Disability support
Promoting a positive work and study environment, free from discrimination for our employees and students on the grounds of disability
We are committed to promoting a positive work and study environment, free from unlawful discrimination for our employees and students on the grounds of disability. Disability is defined as a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on the ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities and can mean different things to different people. The University of Plymouth has a range of initiatives and policies to support you in working or studying here; our campuses and services should be available to everyone regardless of disability status.
What is a disability?
Disability is defined as a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on the ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities and can mean different things to different people. It may include:
- dyslexia
- specific learning disabilities
- mental health difficulties (such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders, alcohol/substance abuse etc.)
- autism
- ADHD
- a long-term health condition (such as cancer, epilepsy, HIV, diabetes, chronic fatigue syndrome or arthritis).
Your rights
We offer a range of guidance and support and ensure that we consult with employees or students to determine and make reasonable adjustments as outlined in the Equality Act 2010 where a person has:
- a physical or mental impairment, and
- the impairment has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on a person’s ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities. (Equality Act 2010, Section 6).
We also monitor information and statistics to evaluate the impact and effectiveness of what we do.
The information that you require may vary depending on whether it is general, or specifically related to being a student or a staff member.
Learn more
Our Staff with Disabilities Network and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Team have put together a range of resources to help everyone learn more about disability through our Disability Toolkit.
This toolkit comprises of a range of resources handpicked by our Women's Network to inform and entertain you, including films, documentaries, podcasts, books (both fiction and non-fiction), articles, websites and more.
Find out more about the Disability Toolkit (University log-in required)
Speak Up
The University of Plymouth is proud to be a safe, welcoming and diverse community – our staff, students and anyone interacting with us should feel comfortable being who they are.
We believe that bullying, harassment and discrimination are never okay. Any allegations of this nature (which includes sexual violence, abuse or hate) are taken incredibly seriously.
Staff, students, contractors and members of the public can report incidents they have experienced or witnessed using our Speak Up tool and these can be reported anonymously if you wish.
Stay safe overseas
Travelling overseas with a protected characteristic can sometimes be challenging and add additional barriers to the safety and enjoyment of your trip. Working with Health and Safety, our Staff Networks and UPSU we have a dedicated travel advice page to help you when planning a trip.
Stonewall Diversity Champion
Athena Swan Silver
Athena Swan Bronze Award
Race equality charter member
Universities of Sanctuary
AccessAble
Disability Confident Committed