About Us
Welcome to Birkbeck University Disabled Students Network!
Dear Students,
We at the Birkbeck SU cherish diversity and inclusion. We understand that every student is valuable and brings a unique perspective to the University. As a disabled student, we recognise that there are challenges you might face for which you may need reasonable adjustments for your academics, and we want you to know that you are not alone. Our university community is made up of 22% of students who have declared a disability.
We understand that there are more who have not due to a variety of reasons, but regardless of your status in the University, be rest assured that this is a safe space, and you can access the information you need to get support.
The Student Union, alongside the university’s Disability and Dyslexia Service, is committed to providing you with the support, resources, and accommodations you need to thrive in your academic and social endeavors.
We aim to foster an inclusive community where every student feels valued, respected and empowered. Whether this is done through accessing academic support, participating in student led activities or simply finding spaces where you can be yourself, we want to ensure that your Birkbeck journey is not only fulfilling but also enjoyable.
Get Involved: We encourage you to get involved with the Student Union and the various societies, networks and clubs. This is a fantastic way to meet new people, share experiences, and make your voice heard. If there's something you're passionate about or if you have ideas on how we can make our campus more accessible and inclusive, we want to hear from you!
Resources and Support: Please explore our website for information on the available support services, including academic accommodations, assistive technologies, and health and wellbeing resources.
We're Here for You: If you have any questions, concerns, or just need someone to talk to, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We're here to support you every step of the way.
Stat: An estimated 1.3 billion people experience some form of disability representing 16% of the world’s population or 1 in 7 of us. (Source: WHO, March 2023)
It is estimated that 80% of this figure have hidden disabilities.
Welcome to our community! Your presence enriches us, and we can’t wait to see all that you will achieve.
Ella Edwin
Disabled Students Liberation Leader
Who do we support?
The Disabled Students Network is available to support any student with disabilities, long term conditions, declared or undisclosed, physical or hidden, throughout their stay at Birkbeck University.
Under the Equality Act 2010, you are considered to have a disability if your condition(s) fall under one or more of the following categories, and has negatively affected your ability to do normal activities:
- A physical impairment
- Neurological condition
- Developmental or
- Mental Impairment
If you experience barriers that are different for example taking longer to dress or complete tasks, requiring help around physical barriers or having trouble focusing and if your condition has lasted more than 12 months or is likely t last at least 12 months, then there is support available for you.
For example, if you have a progressive condition like HIV or cancer, you will meet the definition from the moment you are diagnosed.
Also applicable are conditions that fluctuates; for example, chronic pain condition that gets better and worse over time, meets the definition of disability as long as the effects are likely to continue for at least a year.
Students Union Support Services
This is a completely free and confidential service offered by the Student Union to provide support with academic related issues. To access this service please fill the form to grant permission for your case to be handled https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=R3_QiVjSPEaHAGNf-uyjjudEEa0idIVFj-uviAsvISdUM0oyT1RBUEw4R1JWWVBFS1kzSUxXVVlMUiQlQCN0PWcu
Dyslexia screening
To arrange for a free screening, students can email the dyslexia screening team with their details to receive a link to a 45-minute online QuickScreen test.
For more information and to book a free screening please click https://www.bbk.ac.uk/student-services/disability-service/dyslexia-screening
DSA (Disabled Students' Allowance)
You may be eligible for DSA If you have a disability or specific learning difficulty. The allowance covers the extra disability-related costs or expenses like equipment, travel and non-medical expenses you may have during your course of study.For help with applying for DSA, please visit https://www.bbk.ac.uk/student-services/disability-service/disabled-students-allowance
Accessibility Services
There are a variety of technology and services available to students including
- Software- The following can be accessed
- Speech to text (Dragon): if you have limited dexterity or if your speech is stronger than your writing skills for example in cases of Dyslexia
- Text to speech: ClaroRead is useful for transmitting electronic text to speech
- Mind Mapping- useful tools available include MindView which can be used to map out ideas and identifying connections before writing.
- Screen Reading and screen magnifying
Please read privacy notice before using https://www.sensusaccess.com/privacy-fair-processing-notice/
- Breaking Barriers Kit Workshop are effective to guide students with skills and strategies in using some of the software listed to improve your learning experience. Watch here: https://youtu.be/hyIDl843g3c?feature=shared
- Birkbeck Study Skills you can find information on developing other skills such as academic writing skills and critical thinking. For further information, see https://www.bbk.ac.uk/student-services/learning-development.
Access to the library is through Torrington Square, on the right-hand side on the ground floor, of the main building. The accessible entrance is to the right of the revolving door. There is step free access throughout the building. There are clearly written and pictorial signages at key points
- Accessible Toilet- This is a shared toilet located near the accessibility center on the first floor of the library. There is level access to this toilet and is accessible by lift. The key to this toilet can be obtained from the help desk
APPs
123Apps is great if you need a fast and easy way to edit audio or video files. One great feature I find useful is its multiple functions and ease of use and navigation. https://123apps.com/
You can find these and many more within 123Apps:
- Video Converter: Convert video files online from one format into another
- Voice Recorder https://online-voice-recorder.com
- Audio Cutter: https://mp3cut.net
- Audio Converter:Convert audio files to different formats https://online-audio-converter.com
- Audio Joiner: Merge multiple audio files https://audio-joiner.com/
- Archive Extractor: Useful for extracting compressed files https://extract.me/
Here are some tutorials and guides for using 123Apps:
Contacts and Helplines
Mental Health Crisis Helplines
Listed below are useful links for organisations providing mental health support
- Samaritans is a 24 helpline. You can call 116 123 (free from any phone), email jo@samaritans.org
- SANEline: You can call SANEline on 0300 304 7000 (4.30pm–10.30pm every day).
- The Mix provides support for people under 25, call The Mix on 0808 808 4994 (Sunday-Friday 2pm–11pm), request support by email the form on https://www.themix.org.uk/get-support/speak-to-our-team/email-us or chat https://www.themix.org.uk/get-support/speak-to-our-team/crisis-messenger
- Papyrus HOPELINEUK: For people under 35 and struggling with suicidal feelings, call Papyrus HOPELINEUK on 0800 068 4141 (weekdays 10am-10pm, weekends 2pm-10pm and bank holidays 2pm–10pm), email pat@papyrus-uk.org or text 07786 209 697.
- Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM): For people who identify as male, you can call the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) on 0800 58 58 58 (5pm–midnight every day) or visit https://www.thecalmzone.net/get-support
Nominations are currently open for the following positions:
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Chair
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Secretary
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Treasurer
Students must be a member of our network to apply. For more information, please follow this link.