Disability?

Former Member

Okay, I'm applying to UCAS today, and have no idea whether or not to include my diagnosis of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome into the 'disability/special needs' section of the application form.

Would there be a chance that they could choose to not interview me because of it? It would be discrimination, yes, but it happens doesn't it?

Help?

Former Member

I would add it.

Former Member

Why would you?

Former Member

I would add it as well because it means if they have to make special provisions for you then they will be aware of it in advance.

Former Member

I don't see why they wouldn't interview just because you've stated that you have a disability. They may make special provision for you, but I really don't think they'd just not interview you, unless it was possible that they thought you wouldn't be able to do the course?

Former Member

Yeah that's what I'm nervous about - if they think that it'll interfere with my studies, they may not want to interview me...

I think I'll add it - a couple of people have said that uni's have to take a certain percentage of disabled students or something....

Former Member

Well, you aren't going to be able to go throughout uni without making them aware of your condition so tell them now.

Former Member

I've put it in. I've just read the college's policy on disabled students and it seems that they really do take an active role in promoting equal opportunities.

Thanks for your input people :yes:

littlemissy

Ilora-Danon wrote: »

Yeah that's what I'm nervous about - if they think that it'll interfere with my studies, they may not want to interview me...

I think I'll add it - a couple of people have said that uni's have to take a certain percentage of disabled students or something....

I don't think they can not offer interview if you have a disability - no matter what it is. If you have the grades, good personal statement, good reference etc then the disability is not an issue. I think they only ask these things in order to show that they are promoting equal opportunities. It's just like in the job place.

Former Member

I would put it in. If there's a reason why the e-d might have affeected your grades then I think they would be able to take that into account with your offer if need be.

Former Member

I was only diagnosed recently, so it wouldn't have affect my GCSE's or anything...

Well, I finished my application, personal statement finished - 47 lines out of 47 lines!! All paid for, sent to referee. (4 days before the deadline!)

*And, breeeathe*

Former Member

I know what you mean about them not interviewing you on that basis. Of course, they wouldn't say it was because of that (how could they!) but it might happen. However, in this day and age I reckon they're more likely to jump all over you like a bad rash in order to increase their disabled student quotas. Sorry to be cynical, but it's in your favour I guess!

Former Member

You're right to put it in anyway as they'd probably look on you in a bad light if they found out after you'd applied and would therefore wonder what else you might be hiding... it's no different to a job application, if theres something they should know - they should know right away. It wouldn't harm your chances disclosing anything such as that in a uni at all.

Anyway you did the right thing, good luck with the application!

79

Former Member

depending on what you are doing there are certain ailments which people can have which wold make them unsuitable but thats a very general rule and often only applies to specialist courses.
i'm not 100% sure what "Ehlers-Danlos syndrome" is. but i'd say add it if it would / might have a significant effect on your studies. ~ i mean, people say add things but tbh if you needed any support from your university because of it, they would most likely take the first year of your course just to assess you. a lot of people who have dyslexia for example get no help whatsoever in the first year because of all the paperwork and bureaucracy etc.
if your applying for a bog-standard degree adding it should in no way put you at a disadvantage in the application procedure and a lot of universities do promote the 'we value applications from all walks of life, disabilities, sexuality, race, etc etc etc' for stastics purposes

Former Member

Ilora-Danon wrote: »

Would there be a chance that they could choose to not interview me because of it? It would be discrimination, yes, but it happens doesn't it?

I faced a similar problem (twice now, don't ask!) about this. Those in the know about me will be aware that I have a form of clinical depression in addition to a mild form of schizophrenia. I eventually decided against putting that on my UCAS application form. My judgement was that, as I filled it in back in January, the situation come September may be different. I told UWE about it when I was completing my admissions forms. Whether I'll be telling MMU about this, I haven't decided yet.

I accept that may not be the case with you Ilora, but you still have this option. You can inform whichever university you choose about this condition (apologies if anyone finds this word objectionable) at a later stage. As for the idea you may not be interviewed because of this, were you to discover this was the reason a university did not interview you, they'd be in a legal hot water, so they can't discriminate against you for this reason.

Former Member

I added details of my own condition on my UCAS application.

Since arriving at uni ive had nothing but help for any problems ive had regarding it.
I was even accepted for financial help from the DSA (disabled students allowance) folk here and got a whole lot of money and toys. (they give laptops away like sweeties).
So you may even get something extra out of including it in your application, besides the help you require.

Former Member

Yeah, my gp told me about Disabled Student's allowance when I asked him to represent me for my DLA claim. He's a mine of information that man!

Thanks ppl.