Many LOOK mentees feel anxious about leaving the familiar, structured environment of school and navigating the much larger and more complex world of university.

To address these concerns, we hosted a Disability Services Q&A with Simon Morris, LOOK Trustee and Assistant Head of Student Support at the University of Leeds. Simon shared expert advice on how to navigate disability services. He talked about what support is available and how to make the most of university life.

A Student’s Story: From School to University

“I went to sixth form at the same school I had been in since year 7. I knew exactly where to go for support, which room the learning support team were in, when the QTVI would visit, and who to speak to for accessible resources.

Of course, it will be different at university. There will be so many more staff, lecturers, library staff, and disability services. I came to my mentor feeling unsure about who to go to with questions about access and feeling unclear about what disability services actually offer.

Hearing my mentor talk about their own experience, and then listening directly to Simon Morris during the Q&A session, has really helped me understand what disability services can support with, and what I’ll need to organise for myself.

The session was so helpful. I’m still nervous about taking more responsibility, but I now feel much more prepared and know where to turn for help.” LOOK Mentee.

This student’s story is typical of what many young people experience. Moving from a well-structured school support system to a more independent university environment can feel daunting. The Q&A session with Simon Morris aimed to demystify disability services and empower students to access support with confidence.

Disability Services vs Wellbeing Services

What’s the difference?

  • Disability support is there for issues that directly affect the academic experience (e.g. exam arrangements, accessible course materials, assistive technology).
  • Wellbeing support covers personal and emotional wellbeing.

What Disability Services Cover

  • Free support: All disability support provided by universities is completely free to students.
  • National coverage: Every university has a disability services team, though the name of the service may vary.
  • Assistive technology & accessible materials: If DSA (Disabled Students’ Allowance) won’t fund something expensive (e.g. a braille embosser), universities are still responsible for making sure materials are accessible — usually by providing transcription services.
  • Learning disabilities & other conditions: Disability services focus on your needs, not just the label of your disability. If you require multiple types of support, speak to them early.

Managing Expectations

  • It is important to be realistic. It is possible to ask for more than the service can reasonably provide. Some adjustments may not be feasible, but students should still feel empowered to raise concerns if adjustments are not being made.
  • Use the university complaints system if necessary — often, miscommunication is the root of the issue.

Exams and Assessments

  • Students can be granted up to 33% extra time in exams.
  • If more time is needed, exams may be adapted in other ways to remain accessible.
  • Some universities run competency exams (to demonstrate specific skills). Simon advised asking about these during open days.

Transitions, Changes, and Non-Traditional Institutions

  • If your vision changes during your studies, inform both DSA (to update equipment/support) and your university disability services (to update your support plan).
  • If you’re enrolled at a specialist institution, you should contact the disability support team at the campus where you will be studying.

When DSA Doesn’t Apply

If you’re not eligible for DSA, universities are still legally required to provide reasonable adjustments and support.

Family Involvement

Parents are welcome to attend meetings. However, students should remain the main driver of communication.

Simon’s Top Tips for Students

  • Plan ahead: It can take up to 12 weeks for support to be put in place. Contact disability services as early as possible.
  • Be honest: Tell assessors what your needs are on your worst day, not just your best.
  • Don’t wait: Even if you’re not sure what help you need, speak to someone — it’s their job to help you figure it out.
  • Speak up: Don’t let issues build up and ruin your university experience.

Disability services exist to help you succeed academically. The earlier you engage, the smoother your journey will be.

Need More Support?

If you want to know more about disability services or need guidance on transitioning to university life, Thomas Pocklington Trust has a library of free resources available to help. Explore practical tips, guides, and tools designed to support you through your university journey.

A special thank you to LOOK Trustee Simon Morris for generously sharing his time and expertise during this session. His insights offer invaluable guidance on how students can access and make the most of disability services at university.