Most students have heard of the Equality Act, but very few know what it actually guarantees them at university. That gap matters, because universities have a legal duty to make reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act 2010. This is a statutory obligation, not a goodwill gesture. Knowing what you are entitled to is the first step to accessing it.
What is the Equality Act 2010?
The Equality Act 2010 is a UK law that protects people from discrimination on the grounds of protected characteristics, including disability. It consolidated and replaced earlier legislation, including the Disability Discrimination Act, bringing protections previously scattered across multiple laws into a single framework. The Equality Act covers employers, service providers, and educational institutions, including universities. For students, it is the legal basis for the right to reasonable adjustments and equal access to education.
What counts as a disability under the Equality Act 2010
Under the disability act UK framework, a disability is defined as a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long-term effect on your ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities. Substantial means more than minor or trivial. Long-term means it has lasted or is expected to last for 12 months or more. The definition is deliberately broad. Conditions that fluctuate or are managed with medication can still qualify, provided they would have a substantial effect without treatment.
Mental Health and the Equality Act
Mental health and the Equality Act have a direct connection that is often underestimated. Mental health conditions can qualify as a disability under the Act if they meet the substantial and long-term test. Depression, anxiety, PTSD, eating disorders, and other mental health conditions have all been found to qualify in various circumstances.
What are Reasonable Adjustments?
Reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act 2010 are changes that an institution must make so a disabled student is not placed at a substantial disadvantage compared to non-disabled peers. The word reasonable does not mean unlimited; practicality and cost are relevant factors. But universities have a proactive, anticipatory duty. They are required to consider what adjustments disabled students might need before being asked, not only after a formal request.
Reasonable Adjustments at university – What you’re entitled to
The rights of students with disabilities at university include, but are not limited to:
- Extra time in exams (typically 25% additional time, though this varies)
- Extended deadlines for coursework and assessments
- Alternative formats for reading materials, including accessible PDFs, large print, or audio versions
- A note-taker or electronic note-taking support in lectures
- Accessible accommodation arrangements
- Recorded lectures or access to lecture materials in advance
- Assistive technology, including screen readers, text-to-speech tools, and reading support software
- A quiet room or separate invigilation for examinations
Reasonable adjustments in schools and university settings may differ; what applies at school level may need to be formally requested again in higher education.
How to request Reasonable Adjustments at your university
Getting reasonable adjustments in place is a process, and starting it early makes a significant difference.
- Contact your university’s disability or accessibility service as soon as possible, ideally before term starts.
- Provide evidence of your condition: a medical letter, diagnostic report, or DSA Needs Assessment. The type of evidence required varies by institution.
- Attend a needs assessment or disability support meeting. This is where your specific adjustments are agreed and documented.
- Follow up in writing. Confirm what has been agreed by email so there is a clear record.
- Review at the start of each academic year; adjustments do not always carry over automatically.
Know your rights, use your support
Reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act 2010 are a legal entitlement, not a favour. Knowing what you are entitled to and how to request it is the most important step. If assistive technology forms part of your support, Tailo is available as a reading and study tool that can be funded through DSA. Try it free for a full semester.