, and requests consideration by examiners. For further guidance on how to apply, please read What disability adjustments can be made when taking viva examinations?
What specialist support is available?
The specialist support you'll be able to access can include:
- Specialist 1:1 tutor hourly sessions throughout your programme of study.
To access this support, you will need to be in receipt of Disabled Students' Allowance. For further guidance on how to apply for DSA and to view the eligibility criteria, please read our article Funding support for disabled students.
Important to know:
- 1:1 tutor support and assistive technology training can be offered on a limited hours basis to EU/ International students (and those waiting for their application for Disabled Support Allowance to be approved) funded by King’s. For further guidance on accessing this support contact Disability Support.
- Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) can also offer you a laptop with specialist learning support software. DSA will require an independent needs assessment (carried out independently of King's).
Important to know:
- Eligible students are required to provide a £200 contribution towards the laptop.
This section is relevant for students with Long term mental health conditions / ADHD diagnosed by qualified medical professional / Autism spectrum conditions.
Accessing Advice & Support
Our Disability Support team can provide you with support and advice on how to apply for the following:
- Disabled Students' Allowance
- Personalized Assessment Arrangements (PAA)
- Mitigating Circumstances
- Additional disability support from the team
How can I contact Disability Support?
To discuss your support options further:
- You can Disability Support via email or;
- Attend a drop-in where you'll be able to meet with a member of the team.
An appointment may be offered with a Disability Advisor if your enquiry requires bespoke advice.
For the latest guidance on contacting the team, please read our article What student support services are available at King's?
What reasonable adjustments can be made for my disability?
We've included an overview of the adjustments that can be made below:
Standard Personalised Assessment Arrangements (PAA) include:
- 7-day extensions
- Disability Cover Sheet [ADHD and Autism]
- 25% extra time or 25% rest breaks in tests /exams
Other Personalised Assessment Arrangements (PAA) can include:
- Additional extra time, if your evidence supports this.
Important to know: For the following adjustments (additional extra time) to be made, you will need a specific recommendation from a qualified medical professional. Read our article How do I register with Disability Support for the first time for guidance on obtaining this.
How can I apply for Personalised Assessment Arrangements?
Please read our article Guidance for applying for Personalised Assessment Arrangements (PAA) for further guidance.
In addition to the above, you can access additional tutor support via your King's inclusion (KIP) recommendations. To have a KIP in place, you'll need to be assessed by a Disability Advisor (Mental Health). For further guidance on King's Inclusion Plans, read How can Disability Support assist me with my disability?
Reasonable adjustments for PGR students
A Note for Examiners can be submitted for Vivas which describes your disability, and requests consideration by examiners. For further guidance on how to apply, please read What disability adjustments can be made when taking viva examinations?
What specialist support is available?
The specialist support you'll be able to access can include:
- Specialist Mental Health Mentor
- ADHD Study Coach
- ASD Mentor
- 1:1 tutor hourly sessions throughout your programme of study
To access this support, you will need to be in receipt of Disabled Students' Allowance. For further guidance on how to apply for DSA and to view the eligibility criteria, please read our article Funding support for disabled students.
Important to know:
- 1:1 specialist support and assistive technology training can be offered on a limited hours basis to EU/ International students (and those waiting for their application for Disabled Support Allowance to be approved), funded by King’s. For further guidance on accessing this, contact Disability Support.
Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) can also offer you a laptop with specialist learning support software. DSA will require an independent needs assessment (carried out independently of King's).
Important to know:
- Eligible students are required to provide a £200 contribution towards the laptop.
You can also access support from a Disability Advisor (Mental Health) who will be available for advice throughout your programme of study. To request an appointment, contact Disability Support.
As diagnosed by a medical practitioner and long-term (12 months or more duration expected)
Accessing Advice and Support
Our Disability Support team can provide you with support and advice on how to apply for the following:
- Disability Students' Allowance
- Personalized Assessment Arrangements (PAA)
- Mitigating Circumstances
- Additional support for your disability from the team
How can I contact Disability Support?
To discuss your support options further:
- You can contact Disability Support via email
- You can attend a drop-in where you'll be able to meet with a member of the team.
An appointment may be offered with a Disability Advisor if your enquiry requires bespoke advice.
For the latest guidance on contacting the team, please read our article What student support services are available at King's?
What reasonable adjustments can be made for my disability?
