Download Accommodation disability Q and A 2017

Accommodation arrangements for Disabled Students (including those
with medical conditions, mental health conditions and autism) at
Plymouth University
The University is very supportive of disabled students and it is clear that living
arrangements for disabled students at University are extremely important.
Please take some time to look over the following questions and answers which frequently
arise for disabled applicants relating to accommodation during the application process:
Q: What is a Disability?
A: An individual is considered disabled under the Equality Act 2010 if they have a physical
or mental impairment that has a substantial and long-term effect on their ability to carry out
normal day-to-day activities. Please note that this often includes medical conditions eg:
epilepsy, diabetes, chronic fatigue, mental health conditions, autistic spectrum disorders,
and specific learning difficulties.
Q: I have a medical condition which I don’t think is a disability. Should I still mention
this on my accommodation application and Disability Assist forms?
A: Yes please. In terms of study in Higher Education the term ‘disability’ covers a range of
impairments, medical conditions, mental health issues and specific learning difficulties.
Many conditions have implications for accommodation in terms of equipment and support
and sometimes, often because applicants have been living at home, these are taken for
granted. Please let us know about any conditions that you have so that we can work with
you to make appropriate arrangements for you in time; knowing your particular
requirements better prepare us for any support you may require.
Q: How soon should I apply for accommodation?
A: Please apply for accommodation as soon as you have accepted a firm offer of a place at
the University. You should apply using the Accommodation portal which should be open
from February 2017 for 2017 / 2018 entry. Please ensure you clearly indicate any
requirements you have relating to your disability/medical condition as well as detailing your
particular disability/medical condition. In the meantime please contact the Residence Life
Office by email – [email protected], or Disability Assist –
[email protected], with any queries you have or any information that you
would like to give us.
Q: Plymouth University is my insurance choice; can I apply for accommodation
A: If Plymouth is your insurance choice, you'll not be able to progress through the
accommodation application system unless Plymouth subsequently becomes your institution
of choice and you accept your offer.
Q: I have a medical condition and I would like to be housed in a place where there is
a responsible person present who can offer support and care. Is this possible?
A: All of the University accommodation is designed for independent living and the Hall
Team, where present, do not have a care-giving role. Our Residence Assistants (RA) and
Hall Co-ordinators (HC) to help you settle into the community, make friends and be part of
the community in your hall, but they are limited with the level of support they can give
residents and may need to refer residents to more appropriate support services such as
Disability Assist. More information about the roles of Residence Assistant (RA) and Hall
Co-ordinators can be found at: https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/studentlife/services/accommodation/residence-life-team
If you feel you do need additional support or personal care whilst you are at university,
please contact us early in the application process so that we can consider this with you and
advise you accordingly. The solution may involve a social services care package, an
adapted room and/or contact with your GP to help identify potential options.
Q: How will the University know what adaptations or arrangements I will need in my
accommodation?
A: You should specify on the Disability Assist Information for Accommodation proforma
enclosed, your particular housing requirements. Please also include details on the
accommodation application or contact the office on [email protected]. Nondisclosure of requirements to the Residence Life Office will limit our ability to meet your
needs.
Please respond promptly to any requests for further information so that we can help you.
You may need to visit Plymouth to view accommodation prior to starting university. In some
cases Disability Assist may ask you to provide the name of a medical professional or other
specialist support provider who can work with us to provide solutions to your individual
requirements.
Q: I need particular living arrangements due to my medical condition (e.g. en-suite
room, self-contained studio apartment) but these cost more than I can afford. Can I
get any help with this cost?
A: Please contact the Residence Life Office by email – [email protected], or
Disability Assist – [email protected], as soon as possible and see the
information on our website https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/student-life/services/learninggateway/disability-and-dyslexia/students-with-disabilities-and-accommodation
Q: I need a fridge in my accommodation to store my medication. Can this be
arranged?
A: This provision is available on request to applicants who require a personal fridge for
medication purposes and who have secured university-allocated accommodation. Please
include this information on your application for accommodation.
If you are intending to obtain accommodation in the private sector and require a personal
fridge for medication storage purposes, you maybe able to obtain one via Disabled
Students Allowances or please liaise with your private landlord.
Q: I have a hearing loss and will need alerting devices (flashing/vibrating alarms etc.)
in my accommodation. Is this possible?
A: This provision is available on request to applicants who require this because of a hearing
loss and who have secured university-allocated accommodation. Please liaise with the
Residence Life Office and Disability Assist as early as possible in the application process to
ensure that we can make appropriate arrangements for the start of your studies.
If you are intending to obtain accommodation in the private sector and require alerting
devices (flashing/vibrating alarms etc.) please liaise with your private landlord and/or your
social services.
Q: My medical condition/disability means that I need undisturbed sleep and a quiet
living environment. I am worried that if I live in university-allocated accommodation
that it will be too noisy for me. Are there other options?
A: Yes, there are a range of options to consider including private accommodation of various
types and sizes, much of which is close in proximity to the University. Please contact the
Residence Life team early in the application process and discuss your
requirements. Residence Life staff will be please to work with you to identify potential
private accommodation for you to view.
If you are applying for a space in halls, you will be able to select up to 5 preferences for
halls and room types you require. You will also be asked to complete a personal profile
detailing, for example, if you prefer a noisy or quiet living environment. We will allocate
rooms taking into account your preferences in an attempt to place you in a flat with other
people with a similar personal profile. Certain flats and areas have been set aside as quiet
areas, including alcohol free areas, and applicants who request a quiet area will be
allocated to one of those rooms if available.
Please note that we cannot guarantee the quiet environment as this depends on the
subjective opinion on what quiet is. The university cannot be held liable for the behaviour
or actions of other residents and we cannot guarantee we can accommodate you in a quiet
area, however every university managed hall has resident assistants and hall coordinator in
place to work with students to resolve any issues that may occur, including noise.
Q: What if I come through Clearing? Will you still be able to cater for my individual
requirements?
A: At the point of Clearing, unfortunately accommodation options are more limited and
applicants will need to be prepared for the fact that places in university-allocated
accommodation might not be available (if this is your preference). The Residence Life team
will be pleased to work with you at this point to consider remaining options, taking your
requirements into consideration as far as possible. Please contact the Residence Life team
and Disability Assist as early as possible to discuss your situation.
Q: I am progressing from a partner college and I have a medical condition or
disability. Will I be entitled to any support in finding accommodation?
A: If you are progressing as a partner college student you can apply for halls of residence,
and you will also have access to the database of approved accommodation.