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FAQs
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Should I notify the College of my disability and if so when?
Disabled students are encouraged to discuss their support requirements with one of our Advisers as soon as possible. In this way, the most appropriate support can be
identified, implemented as far as possible and modified in response to the student's individual needs. The quickest way to ensure your support needs are addressed is
to complete the Learning Support Referral Form and send directly to
Disability Services or contact us on 028 90265097 to make an appointment to see one of our Advisors.
I have a medical condition but not sure if it would be classed as a disability. What should I do?
There is no definitive list but there are ways to define and measure disability. The main legal definition is set out in the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 1995.
The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) defines a disabled person as someone who has a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long-term adverse
effect on his or her ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities. Long-term means your impairment has lasted, or is expected to last, at least 12 months, or for
the rest of your life.
You are considered disabled if:
- You have a mental or physical impairment
- The impairment has an adverse effect on your ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities
- The effect is substantial and long-term
This DDA definition is quite broad. For example, it can include people who have dyslexia, learning difficulties or long-term medical conditions. It can also cover
people experiencing mental health difficulties.
If you are still unsure contact us to arrange a meeting with one of our advisors.
If I disclose my disability will it affect my application?
Under part 4 of the Disability Discrimination Act (1995) no student can be discriminated against because of their disability.
What happens if I decide not to disclose?
Deciding whether to disclose is a personal choice, however there are benefits to disclosing. If you tell us about your disability then we can discuss appropriate
support strategies and put them in place. If you don't tell us before the start of your course and something needs arranging then that might mean a delay for you as it
does take time to arrange things like note takers, sign language interpreters etc.
What happens once I’ve disclosed my disability?
You will be given an appointment to meet with one of our advisors to discuss your requirements and agree appropriate support strategies. Discussion and
recommendations will be based on medical evidence, background information from you on how your condition affects you on a daily basis, and previous support you may
have received at school.
Who will be told about my disability?
It is an important part of our service that we deal with any issues sensitively and discreetly. All information and evidence given to us will be treated and stored
confidentially. If classroom adjustments need to be made then your course tutors will need to be made aware to enable them to put these in place. Special Exam
Arrangements are organised by the Examinations Officer and medical information is required before these can be processed. Your disability will only be discussed with
others after consultation with you, and with your consent.
What support can I expect?
Students may access a wide range of support, recommendations for any support will be individual and based on evidence presented to Disability Services. Below is a
list of some examples of support available:
- Learning Mentors
- sign language interpreter
- Note-taker
- loan of equipment
- specialist enabling technology
- examination support
Do I have to pay for this support?
BMC is allocated a budget each year to meet the needs of students with disabilities or additional support needs enrolled on Further Education courses. This fund does
not cover transport or personal care.
Students on higher education courses may be entitled to claim Disabled Students’ Allowance
(DSA). The individual student must apply to their local education and library board to confirm eligibility for this award.
I have a disability but don’t need any support – do I still need to come to Disability Services?
We would advise you to come along for a chat with a Disability Adviser to find out about the full range of support available. Studying at college is often very
different from school so it’s in your best interests to know what’s available.
What do I do about obtaining special examination arrangements if I have a disability?
The first thing you need is either a report from an educational psychologist if you are dyslexic and / or dyspraxic, or medical evidence from a specialist or general
practitioner for other types of disability, including visual impairment, hearing impairment, mobility difficulties, mental health difficulties, Asperger's Syndrome or
other recognised disability. That evidence should wherever possible explain why you need special arrangements. Take that evidence to the Disability Support Office and
arrange an appointment with one of our advisers. Final decisions on special exam arrangements are the responsibility of the Awarding Body.
Special exam arrangements have to be applied for at the beginning of exam series and do not carry over into a new academic year.
I am an international student with a disability – what should I do?
International students who attend the Belfast Metropolitan College and who have a disability will need to provide evidence, medical or educational psychologist report
in English. They may not qualify for funding from ASF or DSA. Alternative arrangements to fund their support may require the student having to pay for all or some of
their support costs.
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For Enquiries about our Disability Services contact the centre for Inclusive Learning
T. 028 90 265 097
Email Us
CILD@
belfastmet.ac.uk
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