From August 2023, the format of newly issued Student Support Plans will change, with the introduction of a two-step approach to communicating student needs:
1. A Disability inclusion statement (SSP A) will now be issued as soon as evidence of a disability has been verified. The statement sets out the five inclusive practices and reasonable adjustments recommended as standard for disabled students. It also provides immediate notification that the student or offer holder is to be treated as disabled, and entitled to reasonable adjustments and to equal access to the services the university provides.
2. Many students will need further support and adjustments in addition to the recommendations set out in the statement. If this is the case, these will be communicated subsequently in a Student Support Plan document (SSP B or SSP C).
DAS will also begin to use structured templates for some of its Student Support Plans (SSP B). Initially, templates will be used for students with Specific Learning Differences only. The templates will contain standard reasonable adjustment recommendations for the named student, tailored to the disability, division and level of study. The SSP B will provide prompter access to support for students, as well as greater consistency and guidance relevant to the study context. As the pilot progresses in 2023-24, templates will be introduced for other disability types, and will be used where the standard adjustments recommended match well with the student’s needs.
An SSP C will be produced for those students who require major adjustments and/or a more individualized approach. SSP C will contain an individual impact on study description, and bespoke adjustment recommendations. Disability Advisors will meet with each student to discuss their needs before finalizing the plan and sharing with disability coordinators.
