Reasonable Adjustment Proforma

What is a reasonable adjustment?

All education providers have a duty to make anticipatory reasonable adjustments to avoid discriminating against disabled students. We aim to continue the development of Swansea as an inclusive and accessible university by implementing tools and practices which support this ethos. This has included the provision of assistive technology on campus, inclusive teaching and assessment methods and accessible design for new buildings.

However, where a disabled student is at a substantial disadvantage in comparison with students who are not disabled, the duty remains to take reasonable steps to remove that disadvantage. The term ‘reasonable’ refers to - as much as is appropriate or fair. What is considered a ‘reasonable adjustment’ depends on individual circumstances. For example, this may require specific changes to the way in which teaching content is delivered and/or assessed, consideration of timetabling and access to the physical environment, and the provision of auxiliary aids.

Disability Rights UK provides further information on adjustments for disabled students.

What types of reasonable adjustments are there?

Examples of adjustments include:

An accessible venue
Use of a small room
Extra time to finish assessments
A reader, scribe, or assistive technology
Access to a PC
Exam questions in the format you need
Feedback and marks in the right format for you
Consideration for spelling, grammar, and punctuation

Use of badges for examinations and assessed work

The University has a policy where students with an identified need can choose to have marking guidelines applied to their examination booklets and coursework so that consideration for spelling, grammar and punctuation etc. is requested.

What is a reasonable adjustment proforma?

Your proforma is the document we use to communicate your reasonable adjustments to your School and/or the Exams Office.

Where is it shared?

It is shared securely with our Disability Contact in your School and the information is passed to the relevant members of staff on a need to know basis only. We ask your School and the Exams Office to implement the adjustments detailed on the proforma and to liaise with us if there are any queries about your needs.

We only share your information with your consent. To find out more, please read the Inclusive Student Support Services Privacy Statement.

What should I do with it?

You will also receive a copy of your proforma and we suggest you keep this on record should you need to refer to your adjustments at any stage during your studies. Your proforma will be sent to your student email.

Exams

The Exams Office have an opt-out system for implementing provisions, whereby your provisions are automatically applied to any in-person exams you sit during your time at Swansea, unless you inform the Exams Office otherwise.

You can still meet with the Exams Office should you wish to discuss your provisions, although this is no longer compulsory; please visit their webpages for further information.

Adjustments for in-class tests will be arranged within your Faculty. If you are unsure of what is happening before a test, we would encourage you to check with your Faculty Student Support Team.

Review

Your proforma is not set in stone and can be reviewed at any point, for reasons such as:

Change of diagnosis and/or symptoms
Additional diagnosis
Coursework/assessment format and activities you may not have initially known about
Year abroad/ in industry/placement opportunities

What supporting evidence is required for a reasonable adjustment proforma?

Disabilities and Long-Term Conditions

Evidence of a disability or long-term physical/mental health condition, such as Epilepsy or Depression will need to be provided by a health professional (such as a GP or psychiatrist). Evidence should include details of the following key points:

Diagnosis/working diagnosis or description of difficulties
Duration or date of on-set
Impact on day-to-day activity and/or ability study

Autistic Spectrum Conditions (ASCs)

Evidence of an Autistic Spectrum Condition, such as Asperger’s Syndrome will need to be provided by a health professional (such as a GP or psychiatrist) or a full diagnostic assessment report completed by an Educational Psychologist. The university recognises ASCs as lifelong conditions so will accept evidence of a diagnosis made at any age. Evidence should include details of the following key points:

Diagnosis/working diagnosis or description of difficulties
Duration or date of on-set
Impact on day-to-day activity and/or ability study

Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD)

Evidence of a specific learning difficulty, such as dyslexia will need to be provided in the form of a full diagnostic assessment report completed by either an Educational Psychologist or Specialist Teacher with a current practising certificate.

The report should use the format and tests recommended in the Specific Learning Difficulties Working Group Guidelines. Further information about this is available from the Disability Service
You could contact your school SENCO to ask about obtaining evidence, or if you are already enrolled at Swansea University, please contact the Disability Service for further advice on obtaining a diagnostic report