Disability
Everyone experiences disability differently. Here at Salford, we aim to be a place that provides fair and equal access to work and study.
On this page, you'll find information about the support available to you, as well as advice on topics including funding, reasonable adjustments you may be entitled to and more.
Under the 2010 Equality Act, someone has a disability if they have a condition which affects them physically or mentally and has a substantial impact on their ability to carry out daily activities. It's estimated that one in five people live with a disability in the UK. This can include, but is not limited to, physical impairments, mental health conditions, visual impairments, D/deafness and hearing loss, learning difficulties, chronic illnesses and neurodivergent minds including autism, ADHD, dyslexia and more.
There are lots of different types of disability and it’s important to remember that no two people will have the same experiences, even if they have the same disability. Having a disability is a unique experience and there are several different ways in which a disability might impact on someone’s lived experience. Below, you'll find support available to you, both from the University and local organisations, that can help you succeed in your studies, work, and personal life.
Disability support
Browse the topics below to find out about the support that is available from the University, as well as external organisations, to ensure you have fair and equal access to work and study.
Support for students
The Disability Inclusion Service is here to support you during your time at Salford. If you experience a disability, long-term condition or a specific learning difficulty, register with the Disability Inclusion Service by completing our registration form and submitting medical evidence. The team will then contact you to arrange your support, which could include:
- Making a Reasonable Adjustment Plan to remove any barriers to your education
- Accessing funding to help you meet the extra costs of studying that students with disabilities may face
- Providing assistive software including accessibility and productivity tools
- Receiving a diagnosis if you have a Specific Learning Difficulty from an Educational Psychologist
Support for staff members
We are committed to delivering an accessible place to work and study for people with disabilities. We are determined to create an inclusive culture that gives everyone a chance to thrive, a culture where developing understanding and awareness around disabilities is everyone’s business. Visit the Staff Hub to find out how we can support colleagues with physical disabilities and hidden conditions, and create an accessible and inclusive environment for everyone.
External help and support
Salford City Council have put together a webpage with information for local residents covering topics like housing, money, work, transport and more.
Disability Pride Month
July is Disability Pride Month. It's an important time to raise awareness, combat ableism, start positive conversations around disability and celebrate the diversity within the disabled community here at Salford and worldwide. Here's a message from our Vice Chancellor, Professor Nic Beech:
"The University is delighted to celebrate Disability Pride month this July and is dedicated to working towards disability equity. Our disabled staff and students make incredible contributions to our institution and are valuable members of our community. I hope you will join me in celebrating them not just this month, but throughout the entire year."
Come along to events organised to celebrate Disability Pride Month by our colleague network, Access Salford, where you can discover our Library's reading recommendations and better understand the everyday experiences of disabled people. Explore what's on and sign up below.
There are more events for Salford colleagues, including the chance to meet fellow disabled staff members and share your experiences over on the Staff Hub.
Access Salford is a colleague network for disability, chronic illness, and neurodiversity. Members meet regularly in-person and online and are dedicated to making Salford a more equitable place for disabled, chronically ill, and neurodivergent people. The network is open to disabled colleagues, carers and allies who are passionate about promoting a positive culture of inclusion. If you're a member of staff and interested in joining the Access Salford, please get in touch by emailing AccessSalford@salford.ac.uk.
We asked members of Access Salford what Disability Pride meant to them and what they would like others to learn or take away from Disability Pride Month 2024. Here’s what they said:
“For me, disability pride means truly embracing your life as a disabled person and all the beauty and struggle this entails.”
“Disability Pride means ownership; not having to hide, overcompensate or apologise and a healthier mind and mood because of this freedom.”
“I would want people to understand that, in 2024, we’re still very much fighting for equity socially, politically, and financially. Unless we actively work towards accessibility and inclusion as a society, disabled people will continue to feel like second-class citizens.”
“I want people to have a greater understanding of the challenges people face and how challenges seep into every aspect of an individual’s life. I think this helps us to see the disabled community in a much more positive light.”
We're Here For You
If you are disabled and study or work here at Salford, there are lots of ways we can support you. Above, you can find out how our Disability Inclusion Service can help you with topics like funding and reasonable adjustments to make sure you have fair and equal access while you study, as well as support for colleagues and external advice.