We require medical evidence that clearly states that you have a long-term diagnosed condition, such as a Disabled Students’ Allowances report or a GP or consultant’s letter. Appointment letters are not sufficient for this purpose. Please note that some GPs charge for writing evidence letters and you will be liable to pay this fee.
If you do not already have appropriate evidence, we advise you to obtain a letter that shows you are disabled under the definition of the Equality Act 2010 (see below). This is so that you can use the same letter to apply for Disabled Students’ Allowances.
It is helpful for the medical evidence to include:
- Diagnosis
- Likely duration of the disability / health condition
- Whether the condition is fluctuating
- Possible effects of the disability on learning / attendance at University etc (as if condition was untreated)
- Any impact on day-to-day activities (as if condition was untreated).
If possible identify whether the condition affects:
- Concentration or memory
- Motivation
- Reading / writing for long periods
- Use of computers
- Ability to walk any distance
- Whether medication may have side effects that may impact on learning, e.g. sleep disturbance, fatigue in the mornings etc.
A person is disabled under the Equality Act 2010 if they have a physical or mental impairment that has a ‘substantial’ and ‘long-term’ negative effect on their ability to do normal daily activities (this includes study-related activities).
‘Substantial’ is more than minor or trivial – e.g. it takes much longer than it usually would to complete a daily task like getting dressed. ‘Long-term’ means that it may well last for 12 months or more, although conditions where the impact fluctuates, such as depression or fibromyalgia, are also likely to be covered.
The impact of impairment or disability should be described as if it was not treated by medication, therapy or other care and lifestyle management.