Disability

The University of Hertfordshire has an inclusive and welcoming culture towards staff and students with disabilities.

A person is disabled if they have a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long-term negative effect on their ability to do normal day-to-day activities.

We seek to anticipate and meet the needs of people with disabilities and long-term health conditions and we actively promote disability equality, among other areas of equality, at the institution.

Studying at the University

Can I study at the University if I have a disability or long-term health condition?

Yes. The University has a large number of students with a wide variety of long-term health conditions or impairments, especially at undergraduate level.

How does the University support students with disabilities, long-term health conditions or impairments?

Our Student Wellbeing department provides a wide range of disability support and services for students.

What types of accommodation are available?

We have a range of accommodation options. Contact Residential Allocations if you have you have particular requirements.

Do students with long-term health conditions or impairments achieve at Hertfordshire?

All students regardless of whether they have a disability or long-term health condition have the opportunity to succeed in their studies at the University.

Read our current Annual Report for more information about disabled students.

Do I need to disclose that I have a disability or long-term health condition?

You are not obliged to tell us that you have a disability or long-term health condition. However, by telling us we can make sure we provide you with any support necessary to undertake your studies, are aware of any issues that may affect your well-being while on campus and ensure we can monitor the take up, success levels and experiences affecting different groups of students that use our services.

Working at the University

Does it help to tell you I am disabled when applying for a job at the University?

Knowing about an existing disability or long-term health condition will help us ensure that you have the right tools available to undertake your role. The University is committed to disability equality and subscribes to the government Disability Confident initiative to ensure that barriers to the recruitment of disabled people are minimised.

Disabled applicants who wish to be considered under the scheme and who meet the minimum requirements of a job can be guaranteed an interview.

Do you have many disabled staff?

Disability disclosure can be a complex issue and there may be many reasons why prospective candidates or existing staff do not choose to disclose this information. We want to encourage more disabled staff to disclose their disabilities and to access any support needed.

Read our Annual Report (page 9) for more information.

General questions

Are University services and facilities inclusive of disabled people?

University services and facilities are inclusive of disabled people. If you have specific questions please either contact the service in question, Student Wellbeing for students, or the Equality Office for employees.

How does the University engage with disabled people? How can I be involved?

The University has a Disability and Wellbeing Network (DAWN) for staff. Please contact the Equality Office for more information.