Right First Time UK
Search Get Help
Home›Guides & Information›Education & Learning›Guide to Disability Rights & Education Accessibility

Guide to Disability Rights & Education Accessibility

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/send-guide-for-parents-and-carers

About this guide

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/send-guide-for-parents-and-carers

1. Understanding Disability in Education

Equality Act definition – Great Britain: a person is generally disabled if they have a physical or mental impairment with a substantial and long-term adverse effect on normal day-to-day activities. “Substantial” means more than minor or trivial and “long-term” normally means 12 months or more. Cancer, HIV and multiple sclerosis receive special automatic protection from diagnosis.
The legal test focuses on the impairment and its effects. A condition can be non-visible, fluctuating or recurring and still meet the disability definition.

A disability may be:

  • Physical
  • Sensory
  • Cognitive
  • Neurological
  • Developmental
  • Mental health related
  • Long-term medical condition

Examples include:

  • Autism
  • ADHD
  • Dyslexia
  • Dyspraxia
  • Learning disabilities
  • Visual impairment
  • Hearing impairment
  • Cerebral palsy
  • Diabetes
  • Epilepsy
  • Chronic fatigue syndrome
  • Anxiety disorders
  • Mental health conditions

Not every disabled learner will need the same support.

Support should be based on individual needs.

Useful links:

  • Equality Act guidance:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/equality-act-2010-guidance

  • SEND Guide:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/send-guide-for-parents-and-carers

2. Disability Rights in Education

Disability discrimination can take several forms. Depending on the facts this can include direct discrimination, discrimination arising from disability, failure to make reasonable adjustments, harassment or victimisation. The correct legal route depends on the setting and UK nation.

Disabled learners have legal protections against discrimination.

Education providers should not:

  • Exclude unfairly
  • Refuse access because of disability
  • Treat disabled learners less favourably
  • Fail to consider reasonable adjustments
  • Allow disability-related harassment

Rights may apply in:

  • Admissions
  • Teaching
  • Assessments
  • School trips
  • Activities
  • Behaviour processes
  • Exclusions
  • Accommodation
  • Apprenticeships
  • University education

Useful links:

  • Equality Act Advice for Schools:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/equality-act-2010-advice-for-schools

  • Equality and Human Rights Commission:

https://www.equalityhumanrights.com/

3. Accessibility Rights

Digital accessibility: in-scope public-sector websites and apps must meet the accessibility regulations, including WCAG 2.2 AA, and publish an accessibility statement. Primary and secondary schools and nurseries have a partial exemption, but content needed to use their services remains in scope.

Education providers should work to remove barriers affecting participation.

Accessibility includes:

Physical Accessibility

  • Ramps
  • Lifts
  • Accessible toilets
  • Adapted furniture

Curriculum Accessibility

  • Alternative formats
  • Accessible teaching materials
  • Flexible learning methods

Communication Accessibility

  • Sign language support
  • Visual supports
  • Plain language information

Digital Accessibility

  • Screen reader compatibility
  • Captioning
  • Accessible online platforms

Useful links:

  • Accessibility requirements:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/accessibility-requirements-for-public-sector-websites-and-apps

  • Equality Act guidance:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/equality-act-2010-guidance

4. Reasonable Adjustments

Reasonable adjustments are a legal mechanism for reducing substantial disadvantage. What is reasonable depends on the circumstances, including effectiveness, practicality, cost and the resources of the responsible body.
Exam access arrangements are a separate process. Schools and colleges should use current JCQ rules for qualifications covered by JCQ. Some arrangements require evidence and a formal application.

Reasonable adjustments help disabled learners access education fairly.

Examples include:

Classroom Adjustments

  • Seating changes
  • Rest breaks
  • Movement breaks
  • Quiet workspaces

Learning Adjustments

  • Alternative formats
  • Assistive technology
  • Modified resources

Assessment Adjustments

  • Extra time
  • Reader support
  • Scribe support
  • Separate room arrangements

Attendance & Timetable Adjustments

  • Flexible arrangements
  • Medical support planning

Adjustments should be based on need and evidence.

