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The Guild is your Students’ Union, which means we’re here to represent all our students.  We make sure all students, with all their needs, are considered in our work. From inclusive and accessible events, to advocacy and policy work with the University our students are always at the heart of what we do. 

We have a variety of work we’re doing and services that we run and want you to know about, in case you ever need them, or you can be accommodating if you see anyone else using them:
 

The Guild runs Liverpool’s “Student Communities” – groups where students can expand their network, make friends and have a positive impact on their university experience, by getting involved with campaigns, events, running activities and learning more about how to improve liberation, equality and inclusion of all student communities at university.

This work prioritises student groups who are traditionally marginalised by mainstream society, including: Disabled, BAME, LGBT+ and Women, and groups usually isolated from the wider student body including: Postgraduate, Mature and International.

More info on our Disabled Student Community, including upcoming events, can be found here.

The Disability Advice and Guidance team are responsible for coordinating support for current and prospective students. Each person’s disability can affect them in different ways, so they work to put support in place for students. There are a variety of different forms of support available which they can help you access, which might include:

  • Exam support
  • Help with library services
  • Campus accessibility
  • Specialist equipment

Student Support Information Sheet (SSIS)

If you have a disability and have declared it on your application form and accepted a place at the University of Liverpool, you will be automatically contacted regarding accessing disability support while you’re studying.

However, you can declare a disability at any point during your studies and become eligible for additional support. This support will inform a plan called a ‘Student Support Information Sheet’ (SSIS) which details your reasonable adjustments. This information can be shared with tutors, support staff and the accommodation team, with your consent.

Disabled Students’ Allowance (UK Students only)

Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) is support to cover the study-related costs you may have because of a mental health problem, long-term illness or another disability. This could include:

  • Specialist equipment, for example accessibility software and funding towards a computer to run the software, if you need one because of your disability
  • Non-medical helpers, for example a British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter or specialist note taker
  • Extra travel costs to attend your course or placement because of your disability
  • Other disability-related study support, for example having to print additional copies of documents for proof-reading

DSAs can be awarded on their own or in addition to any Student Finance you get. The type of support and how much you get depends on your individual needs, not your household income.

More information, including how to contact a Disability Adviser to help with your application, can he found here.

Diagnostic Assessment for Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD)

As a UK student, if you are diagnosed as having Dyslexia, ADHD, Dyspraxia, Dyscalculia or another specific learning difficulty, you can access support from the government and the University. However, to access this support, you must first provide your diagnostic assessment from an Educational Psychologist or specialist tutor. If you have not been formally assessed, you would need to access an appropriate assessment.

Educational Psychologist Assessments (EPA)

The University of Liverpool’s Student Support Service have put together a helpful page explaining how to get a Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD) diagnosis, including contact information for private assessors and funding available from the university.

Ella, your Vice President, has written a blog update on Diagnostic Assessment costs, including a background on the Guild’s work on getting the University to cover the cost of Educational Psychologist Assessments.

ADHD: How to access an ADHD assessment or educational support relating to ADHD without a diagnosis. Accessing support for diagnosed

Accessing support for diagnosed ADHD or ADHD symptoms without a diagnosis is slightly different that other Specific Learning Difficulties as you will need to seek help from a GP for an ADHD

ADHD is a neurodivergent condition affecting 5% of the UK population. The three main features of ADHD symptomology are Inattention, Hyperactivity and Impulsivity.

How to access an ADHD diagnosis:

  • The first step to be diagnosed is to visit your GP and explain that you would like to be referred for an ADHD assessment. Your GP will want to rule out any physical causes for your symptoms and may use their own screening tools at this stage.
  • The GP will refer you to your local NHS service for you to be screened for ADHD.
  • The GP cannot diagnose you with ADHD, and cannot prescribe medications without the guidance of a mental health specialist trained in ADHD.

How to access reasonable adjustments at the university without a current diagnosis for ADHD:

  • · You can provide a recent medical letter or the ADHD Foundation medical evidence template from a medical professional which confirms a working diagnosis of ADHD.
  • · You can access a Specific Learning Difficulties diagnostic assessment which may also highlight ADHD traits. This is not a diagnosis of ADHD but can be used to identify appropriate support within the university environment.
  • · You can find a small list of local Educational Psychologists, Specialist teachers, and ADHD-related assessors on the University's website.

If you would like any support regarding disabilities, you can reach out to the University’s Disability Support Team who can provide you with help and advice around campus accessibility, funding and how to access disability support for your studies.

Guild Advice

We offer free and confidential advice to all University of Liverpool students. We are independent from the University and are here to support you, offering non-judgmental advice and guidance so you can make an informed decision about the options available to you.

If you require an appointment, please contact our Advice team via email guildadvice@liv.ac.uk to arrange a phone call or appointment. More info on this service can be found here.

Health Assured

All students have 24/7 access to ‘Health Assured’ - a helpline that can offer support at any time that suits you. All conversations are highly confidential and Health Assured staff are all qualified counsellors and advisors, who understand the pressures of student life. You can call the helpline for free on 0800 028 3766.

The Student Assistance Programme also offers a range of free support services. which you can access through the My Healthy Advantage app.

Providing holistic health and wellbeing support at the tap of a finger anywhere and anytime. More info on how to access this, can be found here.

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