We want to make sure that everyone, regardless of disability or differences, has what they need to reach their full potential at Canterbury Christ Church University.
To help you succeed, our Student Wellbeing and Support Team can support and advise you if you’re facing (or potentially facing) disabling barriers to studying independently at university. This includes:
- Students with a diagnosis of Autism
- Dyslexia, dyspraxia and other specific learning difficulties
- Mobility impairments
- Sensory impairments
- Unseen disabilities such as epilepsy, HIV, AIDS and chronic fatigue
- Long-term health conditions.
How to contact the Student and Wellbeing Team
You can contact the Disability Team at any point of your student journey - asking for help whenever you need it by:
- An online registration form
- Email studentzone@canterbury.ac.uk
- Face-to-face drop-ins at Augustine House, Monday-Friday, 10.30am - 4.30pm.
The Team at the Uni is great. They help with a lot of support, from loans and finance to plans that will support you through your studiesSageForensic Investigation student and VP of the Disabled Students Society
How we can support you
The sooner you contact the Student Wellbeing and Support Team, the sooner they can put the right support in place for you.
The Team offers a confidential service via email, phone, video conferencing, and face-to-face. They’ll be happy to help you with:
- Applying for diagnostic assessments and Disabled Students’ Allowances
- Dyslexia screenings
- Developing a Learning Support Plan (LSP) to capture your disability-related needs in relation to your studies
- Exam adjustments and special arrangements
- Access to productivity tools and accessibility software
- Specialist equipment/adapted accommodation
- Specialist tuition/mentor services
- Accessibility and travel guidance.
If you require daily personal care or assistance to live independently, and you’re based in the UK, you should contact your local authority Social Services Team to discuss the options available to you.
Dyslexia support
Dyslexia is a specific learning difference that affects literacy skills and information processing. There’s no reason to think a dyslexia diagnosis will prevent you from studying at degree or postgraduate level. With the right support, you can be as successful as any other student.
If you think you might have dyslexia or have been screened before, the first step is to register with the Student Wellbeing and Support Team .
To get the right support, consider a full diagnostic assessment by a specialist assessor or educational psychologist. This detailed report explains your learning strengths and challenges. If we recommend an assessment based on your screening, you can apply for up to £200 towards the cost (usually £350–£450) through our Access to Learning Fund. To find an assessor, sign up at PATOSS, enter your postcode, and check the Assessor Index for available professionals and their fees.
Other sources of free information and support include the British Dyslexia Association, Dyslexia Action and the NHS.
Financial support for disabled students
Get the Support You Need with Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSAs)
The Student Wellbeing and Support Team can help you access specialist financial support so you can succeed in your studies.
Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSAs) are UK Government funds for students with physical or mental health conditions, including dyslexia and dyspraxia. They cover extra costs directly related to your disability, such as assistive software, specialist equipment, support workers, or travel.
What DSAs can fund:
- Specialist Equipment – e.g. computers, assistive tech
- Non-Medical Help – e.g. support workers, study skills tutors
- Travel Costs – if your disability makes travel more expensive
- General Allowance – for other disability-related expenses
International & EU Students:
DSAs are only available to UK students. If you're an international or EU student, we can still support you, but any extra costs must be covered by you, your sponsor, or external funding.
Need advice?
Contact the Student Wellbeing and Support Team to explore your options and funding sources.
Could you qualify for the Government's Personal Independence Payments (PIP)?
PIP can help with extra living costs if you have a long-term physical or mental health condition and struggle with everyday tasks or getting around.
It’s not means-tested—so you can be working, have savings, or receive Student Finance and still apply. PIP is based on the support you need, not what you already have.
You may qualify if you:
- Are 16 or over
- Have a condition lasting (or expected to last) 12+ months
- Have lived in England, Scotland, or Wales for 2 of the last 3 years
For further advice and help applying, contact the Student Wellbeing and Support Team.
Careers support and advice
Your Careers and Enterprise Team are here to help you secure an internship, work experience, or graduate job opportunity through support with applications, interviews and much more. The 10,000 Able Intern Experience programme is designed to give students with disabilities a flying start at building their career. They match students with a paid internship in a sector of your interest, and support you with pre-internship training and development.
Expect Respect
Canterbury Christ Church University and the Students’ Union believe all students, staff, and visitors have the right to live, study, and work in a safe and supportive environment, free from discrimination, bullying or harassment of any form. Find out how we are here to support you if you have witnessed, been impacted by, or experienced harassment.
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