Making learning more accessible
Mainstreamed adjustments are inclusive teaching, learning and assessment practices that are built into courses to support students and reduce the need for individual adjustments. This removes the need for disabled students to make a disclosure and engage with university processes if they want to receive support.
Mainstreamed adjustments currently in place
Access to class materials in advance
Lecturers should aim to provide key materials such as lecture slides and class outlines at least 24 hours before your class, where possible.
Remember, these materials are to support your preparation, and attending class is still important.
Class recordings
You can record classes or have access to lecture recordings. Recordings are to support your learning, but they do not replace the need to attend your classes.
Important guidance:
- Recordings are for personal study use only
- Do not share or distribute recordings
- Some sessions may not be recorded (e.g. sensitive discussions)
For more information, read our policy on recordings (Word, 56kB). Please be aware that failure to comply with the restrictions in the policy might lead to disciplinary action under the student conduct regulations.
Recordings should be deleted once you have completed your course.
Extra time and class tests
Additional time of 25% is built into in-person class tests and 50% for online class tests for all students.
Please note, this is not for exams that are organised by the exams team. For information on adjustments for exams, visit our disability inclusion support page.
Needing to leave class
Students should be able to leave class without being challenged.
Spelling and grammar
Students should not be marked down for poor spelling, grammar, or punctuation unless it is stated in the module handbook and is being directly assessed.
Why do we mainstream reasonable adjustments?
Mainstreaming helps us fulfil our responsibility under the Equality Act to anticipate disabled students' needs. We can have basic support in place ready for all students who disclose a disability.
Mainstreaming helps address the stigma felt by many disabled students who do not feel comfortable disclosing or engaging with support services because they fear it will be counted against them. Basic support is available without the need to disclose, hopefully encouraging greater trust.
Mainstreaming also helps us fulfil our responsibilities towards students experiencing a new or short-term period of poor mental health by offering basic support without the need to evidence or request it.
How does mainstreaming fit with learning profiles?
The Disability Inclusion team works with thousands of students across all Schools, years, and levels of study, including research students. Students who have registered with the team receive an individual learning profile, which outlines any additional support they may need beyond the standard mainstreamed adjustments that are available to all students.