Useful links:

  • Equality Act Advice for Schools:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/equality-act-2010-advice-for-schools

  • JCQ Access Arrangements:

https://www.jcq.org.uk/exams-office/access-arrangements-and-special-consideration/

5. Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA)

England 2026/27: eligible undergraduate and postgraduate students can receive up to £27,783 a year through DSA, depending on assessed disability-related study needs. DSA is not based on household income and does not need to be repaid.
DSA is separate from a university's Equality Act duties. A university may still need to make reasonable adjustments even where a student has not received DSA.

Disabled Students' Allowance helps eligible higher education students access support.

DSA may help fund:

  • Specialist equipment
  • Assistive technology
  • Non-medical helpers
  • Study support
  • Additional travel costs

DSA is separate from student loans and does not normally need to be repaid.

Useful links:

  • Disabled Students' Allowance:

https://www.gov.uk/disabled-students-allowance-dsa

  • Student Finance:

https://www.gov.uk/student-finance

6. Assistive Technology

Match technology to the barrier. Useful support may include screen-reading or magnification software, speech recognition, alternative input devices, captioning, hearing technology, planning tools or AAC. Training and accessible learning materials can be as important as the equipment.

Assistive technology can help learners overcome barriers to learning and communication.

Examples include:

Reading Support

  • Text-to-speech software
  • Audiobooks

Writing Support

  • Speech-to-text software
  • Predictive text

Organisation Support

  • Planning tools
  • Reminder systems

Sensory Support

  • Magnification software
  • Screen readers
  • Hearing support technology

Communication Support

  • Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)

Useful links:

  • AbilityNet:

https://abilitynet.org.uk/

  • RNIB:

https://www.rnib.org.uk/

  • National Deaf Children's Society:

https://www.ndcs.org.uk/

7. Inclusive Education

England – new 2026 guidance: DfE published Inclusive education estates on 25 June 2026, covering assessment of mainstream education estates, 10 core elements of inclusive design and practical adaptations to buildings and outdoor spaces.

Inclusive education means creating environments where all learners can participate and succeed.

Inclusive practice may include:

  • Universal design for learning
  • Differentiated teaching
  • Accessible resources
  • Positive behaviour support
  • Anti-discrimination practices
  • Flexible assessment approaches
  • Student participation in decisions

Benefits include:

  • Increased participation
  • Better wellbeing
  • Reduced barriers
  • Improved outcomes

8. Accessibility Complaints

England – school disability discrimination: a complaint can be made to the SEND Tribunal about disability discrimination by a school. GOV.UK says it should normally be sent within 6 months of the discrimination. This tribunal route does not cover disability discrimination by further-education colleges.

Concerns may arise where:

  • Adjustments are not provided
  • Facilities are inaccessible
  • Learners experience discrimination
  • Accessibility plans are not implemented
  • Digital resources are inaccessible

Families should:

Step 1

Raise concerns informally.

Step 2

Request written responses.

Step 3

Use formal complaints procedures.

Step 4

Seek specialist advice.

Step 5

Use legal or tribunal routes where appropriate.

Useful links:

  • Complain About a School:

https://www.gov.uk/complain-about-school

  • Equality Advisory Support Service:

https://www.equalityadvisoryservice.com/

9. SEND & Disability

SEND and disability are legally distinct. A learner can be disabled under equality law without having SEN, and can have SEN without meeting the Equality Act disability definition. Some learners have both, so both sets of duties can apply.

Some disabled learners may also have SEND, but not all disabled learners have SEND and not all learners with SEND are disabled.

Possible support may include:

  • SEN Support
  • EHCPs
  • Reasonable adjustments
  • Accessibility plans
  • Specialist services

Useful links:

  • SEND Guide:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/send-guide-for-parents-and-carers

  • SEND Code of Practice:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/send-code-of-practice-0-to-25

  • IPSEA:

https://www.ipsea.org.uk/

10. Mental Health & Disability

A mental-health condition can meet the Equality Act disability definition where its effects are substantial and long-term. Government guidance says long-term normally means the effect has lasted, or is likely to last, at least 12 months.

Mental health conditions can be disabilities where they have a substantial and long-term impact on daily life.

