Disability and Inclusion
Starting higher education can feel daunting, especially if you have a disability, long-term health condition, mental health condition or learning difference.
Our role isn't simply to put adjustments in place as soon as we can. It's to work alongside you, remove barriers to learning and help you achieve your potential throughout your time at UCEN Manchester.
Whether you've received support before or this is the first time you've considered asking for help, we'll work with you to find the support that's right for you.
You don't need a formal diagnosis to start a conversation with us.
Your Journey with Future U
Is this for me? You may benefit from Disability and Inclusion if you have autism, ADHD, dyslexia or another specific learning difference, a physical disability, sensory impairment, long-term medical condition, mental health condition or a temporary injury affecting your studies.
Not sure? Talk to us. If we aren't the right service, we'll help you find the right one.
Whether you're thinking about applying, preparing to start or already studying with us, we're here to help.
Nathaniel supports students with disabilities, learning differences, long-term health conditions and mental health conditions throughout their time at UCEN Manchester.
Based in office CCM137 at the City Centre Manchester campus, Nathaniel provides a welcoming space for students to access guidance and discuss their support needs.
Before You Arrive
Tell us what matters to you
The earlier you let us know about your support needs, the more time we have to prepare before your course begins.
You can tell us:
- On your application
- During enrolment
- Through the Pre-arrival Questionnaire
- At any point during your studies.
If your circumstances have changed since you applied, we'd like to know that too.
Our promise: if you tell us about your support needs before 31 July, we'll aim to have your Personal Learning Plan (PLP) in place before October Reading Week.
Getting You Ready
Let's make a plan together
Once you've contacted us, we'll invite you to an appointment to understand your individual needs. Together we'll discuss:
- Previous support you've received
- Any challenges you anticipate
- Reasonable adjustments
- Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA)
- Specialist equipment or software
- Any questions you may have.
From this we'll create your Personal Learning Plan (PLP).
Supporting Your Success
Support that grows with you
Your needs may change during your course—and that's completely normal.
We'll continue working alongside you throughout your studies and can review your support whenever your circumstances change.
Support may include:
- Reasonable adjustments
- Examination arrangements
- Assistive technology
- Specialist mentoring
- Study skills support
- Liaison with your academic team
- Support to develop self-advocacy
- Referrals to other Future U services.
Planning for the Future
Beyond the classroom
Disability support isn't just about studying. We'll also help you prepare for placements, internships, employment and postgraduate study. Working alongside our Career Leads, we'll help you understand workplace adjustments and support available after UCEN Manchester.
What Support Could I Receive?
UCEN Manchester’s 5 Core Expectations
Personal Learning Plan: Practical adjustments to remove barriers to learning.
Disabled Students' Allowance: Funding for specialist equipment, mentoring and study skills support.
Assistive Technology: Software and equipment to support the way you learn.
Specialist Support: Including mentoring, study skills and specialist tuition where appropriate.
Academic Adjustments: Reasonable adjustments agreed with your teaching team.
Future U provide access to wellbeing, careers, student finance and academic skills support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a diagnosis?
Not always. We'd encourage you to speak to us as early as possible so we can discuss your circumstances.
Will my tutors know?
Only information needed to put agreed support in place is shared, and we'll discuss this with you.
Can I ask for help after I've started?
Absolutely. Many students contact us after their course has begun, in their second or third year.
What if my circumstances change?
Let us know and we'll review your support together.