Reasonable adjustments enable you to participate in the academic assessment process on a fair basis, and according to your preferences. Find out how to arrange reasonable adjustments that work for you.

Reasonable adjustments allow you to fully participate in learning, assessment, university facilities and services. When it comes to assessments, for example, a reasonable adjustment could be making a video presentation instead of presenting in person, or having extra time in an exam, or showing your work to the tutor in private, rather than in front of a group. Under the UK Equality Act 2010, reasonable adjustments are required where disabled students experience substantial disadvantage in comparison with non-disabled people.  Universities have an anticipatory duty to provide reasonable adjustments for students. This means your university needs to plan ahead and address any barriers that may potentially affect your studies and well-being.

To be eligible for individual reasonable adjustments you need to have had an autism diagnosis and have told your university about your autism. The university’s Disability and Inclusion Service.

It is important that you are actively involved in this process, and also in making decisions regarding reasonable adjustments that work for you. This is not about being singled out – it’s about getting the best, personalised support for you.

• Get in touch with the Disability and Inclusion Service.
• Explore your reasonable adjustments, rather than taking them as they come – what works for you individually?
• Focus on learning outcomes rather than assessment procedures – what are alternative ways for you to evidence your knowledge and understanding?
• Remember that the Disability and Inclusion Service is always there to support you, but they won’t necessarily know the academic requirements.
• Reply promptly to all communications regarding your support and reasonable adjustments, to ensure support is put in place when it’s needed.

• Before your appointment, have a look for any medical evidence you may have to provide to the Disability and Inclusion Service e.g.
  • Letter from your Consultant
  • Copy of you Educational Psychologist Report / Form 8
  • A copy of your Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP)

• Think of the adjustments that you may find beneficial for your studies

The Equality Challenge Unit has published guidance on reasonable adjustments to assist universities in planning and implementing them: http://www.ecu.ac.uk/publications/managing-reasonable-adjustments-in-higher-education/