We've included an overview of the adjustments that can be made below:
Standard Personalised Assessment Arrangements (PAA) include:
- 7-day extensions
Other Personalised Assessment Arrangements (PAA) can include:
- Additional extra time, if your evidence supports this.
- Use of equipment/ software if required
Important to know: To access additional extra time/use of equipment, you will need a specific recommendation from a qualified medical professional. Read our article How do I register with Disability Support for the first time for guidance on obtaining this.
How can I apply for Personalised Assessment Arrangements?
Please read our article Guidance for applying for Personalised Assessment Arrangements (PAA) for further guidance.
In addition to the above, you can access additional tutor support via your King's inclusion (KIP) recommendations. To have a KIP in place, you'll need to be assessed by a Disability Advisor. For further guidance on King's Inclusion Plans, read How can Disability Support assist me with my disability?
Reasonable adjustments for PGR students
A Note for Examiners can be submitted for Vivas which describes your disability, and requests consideration by examiners. For further guidance on how to apply, please read What disability adjustments can be made when taking viva examinations?
What specialist support is available?
The specialist support you'll be able to access can include:
- Ergonomic equipment
- Taxi journeys to university
To access this support, you will need to be in receipt of Disabled Students' Allowance. For further guidance on how to apply for DSA and to view the eligibility criteria, please read our article Funding support for disable students.
Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) can also offer you a laptop with specialist learning support software. DSA will require an independent needs assessment (carried out independently of King's).
Important to know:
- Eligible students are required to provide a £200 contribution towards the laptop.
You can also access support from a Disability Advisor who will be available for advice throughout your programme of study. To request an appointment, contact Disability Support.
As diagnosed by a medical practitioner and long-term (12 months or more duration expected)
Accessing Advice and Support
Our Disability Support team can provide you with support and advice on how to apply for the following:
- Disability Students' Allowance
- Personalized Assessment Arrangements (PAA)
- Mitigating Circumstances
- Additional support for your disability from the team
How can I contact Disability Support?
To discuss your support options further:
- You can contact Disability Support via email
- You can attend a drop-in where you'll be able to meet with a member of the team.
An appointment may be offered with a Disability Advisor if your enquiry requires bespoke advice.
For the latest guidance on contacting the team, please read our article What student support services are available at King's?
What reasonable adjustments can be made for my disability?
We've included an overview of the adjustments that can be made below:
Standard Personalised Assessment Arrangements (PAA) include:
- 7 day extensions
Other Personalised Assessment Arrangements (PAA) can include:
- Additional extra time, if your evidence supports this.
- Use of equipment/ software if required
Important to know: To access additional extra time/use of equipment, you will need a specific recommendation from a qualified medical professional. Read our article How do I register with Disability Support for the first time for guidance on obtaining this.
How can I apply for Personalised Assessment Arrangements?
Please read our article Guidance for applying for Personalised Assessment Arrangements (PAA) for further guidance.
In addition to the above, you can access additional tutor support via your King's inclusion (KIP) recommendations. To have a KIP in place, you'll need to be assessed by a Disability Advisor. For further guidance on King's Inclusion Plans, read How can Disability Support assist me with my disability?
Reasonable adjustments for PGR students
A Note for Examiners can be submitted for Vivas which describes your disability, and requests consideration by examiners. For further guidance on how to apply, please read What disability adjustments can be made when taking viva examinations?
What specialist support is available?
The specialist support you'll be able to access can include:
- British Sign Language Interpreter support for lecturers/seminars (depending on assessment)
To access this support, you will need to be in receipt of Disabled Students' Allowance. For further guidance on how to apply for DSA and to view the eligibility criteria, please read our article Funding support for disable students.
Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) can also offer you a laptop with specialist learning support software. DSA will require an independent needs assessment (carried out independently of King's).
Important to know:
- Eligible students are required to provide a £200 contribution towards the laptop.
You can also access support from a Disability Adviser who will be available for advice throughout your programme of study. To request an appointment, contact Disability Support.
This section is relevant for students with visual impairments, as diagnosed by a medical practitioner and long-term (12 months or more duration expected). The term blind has been replaced by severe visual impairment.
Accessing Advice and Support
Our Disability Support team can provide you with support and advice on how to apply for the following:
Disability Students' Allowance
Personalized Assessment Arrangements (PAA)
Mitigating Circumstances
Additional support for your disability
How can I contact Disability Support?
