We are committed to ensuring that disabled learners receive the support they need to succeed in both academic settings and practice placements. Providing this support requires a collaborative, flexible, and proactive approach involving the learner, the educational institution, and the practice placement. Institutions and placements have a professional responsibility to implement reasonable adjustments from admission through graduation, ensuring equitable opportunities at every stage. Further guidance on meeting the individual needs of students is provided below.
Guidance for Higher Education Institutions:
- Provide clear, accessible information about available support services.
- Develop inclusive teaching methods and assessment strategies that accommodate diverse learning styles and abilities.
- Offer individualised support plans and reasonable adjustments tailored to an individual’s specific needs.
- Promote a culture of openness and encourage learners to disclose their needs without fear of discrimination, while also maintaining a focus on the core competencies required for professional practice.
- Ensure compliance with legal requirements and local policy.
Guidance for Clinical Tutors and Placement Providers:
- Work closely with learners and universities to understand individuals’ specific needs and preferences.
- Treat information about a learner’s impairment or long-term condition as confidential.
- Implement reasonable adjustments, such as flexible scheduling, assistive technologies, and adapted learning materials when appropriate.
- Foster an inclusive environment by raising awareness and promoting disability confidence among staff and peers.
- Ensure compliance with legal requirements and local policy while maintaining high standards of education and patient care.
Confidentiality and Disclosure: We recognise that disclosing a disability is a personal decision. Disclosure of a disability and requests for reasonable adjustments are treated with full confidentiality. Students should be assured that education providers and regulatory bodies have legal responsibilities not to discriminate against applicants with a disability. Support services within BIOS and individual institutions aim to ensure learners feel comfortable, empowered, and supported throughout their education. We welcome you to contact our support team if further information is required.