Disability support
At Edinburgh Napier University, the Disability Inclusion team works alongside students with a wide range of disabilities, long term health conditions, mental health conditions, neurodivergence, and specific learning differences. Our aim is to help you take part fully in university life and succeed in your studies.
You don’t need to have everything figured out before you contact us. If you think you might need support, getting in touch early gives us more time to talk things through and put the right support in place as close to the start of your course as possible.
Getting started with support
You can contact the Disability Inclusion team at any point during the year. If you have questions, want to explore what support might look like for you, or are unsure whether you’re eligible, please email disabilityinclusion@napier.ac.uk
Many students come to us having received support before, such as extra time in exams, or assistive technology. Where possible, we can often continue similar arrangements on your new course. We can also help you:
- Think ahead about potential challenges
- Explore additional or different types of support
- Discuss Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA), if you’re eligible
If you had a support plan at school or college, please contact us, as we do not automatically put this support in place.
Some support arrangements — such as sign language interpreters, communication support, or specialist note‑taking — take longer to organise. If you think you may need this type of support, contacting us early is especially important so everything can be in place when teaching begins.
Assistive technology
There is a wide range of assistive software and technology that can support your learning, organisation, reading, writing, and wellbeing. Having the right technology can transform your ability to succeed in your studies.
- Take a look at our Technology to help you study page to see examples of apps and software that can help with many common struggles.
- If you need help learning to use assistive software, you can book a 1-to-1 appointment with the Assistive Technology Advisor.
Induction and early access to campus
Each August, we offer a disability induction programme for students joining Edinburgh Napier University.
The programme is open to students with any disability or long‑term condition and is designed to help you feel more confident and prepared before teaching starts. It provides an opportunity to:
- Become familiar with your campus and buildings
- Learn what to expect from university study
- Meet other new students
- Ask questions in a relaxed, supportive setting
A family member, friend, or supporter is welcome to attend with you if that would be helpful.
Induction events run in August (for September starts) and at the start of January (for January starts), and dates and campuses vary each year. To find out more and receive joining information, please email disabilityinclusion@napier.ac.uk
If you’re unsure whether to get in touch — please do. We’re happy to talk things through.