Disability Services
The Disability Team provides advice, information and practical study-related support to prospective and current students who have sensory and physical impairments, mental health conditions, long-term health conditions, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)/Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), Dyslexia and other specific learning differences (SpLD), students who have a stammer, and students who have an Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC). We are available to assist undergraduate, postgraduate, full-time, and part-time.
Counselling
The Student Counselling Service is available through online appointments. Please reach out to counselling@abdn.ac.uk to book an appointment.
Student Helpline - 24/7 Support
The Student Helpline (telephone or online chat) offers in-the-moment counselling for students when the University support services are closed. The service is available 24/7.
- Qatar Callers - 00353 1518 0277
- WhatsApp - Text "Hi" to 00353 87 369 0010
More information about the support provided by University of Aberdeen
How to Arrange Support
Please make sure you provide us with evidence of your disability, so we can put the right support in place as quickly as possible; we won't be able to put some support arrangements, such as extra time, in place until we receive your evidence.
You can speak with us about study-related support (such as arranging adjustments for assessment and reviewing/changing your existing support provisions) in a short discussion, without pre-booking.
We advise that you contact us as soon as possible to ensure that your support can be implemented in a timely manner
Support we can Implement
After discussing your needs with you, we can put together a list of the adjustments agreed to support you in your studies. We call these your provisions and, with your permission, we will communicate this information to the relevant staff at the University. Some examples of adjustments are:
- Extra time in exams
- Use of a computer and assistive software in exams
- A smaller exam venue with fewer other candidates
- No penalties for poor spelling or grammar for exams and coursework assignments
- Agreed extensions to deadlines for coursework assignments
- If you require adjustments in exams, please make sure you have spoken with us prior to the relevant semester's advertised
Contact Details
If you require support or wish to speak with a Student Support Adviser please email wellbeing@afg-aberdeen.edu.qa to arrange an appointment. We can offer you an appointment by telephone, Microsoft Teams, or in person. The well-being officer is available in the student hub 8:30am to 4:30pm, Sunday to Thursday.
Disabled Student Pathway
- Step 1
-
Students are advised to let the University know about their disability or specific learning difficulty in their university application. The Well-Being and Disability Officer will contact you directly to ask you to complete a form about your disability-related support needs. You will also be asked to provide evidence of your disability, impairment, long-term health condition, and/or specific learning differences. We would encourage you to do this prior to commencing your studies, as soon as possible after arrival, or when they consider they might need support.
Who is involved?
- Student
- Student Recruitment Team
- Wellbeing and Disability Officer
- Step 2
-
Once we receive your completed form you will be invited to an online, phone, or in-person meeting with the Well-Being and Disability Officer to discuss the support available at the University. In this appointment, the Well-Being and Disability Officer will explore, identify, and assess the study-related support needs.
We can put together a list of the adjustments agreed upon to support you in your studies. We call these your provisions, and, with your permission, we will communicate this information to the relevant staff at the University such as extra time for exams, and extension for essays (with this to be agreed between the student and the course coordinator).
Provisions remain until changes are agreed and students are encouraged to contact the Disability officer to continually review. The details of the student's condition (such as “autism”) may not be disclosed but details will be provided of the adjustments to be put in place and/or points of which staff should be aware.
Who is involved?
- Student
- Wellbeing and Disability Officer
- UG/PG Admin
- Course Coordinator
- Step 3
-
We may recommend some study-related support for you such as note-taking, proofreading, specialist study skills, items of Assistive Technology (AT), AT training, and specialist mentor support.
Who is involved?
- Student
- Wellbeing and Disability Officer
- Step 4
-
The Wellbeing and Disability Officer will ensure that any support provisions are arranged when assessment is not fully inclusive such as extra time in timed assessments, separate venues for on-campus assessments, and if appropriate, different forms of assessment to demonstrate the same learning outcomes/ core competencies.
Who is involved?
- Wellbeing and Disability Officer
- Course Coordinator
- Examination Officer
- Step 5
-
For students studying on campus who require accessible teaching and assessment venues and specialist study-related equipment, such as height-adjustable desks in classes, this will be arranged to ensure that students can effectively engage with their studies. This can take time to set up and therefore students are advised to let the Wellbeing and Disability Officer know about their requirements as soon as possible.
Who is involved?
- Student
- Wellbeing and Disability Officer
- Course Coordinator