Accessing Disability Support

A Toolkit for Health Professionals and Learners

If you’re disabled, neurodiverse, or have a long-term health condition, you may be eligible for additional support as you study and work in healthcare.

We understand that the process of applying for and obtaining the support you need can be confusing and overwhelming. However, our guides provide clear, step-by-step instructions to simplify the process.

Students – Find your way through the DSA

Professionals – Find your way through Access to Work

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NHS Health Education England logo

NHS Logo

Access To Work, Making Work Possible Logo

Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) Logo

Diversity and Ability Logo

 

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Students – Find your way through the DSA

If you are registered on a university course and receiving a student loan through Student Finance England or an NHS Student Bursary, you should be able to receive support through Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA). Find out more about the DSA, and how to apply, with our Find Your Way through the DSA guide.

Professionals – Find your way through Access to Work

If you are in employment, or searching for a job, you should be entitled to an Access to Work grant from the government. Find out more about the Access to Work scheme, and how to apply, with our Find your way through Access to Work guide.

Find out more!

Why do we need a toolkit?

Professor Liz Hughes MBE (Deputy Medical Director and Disability Lead, HEE) and Piers Wilkinson (Inclusive Education Policy and Campaigns Lead, Diversity and Ability) shared their experiences at the Delivering Excellence in Medical Education Conference 2021.

Together, they bring their lived experience and professional expertise to explore how we can create a healthcare education environment that welcomes and includes all.

Watch the video

How can we make healthcare more accessible?

We’ve consulted with healthcare trainees and professionals to understand the barriers they face in sharing their diversity and accessing healthcare spaces.

There are solutions available to remove or mitigate these barriers, creating a more diverse, inclusive and successful healthcare environment.

Read the research paper

What do disabled healthcare professionals have to say?

In our ‘Finding Your Way’ series, Piers meets with individuals from across the healthcare profession, all of whom have lived experience and expertise in accessing healthcare education.

Join us in exploring the barriers faced by disabled healthcare professionals and learners, as well as the projects and innovations being developed to break down those barriers.

Watch our ‘Finding Your Way’ video series.