A disability is a physical, mental, neurological or sensory impairment. It has lasted or is likely to last 12 months or longer and has a sizable impact on your day-to-day life. This definition includes:

Specific learning differences

Specific learning differences (SpLDs) including but are not limited to:

• dyslexia
• dyspraxia
• attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Mental health difficulties

Mental health conditions include, but are not limited to:

• depression
• anxiety
• eating disorders
• obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
• bipolar affective disorder
• personality disorders
• psychosis.

Autism

Autism is a spectrum condition and affects people in different ways. Find out how University of Bristol research into understanding the issues experienced by autistic students is helping improve our help and support. 

Sensory impairments

Sensory impairments include, but are not limited to visual or hearing impairment, blindness, or deafness (with or without British Sign Language as a first or preferred language).

Mobility difficulties

Mobility difficulties include, but are not limited to paralysis, scoliosis, chronic pain, difficulty walking, or using a wheelchair.

Ongoing health conditions

Ongoing health conditions include, but are not limited to arthritis, epilepsy, diabetes, cystic fibrosis, narcolepsy, repetitive strain injury (RSI), cancer, HIV, hepatitis, multiple sclerosis, Crohn's disease, chronic pain, lupus, or chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME).

Other disabilities and conditions

If you are unsure whether you are disabled, contact Disability Services to discuss support options.

How to get support

Tell us about your disability

If you are disabled, tell us about it, so we can make recommendations for your teaching and assessment.

Get a diagnosis

If you suspect that you have a disability, or one that is not listed, we encourage you to get a diagnosis. 

Temporary injuries, illness and pregnancy

Students experiencing temporary injuries, illness, and pregnancy are not disabled. This includes injuries such as a broken arm or leg, or illnesses such as viral infections. You can:

• contact a doctor for advice and treatment
• contact your school as soon as possible to discuss any impact on your studies
• consider applying for exceptional circumstances
• contact the student funding team if you are in financial hardship
• request wellbeing support.

A temporary condition could leave you with a lasting, non-trivial impairment affecting you in your day-to-day life and study. If this happens, contact Disability Services to discuss your options.

If you already have supporting documents confirming that your temporary condition has become a long-term disability, request a study support plan.