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Accessibility & Disability

Robinson College works to support disabled students so that they can thrive at university and fulfil their academic potential. 

We encourage all students to get in touch with the ADRC and the College as early as possible to discuss any existing or suspected disability, learning difference, neurodiversity, or health concern before arriving in Cambridge or if they arise during your time at university. You can get in touch with the Tutorial Office, the Wellbeing Team, and your personal tutor for support in arranging access accommodations.

Accessibility & Disability Resource Centre (ADRC)

The Accessibility & Disability Resource Centre (ADRC) provide confidential advice and a variety of support types to students. They also work with colleges and departments to provide adjustments through Student Support Documents (SSDs).

  • Attention Deficit (Hyperactivity) Disorder – ADHD
  • Autism
  • Sight loss or those who are blind
  • Hearing loss or those who are d/Deaf
  • Unseen disabilities and long-term health conditions
  • Mental health conditions
  • Mobility and physical impairments
  • Specific learning difficulties (such as dyslexia and dyspraxia)

A Student Support Document (SSD) provides information to college and departmental staff working with disabled students about their conditions and recommends adjustments that would support their learning and teaching, including exam access arrangements.

  • If you are issued an SSD, giving the College and your Department permission to view your SSD will alert us to reasonable adjustments we can provide and enable us to better advocate for you.
  • If you are unsure whether you have a condition or disability that merits disclosure or are concerned about experiencing barriers during your studies, you can speak to a member of the Wellbeing Team and they’ll be able to support.

The ADRC’s Neurodiversity Screening Service is available to eligible University of Cambridge students who are experiencing significant difficulties with their studies and believe this may be due to undiagnosed neurodiversity. 

A screening can identify whether these difficulties may be associated with ADHD, a Specific Learning Difficulty (SpLD), or Autism. The purpose of a screening is to determine whether a student requires educational support and enable access to that support while they study at Cambridge.

A screening does not provide a diagnosis. If you are seeking a diagnosis of ADHD, a SpLD, or Autism, you may wish to pursue a diagnostic assessment with an external specialist. Email adrcscreening@admin.cam.ac.uk for information. 

Types of screening

There are two types of screening available:

  • Screening for ADHD and/or SpLD, including Dyscalculia, Dysgraphia, Dyslexia, and Dyspraxia.
  • Screening for Autism.

The service can offer one screening. If you request both we will recommend which type to have.  

 

Wait times for screening: Contact the ADRC for the current wait time for a screening. The average wait time is around six weeks, but it changes with demand. Wait times are generally longer during Michaelmas and Lent Terms and often shorter during Easter Term and the summer holiday. We strongly recommend starting the process as early as possible, and well in advance of any exams, assessments, or deadlines.


The screening process involves several steps; please allow time for the following:

  • Referral to be processed by the service.
  • Student to complete forms.
  • Forms to be reviewed by the service.
  • Wait for a screening appointment (if offered).
  • Screening takes place.
  • Report and Student Support Document (SSD) to be prepared.
  • Student to review SSD.
  • SSD to be circulated to College and University staff.

 

Neurodiversity Screening Service | Accessibility and disability services

Careers Service

The University Careers Service provides disability-specific careers consulting and advice in addition to regularly running events on related topics. Check out their page on disability support for more information and links. 

If you want to know what to expect in a careers appointment, see their neurodiversity-friendly guide explaining what happens in a meeting with a careers consultant.