Heriot-Watt University

Blind or partially sighted students

Students’ support needs are assessed on a case by case basis and adjustments are never made for you automatically. Support can sometimes take a while to arrange so it is very important to contact the Disability Service as early as possible. The Disability Advisor can assess your needs and arrange any relevant support so that it is in place for you when you start your studies.

Our support for Blind students or students with a visual impairment is based on each individual’s needs. We can carry out a needs assessment for you in partnership with an assessor from RNIB. This will help us to identify your needs regarding coursework and exam adjustments, assistive technology, and human support such as a reader, scribe or note taker.

We aim to organise the support you require in advance of you attending the University, so it is vital that you make contact with us as soon as possible.
Examples of the support we can provide include:

Guide dogs are welcome on Campus.

More detailed information about Support for Blind students or students with a visual impairment.

Braille

Materials and information can be produced in alternative formats such as Braille where required. The University uses external organisations for producing information in Braille to cope with the large amounts of academic texts which are required for a degree course.

Specialist equipment and software

The library offers a range of computers with assistive software installed on them, different sizes of monitors and ergonomic kits (including keyboards and mice) for students to use on their own, in study groups or with friends.

Fire Safety - Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP) - for further information, contact Health and Safety Services

Key information

Disability Service

Phone
+44 (0) 131 451 3386
Email
disability@hw.ac.uk