Medical Evidence

Before the Disability Service can put support in place for you, you will need to provide evidence of your condition.

All copies of evidence should be:

• written in English and on letter-headed paper and dated
• signed by the person writing the letter or report.

For students with physical, mental, or multiple impairments: A letter from a qualified medical professional (e.g. GP, consultant or specialist nurse) which gives all of the following information:

• The nature of the mental/physical impairment/condition and the diagnosis (if applicable).
• When the impairment was identified and/or how long it has lasted and/or is likely to last.
• The main effects (including the severity) of the impairment on studies and carrying out of normal day-to-day activities including symptoms; this can include the side effects of any medication and also a description of the effect of the impairment without medication or auxiliary aids.

For deaf or hearing impaired students: A letter confirming the hearing loss and the impact of this loss on daily activities/studies; this can be from a doctor or audiologist.

For blind or visually impaired students: A letter confirming the level of sight loss and the impact of this loss on daily activities/studies; this can be from a doctor. If certified as blind, severely sight impaired, sight impaired or partially sighted by a Consultant Ophthalmologist, medical evidence is still required although there is no requirement to detail the impact, as the impairment will be deemed to be a disability.

For students with Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLDs), such as Dyslexia: You will need to provide evidence of your learning need, this could include a report completed by an Educational Psychologist or a Specialist Teacher or evidence of assessments for exam access arrangement.