The Disabled Student Commitment follows the lifecycle of a student across their higher education journey, from entering higher education to moving on to further study or employment.
It clearly indicates that the transition from school or college into higher education needs to become more seamless, that students entering a higher education provider should only have to share their information regarding their disability once and that there should be clarity around the support offered.
The Commitment encourages higher education providers to self-audit, with their students, any gaps in delivery, to action these and make progress that shares expectations with their disabled students. The Commitment also calls upon sector bodies, regulators and the Government to show the progress they are making with regard to improving support for disabled students.
Signing up to the DSC demonstrates your institution’s commitment to creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for disabled students.
Universities and colleges signed up to the Disabled Student Commitment
Current signatories to the Disabled Student Commitment, and how to sign up.
Guide: Information sharing best practice guide
This guide, produced by the Disabled Student Commitment Information Sharing Special Interest Group, examines how HEPs manage and share disability-related information, drawing on survey data, sector case studies, and practitioner expertise. Disabled students often face frustration and inequity when required to repeatedly share the same information or undergo unnecessary reassessments, highlighting the need for more consistent and effective practices.
Read the blog-New guide to improve information sharing for disabled students across higher education.
The Disabled Student Commitment
The purpose of the Disabled Student Commitment (the Commitment) is to secure an enhanced and improved experience for disabled students within higher education. The Disabled Students’ Commission (DSC) calls upon higher education providers (HEPs), Government, funders, agencies, regulators and professional, statutory and regulatory bodies (henceforth referred to as other organisations) to adopt and promote the Commitment.
Disabled Student Commitment Annual Reports
Two years since the launch of the Commitment, this report celebrates the HEPs that have achieved the Commitment, those that have signed up to the scheme since registration opened, and the progress made by named sector bodies.
Explore our annual reports for an overview of progress, achievements and activity across the Disabled Student Commitment.
Competence Standards Guidance
The Disabled Student Commitment Advisory Group has published Competence Standards Guidance that supports disabled students across UK higher education institutions, building on the momentum generated since the Disabled Students Commitment was established in October 2023.
The Disabled Student Commitment includes principles on:
- Requests to share information;
- Choosing a course of study;
- Transition into the higher education community;
- On-course experience;
- Moving forward.
Disabled Student Commitment Governance
Oversight of activity related to the Disabled Student Commitment is boosted by a partnership approach between Advance HE, National Association of Disability Practitioners, London South Bank University and The Open University.
Thanks to Hannah Borkin (Associate, Advance HE), Dr Elliott Spaeth (Senior Advisor, Advance HE), Professor Deborah Johnston MBE is the Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive of the University of Bedfordshire, Alice Speller (CEO, NADP) and Professor Ian Pickup (Pro Vice-Chancellor (Students) The Open University) for their continued work and coordination.
People
Professor Deborah Johnston MBE
Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive of the University of Bedfordshire
A disability champion, Professor Johnston is a national leader for the Disabled Students Commitment and serves as Universities Disability and Access Ambassador for the Cabinet Office. She also holds a board position with a national stammering charity and, in 2024, was awarded an MBE for her work on stammering recognition in higher education.
Disabled Students’ Commission (2020-2023)
The Disabled Student Commitment was consulted on and authored by the Disabled Students’ Commission. The Disabled Students’ Commission was an independent and strategic group established by the Universities Minister in July 2019 with funding from the Office for Students. It had a key responsibility to advise, inform and influence higher education providers to improve support for disabled students.
How to Sign Up
Joining the Disabled Student Commitment is simple. Follow these steps to get started:
Step 1: Register your interest by emailing the dsc@advance-he.ac.uk.
Step 2: Submit a signed letter from your Vice-Chancellor (or equivalent) outlining:
- Your institution’s name
- A named key contact for DSC work.
- A brief statement about how your institution will align with the Commitment’s principles.
Step 3: Develop a delivery plan in consultation with your disabled students and publish it annually on your website.
Why Sign Up?
If you have any questions or need further information, please don’t hesitate to reach out at dsc@advance-he.ac.uk
Signing up to the DSC provides numerous benefits, including:
Ensure alignment with the Equality Act 2010 and EHRC guidance.
Access tools and guidance to map and improve institutional practices.
Showcase your commitment with the DSC logo on your materials.
Join working groups and share best practices with other institutions.
