Reasonable adjustments
Examine the barriers to learning, assessment or participation and what changes were requested, offered or implemented.
Fair access requires more than a policy.
Unequal treatment and missed adjustments can affect assessments, participation and progression. We help students identify what happened, the duties that may apply and the route for raising the issue.
Reasonable adjustmentsDiscriminationHarassment and victimisation
Where we can help.
Every case turns on its own facts. These are some of the issues we can help you assess and address.
Discriminatory decisions
Assess whether a decision or practice may have treated a student unlawfully because of a protected characteristic.
Harassment and victimisation
Address reported conduct and the university’s response, including whether concerns were handled through an appropriate process.
Complaints and evidence
Build a clear account of the treatment, its effect and the steps already taken, then identify the relevant internal or external route.
Where it starts
Does this sound familiar?
These situations can become difficult quickly. An early review helps separate the immediate problem from the wider consequences.
An adjustment was not in place
An agreed or requested arrangement was missing when an assessment took place.
A decision overlooks disability
A progression or attendance decision does not appear to address the student’s disability-related circumstances.
A report has gone unanswered
You reported harassment or unequal treatment but received no clear outcome or next step.
Our approach
Identify the barrier. Trace the response.
We review the decision, the requests made and the university’s response. The legal analysis depends on the relevant duty, the evidence and the effect on the student.
Useful documents to send
- The decision or incident record
- Adjustment requests and support plans
- Relevant emails, policies and evidence of impact
A considered response
What happens next.
Equality issues can overlap with appeals, complaints and other procedures.
Set out the events
Establish a timeline of requests, decisions and consequences.
Identify the duty
Examine the relevant equality obligations and university process.
Choose the route
Prepare a focused complaint, appeal or other response where appropriate.
Common questions
Before you make a move.
The answer depends on the facts, the documents and the procedure that applies to you.
Do I need a Disabled Students’ Allowance award to ask for adjustments?
An allowance is not the test for the Equality Act duty. The university’s knowledge, the disability-related disadvantage and what is reasonable all matter.
Can I raise missed adjustments in an academic appeal?
It may be relevant to an appeal or complaint, depending on the decision and the university’s rules. The route should be checked alongside any deadline.
Let’s talk
it through.
Tell us what happened, share the decision and any approaching deadline. Choose a meeting, WhatsApp or email on our contact page.
Book a meeting or contact usBackground reading: Equality and Human Rights Commission advice for higher education