A new publication is released to support higher education providers (HEPs) in strengthening how they share information about disabled students, marking an important development in efforts to improve equity and consistency across the sector.
The Disabled Student Commitment: Information Sharing Best Practice Guide has been developed through the Information Sharing Special Interest Group (SIG), one of several task-and-finish groups established by the Disabled Student Commitment (DSC) steering group. The guidance is designed to promote collaboration and provide practical, evidence-based insights into how institutions can enhance their approach to supporting disabled students.
The guide draws on a range of sector-informed sources, including institutional case studies and interviews with disability services staff, as well as findings from an anonymous online survey of higher education providers. Together, these insights highlight both areas of good practice and ongoing challenges in how student information is managed and shared.
Hannah Borkin, Advance HE Associate for the Disabled Student Commitment, said,
“The featured case studies point to promising approaches for disabled students in higher education. Institutions with integrated systems and well-defined referral pathways are shown to significantly reduce the need for students to repeatedly share their disability. This not only improves efficiency but also helps to build student trust.
“By taking a coordinated approach, HEPs can create a more consistent and inclusive experience for disabled students across all aspects of university life.”
"This guide is an important step in understanding how disability services in HEPs across the country approach requesting and sharing disabled students' information.
“Each participant has provided valuable insight and showcased how they strive to ensure disabled students are respected, supported and empowered throughout their higher education journey."Lead author of the publication, Phoebe Cleary, Disability Advisor, London South Bank University (LSBU)
Recommendations outlined in the guide offer a starting point for institutions looking to strengthen their provision in line with the Disabled Student Commitment. These include reviewing information-sharing practices, embedding student-centred principles and aligning policies with sector guidance.
The Disabled Student Commitment itself was launched in April 2023 by the Disabled Students’ Commission as a voluntary, non-regulatory framework aimed at improving the disabled student experience in higher education. Since its introduction, 41 providers have signed up, signalling growing sector engagement with its principles.