Supporting students with disabilities within a UK university: Lecturer perspectives

Group Data from the Higher Education Statistics Agency shows an increase in the number of UK students with disabilities entering Higher Education. This small-scale qualitative study within a UK university led to the identification of five main themes. Participants expressed concern that there were students who chose not to disclose a range of disabilities resulting in inadequate levels of support. Students who declared a disability were provided with Learning Support Plans, however, these were found to be needing improvement. The role of the writing support tutors and their varied approaches to supporting students raised concerns. Participants were amenable to making ‘reasonable adjustments’ for students with disabilities, it was unclear as to what these adjustments should be. Participants acknowledged the need for training especially in the area of mental health. This study may be used to inform university policy and practice and if necessary support the implementation of change. © 2017 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Franci