Navigating university life can be challenging, particularly for students with disabilities or long-term health conditions. This post will walk you through the key services, resources, and support systems available to disabled students at King's, from academic adjustments to wellbeing support. Make sure to read our other post on support from the university. If you are looking to map out your own support network, why not use our handy template?
This guide was created with the support of KCL Disabled Students’ Society, Adjust KCL! and our Disabled Students Network.
Student Officers are elected by the student body to lead KCLSU as trustees, organisers, campaigners and representatives. You can contact the VP for Welfare and Community at [email protected].
You can ask for free, confidential and impartial academic advice to students with issues affecting their studies. Find the link to the Advice Form here.
The Wellbeing Hub is a resource offering guidance, advice and tips on how to maximise wellbeing using the NHS-led KINGS way (Keep moving, Invest in relationships, Never stop learning, Give to others & Savour the moment). It also includes a useful directory of support at the bottom of the page.
The Disabled Students Network is one of KCLSU’s liberation networks. It exists to combat the oppression, discrimination and inequality faced by disabled students both on a local and national level through collective campaigning, and involvement in organising Disability History Month at King’s.
Here you can find support for PhD students. The committee is entirely made up of doctoral students. KDSA also has a Disabled Students Officer, who can support you when needed. You can contact KDSA at [email protected]
They are the first ever KCL Society for all disabled students, run by disabled students. They aim to create a community of disabled students here at King’s, through different events. You can find their Instagram here.
Adjust KCL! is a KCLSU student-run campaign for A Disability-Just KCL. Their aim is to end King's and create dignity for vulnerable students.
The campaign raise awarenesss about the issues vulnerable students face in accessing support and adjustments to enable their participation at King's, and push for concrete goals to alleviate these issues.
The campaign use the term vulnerable students to reflect the wide variety of experiences that might mean a student requires additional support, including but not limited to neurodiversity, disability, mental health, physical health, homelessness, experiences of abuse or other crimes, financial hardship and bereavement.
Get involved here!
DSA or Disabled Students’ Allowance is financial support from the government to cover the study-related costs you have because of a mental health problem, long term illness or any other disability. This can be on its own or in addition to Student Finance and you don’t have to pay it back
You can get help with the costs of:
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Disability mentors are particularly useful, as you can meet with them at least once a week (more if you need) to walk through your academic plan with them. They can help you with study skills as well as advocating for your access requirements with your teaching staff. You can also request as someone who has lived experience of your condition.
How do I apply for DSA? It’s worth getting your King’s Disability Adviser to support you with your application as they know what assessors are looking for and are good at filling in forms. You might have to attend a ‘needs assessment’ in order to get DSA. The assessors are usually very friendly, and will ask you what kinds of things you need. You can also find more information on applying for DSA here.
Note: You may not be eligible for DSA if you are an international student or forced migrant. However, there are other options that may be available to you. You can speak with the Disability Support and Team about this.
Additional Information
If you’re a student with a disability or long-term health condition, don’t hesitate to explore these resources. Support is just an email or a conversation away, helping you focus on what truly matters—your success and wellbeing at university.