'Loss of support' for disabled university students

Disabled students at the University of Derby are calling for more specialist support to be available during their studies, claiming the university made changes to its disability support.

A group called the Independent Disabled Students Network (IDSN), which was formed to challenge decisions made by the university, said there had been a "significant reduction in disability support across the university".

Sonja Brown, 58, a disabled student, told the BBC: "It's stressful and frustrating that we weren't considered. I feel like I'm a second class citizen and that they couldn't speak to me and get my point of view."

The university denied removing any support for students with disabilities.

The IDSN group claim the university has scrapped deadline extensions, extra time in examinations and single-diagnosis support plans for students.

James Eames, 28, a student and founder of the group said: "To date, the university has not issued a formal policy or public statement clarifying the current position on support entitlements.

"Multiple students have raised complaints, and we have started to rely on Freedom of Information requests to access basic information about policies that directly affect our ability to study."

Sonja, who is studying a masters degree in international tourism and hospitality, says she lost support that was previously available to her during her undergraduate studies.

"I was here from 2020 to 2023. I had a Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) in place and got support and extensions.

"I came back in September 2024 to find I still have my support plan but not my extensions, because they want to make it a level playing field.

"Not only do I have a hidden disability, I've got a physical disability.

"It just means more stress for us. If I had known about the changes at the open day, I would have considered going to another university."

Rosie Henrick, 25, a disabled psychology student who is autistic, has ADHD and general anxiety disorder, says the changes are taking a toll on their health.

They said: "It has a psychical and mental negative impact. I've been getting a lot more high heart rate notifications. I'm very stressed out.

"I don't think I can be there next year if they don't change stuff.

"I get good grades but I also don't want my health to decline. It definitely is, and I've been noticing it."

George Butler, 19, a disabled civil engineering student who also acts as a student representative said: "It's a lot more mental stress for disabled students.

"To expect more and more of a person that you're taking more and more away from, means they'll be able to work less."

The group is also challenging the university over its decision to introduce fares to the Unibus, a bus service that is free for students and staff until 31 July 2025.

Darren Cassidy, 32, a disabled health and social care student, said: "We've had some reviews with the walking routes that they've suggested for people.

"It's not appealing to a disabled student because there's not very good walkways, hardly any lighting and no dropped kerbs.

"It's really damaging for a disabled student. Not only do they see physical support being removed from their educational system, but they're also seeing actual barriers to getting to the university as well.

"A lot of disabled students have extra things they have to pay for such as care, extra food, medications or whatever else may be affecting them personally.

"To have an extra charge on top, I find it really difficult for them. I've heard people say they wouldn't come in as much, and that to me doesn't seem very welcoming to disabled students."

A spokesperson for the university said: "The university has not removed any support for its students with disabilities.

"Historically we applied a blanket approach whereas now we are improving our support and providing a bespoke service which aims to ensure each student has what they need to thrive.

"The option of providing extensions to deadlines or extra time in exams, remains for those students with a disability for whom this is an appropriate support mechanism."

The university also confirmed the Unibus charges were implemented following "consultation with students and will help towards environmental sustainability goals".

It added: "Disabled students may be entitled to support with travel via certain government benefits and can contact our Disability Advisers who can provide advice and guidance on how to access this."

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