Disability Contact roles and responsibilities

Background and context

A Disability Contact is a School’s senior designated point of contact with whom students can raise issues of concerns about implementation of adjustments and other disability issues such as accessibility. The Disability Contact is empowered to act with the authority of the Head of School to resolve problems with adjustments.

Our Service will maintain an up-to-date list of all School Disability Contacts. Students will be able be able to access this list, which will be linked on our website, from the Student Support Section of their MyEd page.

Role responsibilities

1. To be available to disabled students to discuss any issues or problems regarding the accessibility of their programme of study and implementation of support proposed by the Disability & Learning Support Service (DLSS).
2. To respond to student concerns as quickly as possible (e.g., within 5 working days), keeping them appraised of any action taken.
3. To support disabled students to seek a resolution to disability related issues.
4. To develop and maintain a working knowledge of current disability issues and policy relating to the support of disabled students.
5. To develop effective working relationships and communication with DLSS.
6. To participate in training and liaison events with DLSS colleagues.
7. To participate in a University-wide network of School Disability Contacts, supported by DLSS, to share experiences, good practice and knowledge.
8. To work alongside the School’s Coordinators of Adjustments to ensure implementation of disabled students’ support.

Disabled students who require support in relation to their studies should be referred to the Disability and Learning Support Service in the first instance.