To discuss your support options further:
- You can contact Disability Support via email
- You can attend a drop-in where you'll be able to meet with a member of the team.
For the latest guidance on contacting the team, please read our article What student support services are available at King's?
What reasonable adjustments can be made for my disability?
We've included an overview of the adjustments that can be made below:
Standard Personalised Assessment Arrangements (PAA) include:
- 7 Day extensions
Other Personalised Assessment Arrangements (PAA) can include:
- Additional time, (amount based on impairment)
- Reader/Scribe and/ or use of equipment/software if disability requires
Important to know: To access the other arrangements (additional time, reader /scribe ) you will also need a specific recommendation from a qualified medical professional. Read our article How do I register with Disability Support for the first time for further guidance.
How can I apply for Personalised Assessment Arrangements?
Please read our article Guidance for applying for Personalised Assessment Arrangements (PAA) for further guidance.
In addition to the above, you can access additional tutor support via your King's inclusion (KIP) recommendations. To have a KIP in place, you'll need to be assessed by a Disability Advisor. For further guidance on King's Inclusion Plans, read How can Disability Support assist me with my disability?
Reasonable adjustments for PGR students
A Note for Examiners can be submitted for Vivas which describes your disability, and requests consideration by examiners. For further guidance on how to apply, please read What disability adjustments can be made when taking viva examinations?
What specialist support is available?
The specialist support you'll be able to access can include:
- Taxi journeys to university.
To access this support, you will need to be in receipt of Disabled Students' Allowance. For further guidance on how to apply for DSA and to view the eligibility criteria, please read our article Funding support for disabled students.
Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) can also offer you a laptop with specialist learning support software. DSA will require an independent needs assessment (carried out independently of King's).
Important to know:
- Eligible students are required to provide a £200 contribution towards the laptop.
In addition to the above, you can access training to support you when using assistive technology. To discuss this further contact Disability Support.
You can also access support from a Disability Adviser who will be available for advice throughout your programme of study. To request an appointment, contact Disability Support.
This guidance is for students seeking a diagnosis for dyslexia or another specific learning difficulty. To learn more about this process, please read our article How do I arrange a diagnostic assessment for Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLDs)?
Accessing Advice and Support
Our Disability Support team can give you further advice on screening and diagnostic services.
How can I contact Disability Support?
To discuss your support options further:
- You can contact Disability Support via email
- You can attend a drop-in where you'll be able to meet with a member of the team.
For the latest guidance on contacting the team, please read our article What student support services are available at King's?
What reasonable adjustments can be made for my disability?
Please submit an an application for Personalised Assessment Arrangements (PAA).
Before applying, we recommend that you refer to our Guidance for applying for Personalised Assessment Arrangements (PAA).
What specialist support is available?
- Screening by Disability Support.
For the latest update on our screening services please read our article How do I arrange a diagnostic assessment for Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLDs)?
- Referral for diagnostic assessment (SpLDs only)
If screening suggests is necessary. A £50 Student contribution is required (via e-store)
- 1:1 tutor support (This may be offered on a limited hours basis if the need is suggested during the screening process)
Important to Know: For an overview of Disability Support at King's, visit our Disability Support category.
Libraries & Collections
Libraries & Collections are committed to providing an inclusive service for the wider King’s community. Students registered to have a disability will receive extended library loans, and will have access to a wide range of facilities throughout their studies. You can find out more in our article How does the Library support disabled students?
Assistive Technology Rooms (or Booths)
We have 10 Assistive Technology Rooms (ATRs) that are distributed over 5 campuses, that provide a quiet study area with PCs loaded with assistive software applications, and access to printer and scanners. You can find out more about ATR's in our article How can I access Assistive Technology Rooms at King's?
Important to know: To use an Assistive Technology Room or Booth you'll need to contact Disability Support to register for access.
King’s Careers & Employability
Careers and Employability offer lots of support for disabled students, including a range of events, longer appointments and exclusive internship opportunities. You can find more information in our article How does the Careers and Employability Service help disabled students?
Accessibility & inclusivity on King's campuses
King's is committed to providing an accessible and inclusive environment for all of its students, staff and visitors.
Accessibility
To learn more about campus accessibility, you can visit the university's AccessAble (previously DisabledGo) guides: King's College London accessible campus guides. These guides provide images of the King’s buildings, highlighting step free access and accessible facilities.
For more details on our approach to inclusivity please check out The King's Community Charter.