Quick Links

  • What counts as a disability?

  • Access in Homerton

  • Help from College

  • Help from the University

  • Exam concessions

The role of the Disabilities Officers is to help you access support from the College, University, ADRC (Accessibility and Disability Resource Centre), and the EAMC (Examination Access and Mitigation Committee) and to ensure that all reasonable adjustments (such as recorded lectures, extended deadlines, extra time or rest breaks)* are made to minimise the impact of your disability on your Cambridge experience.

You can contact the Disabilities officers (hus-disabilities@homerton.cam.ac.uk or on Instagram @hus-disabledstudents) with any questions about support available both in college and in the wider university. If you are questioning whether you may have a disability or want someone to talk to, we’re always happy to help ☺️

*For more information on available reasonable adjustments, please see the ‘Help from the University’ section below, or visit: https://www.disability.admin.cam.ac.uk

Homerton prides itself on its variety of people, and disabilities is an area in which College always strives to be more inclusive. Whatever disability you have (visible, invisible, physical, long-term illness or neurodivergence), there’s always going to be help at hand at both College and the University. 

We understand that having a disability can be isolating and challenging at times, but it’s our job to relieve some of the extra burden and make sure it is as enjoyable as possible. 

Whilst there are a number of pathways to access support, the sheer size and complexity of the university can feel rather overwhelming, which is why we would love to be one your first ports of call!

What counts as a disability?

The ADRC uses the Equality Act 2010’s definition which states that ‘any long-term impairment – mental or physical – which substantially affects your ability to carry out normal daily activities counts as a disability’. This includes:

  • Specific learning difficulties (e.g. dyslexia and dyspraxia)

  • Physical disabilities/ mobility impairment (e.g. cerebral palsy, arthritis, limb differences)

  • Sensory impairments (e.g. hearing, visual)

  • Mental health conditions (e.g. depression, anxiety disorder)

  • Long-term health conditions (e.g. cancer, chronic fatigue syndrome, HIV, diabetes, epilepsy)

  • Autism and ADHD

University is a large step-up from school and it is not uncommon to struggle in the beginning whilst adjusting to the increased workload. Nevertheless, if you feel that there may be an additional factor (mental or physical) impairing your work please speak with your DoS, the Tutorial Office or the ADRC. It can be scary to contemplate that you may have a disability, but remember that this does not reduce your worth as a student – you deserve all the support and resources possible to allow you to thrive here, and any new diagnoses or information may help you understand your own learning process better in the future! ☺️

Access in Homerton

Homerton’s grounds are almost entirely flat with paths (with some uneven paving)* leading all the way around the grounds linking accommodation blocks and main buildings. All accommodation blocks except D&E are fully wheelchair accessible with lifts and emergency evacuation slides on all stairwells, as well as dedicated rooms for students and guests with limited mobility. Automatic push-to-open doors are also widely used in the main administration buildings and entrances to accommodation blocks.

Public announcements in the Mary Allen Building are displayed on backlit LCD screen in large print.

 *Most notably, the paving between the Great Hall and the New Dining Hall is quite uneven, but inside, more even routes are available 

Help from College

There is help available if you’re feeling a bit down, struggling with work or need a more long-term solution.

Tutor

Your college tutor is there for your pastoral needs and can often give advice if you are struggling with work or have an issue with college accommodation or buildings by contacting the right person in college on your behalf and signposting you to helpful contacts. They can also recommend solutions to various problems you may have as a result of your disability. 

If you would like to speak to the Senior Tutor or Deputy Senior Tutor, you can contact them here: seniortutor@homerton.cam.ac.uk (Georgie Horrell); or her PA seniortutor-pa@homerton.cam.ac.uk (Natasha Thomas); or jo502@homerton.cam.ac.uk (the Deputy Senior Tutor, Junius Olivier)

HUS

The HUS has two Disabilities Officers, as well as three Welfare Officers. If you would like to contact them, head to the Contact page or email hus-disabilities@homerton.cam.ac.uk or contact us on Instagram @hus_disabledstudents.

Wellbeing

The Wellbeing team consists of a Wellbeing Lead, 2x Wellbeing Advisors, a College Nurse and a Wellbeing Assistant to support you in all aspects of your life in college.*

*https://www.homerton.cam.ac.uk/student-health-and-wellbeing

Help from the University

Accessibility Disability Resource Centre (ADRC)

If you have disclosed a disability or learning difficulty to the university, you should have been assigned an adviser at the ADRC. If not, get in touch with them as soon as you can so they can allocate you one. They are an invaluable resource and can provide Study Skills Advisors and Mentors (free of charge to you!); advice on managing your condition; specialised seminars and focus groups’ loans for specialised equipment; and information on grants and bursaries for disabled students. 

Their contact details are:
Email: disability@admin.cam.ac.uk
Phone: 01223 332 301
Address: Keynes House, 24a Trumpington Street, Cambridge, CB2 1QA

SU Disabled Students’ Campaign

This is an SU campaign representing all disabled students and combating discrimination throughout the University. The campaign is by disabled students for disabled students, the DSLC is the organised voice of disabled students in Cambridge University. The Disabled Students’ Liberation Campaign exists to support and advance the interests of its members through sharing information, advocacy, organising and campaigning. They work with SU and the other autonomous campaigns to end discrimination against disabled people and others in Cambridge university and beyond. If you would like more information or would like to take part in any activities, visit http://www.disabled.cusu.cam.ac.uk/ and sign up to their mailing list.

SensusAccess

SensusAccess is a self-service system which allows you to convert documents into a more accessible format.

Caroline Andrews– Tutorial Disability Liaison Officer

Caroline can assist with adjustments in Homerton, making an Exam Arrangement application and directing you towards useful resources.

Facebook Groups

Joining appropriate Facebook groups can be a quick easy way to find advice, share experiences and keep up to date with events, new resources and courses available at Cambridge. Please remember these are spaces of mutual respect where students share very sensitive information so be kind to one another!

  • Cambridge Uni DCS Community – a space for resource sharing, advice seeking and general solidarity between Cambridge university students in issues relating to disability

  • DSC/SMC mental health issues support community – a collaboration between the SU, DSC and Student Minds Cambridge.

Exam Concessions

If your disability will cause discomfort or disadvantage during exams, you are entitled to unique exam adjustments such as: extra time, rest breaks, typing instead of writing, sitting exams in a separate room/ low density room/ in college, transport to exams, and bringing food into exams (just to name a few!). Evidence of your disability is required in order to get these adjustments (this can be a note from the GP, a specialist report, or an assessment from the ADRC).

If you require an assessment, you can contact our Disabilities Liberation Officer (more information below), or speak to your Director of Studies, Tutor, or the GP.