Learners may be entitled to:

  • Reasonable adjustments
  • Attendance support
  • Assessment adjustments
  • Wellbeing support
  • Disability-related protections

Useful links:

  • NHS Mental Health:

https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/

  • Mind:

https://www.mind.org.uk/

  • YoungMinds:

https://www.youngminds.org.uk/

11. Legal Rights

UK legal difference: the Equality Act 2010 applies in England, Wales and Scotland, but not Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland has its own disability-discrimination framework, including the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 and SENDO 2005 for education.

Important legislation may include:

Equality Act 2010

Protection from disability discrimination.

Children and Families Act 2014

SEND support framework.

Human Rights Act 1998

Protection of fundamental rights.

Education Legislation

Rights relating to educational provision.

Data Protection Legislation

Access to educational information and records.

Useful links:

  • Equality Act Guidance:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/equality-act-2010-guidance

  • Legislation UK:

https://www.legislation.gov.uk/

  • ICO:

https://ico.org.uk/for-the-public/

12. Evidence Standards

Show the barrier and impact, not only the diagnosis. Strong evidence explains what the learner finds difficult, how education is affected, what has already been tried, what adjustment is requested and why it should reduce disadvantage.

Evidence can be important when requesting support, adjustments or making complaints.

Useful evidence may include:

  • Medical reports
  • Diagnostic assessments
  • Educational psychologist reports
  • Therapy reports
  • SEND documentation
  • EHCPs
  • Attendance records
  • Exam arrangements
  • Emails and correspondence
  • Accessibility concerns
  • Photographs of barriers
  • Meeting notes

Evidence should show:

  • Nature of need
  • Impact on education
  • Support requested
  • Outcomes sought

Keep copies of all records.

13. Accountability & Escalation

Different settings have different external routes. School, FE, higher-education, SEND and equality complaints should not all be sent to the same body. Do not miss tribunal or court deadlines while an internal complaint is ongoing.

If concerns remain unresolved:

School or College

  • Teacher
  • SENCO
  • Support Team
  • Headteacher

Governing Body

  • Governors
  • Academy Trust

Local Authority

  • SEND Services
  • Complaints Team

Independent Routes

  • SEND Tribunal
  • Equality Advisory Support Service
  • Ombudsman
  • Legal advice services

Useful links:

  • SEND Tribunal:

https://www.gov.uk/courts-tribunals/first-tier-tribunal-special-educational-needs-and-disability

  • Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman:

https://www.lgo.org.uk/

14. Advocacy & Independent Support

Independent support can help a learner explain barriers, prepare adjustment requests, organise evidence and identify whether the issue is primarily SEND, disability discrimination, student finance, assessment or complaints.

Useful organisations include:

Equality Advisory Support Service

https://www.equalityadvisoryservice.com/

IPSEA

https://www.ipsea.org.uk/

Contact

https://contact.org.uk/

Disability Rights UK

https://www.disabilityrightsuk.org/

AbilityNet

https://abilitynet.org.uk/

Citizens Advice

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/

15. Quick Help Directory

Disability Rights

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/equality-act-2010-guidance

Equality Act Advice for Schools

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/equality-act-2010-advice-for-schools

Disabled Students' Allowance

https://www.gov.uk/disabled-students-allowance-dsa

Student Finance

https://www.gov.uk/student-finance

SEND Support

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/send-guide-for-parents-and-carers

SEND Code of Practice

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/send-code-of-practice-0-to-25

Accessibility Guidance

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/accessibility-requirements-for-public-sector-websites-and-apps

Equality Advisory Support Service

https://www.equalityadvisoryservice.com/

Disability Rights UK

https://www.disabilityrightsuk.org/

AbilityNet

https://abilitynet.org.uk/

IPSEA

https://www.ipsea.org.uk/

Contact

https://contact.org.uk/

Ombudsman

https://www.lgo.org.uk/

Key Message

Disabled learners have the right to participate fully in education and should not be disadvantaged because of disability, health conditions or accessibility barriers. Schools, colleges, universities and training providers have legal duties to remove barriers, provide reasonable adjustments and promote inclusion. Understanding rights, keeping evidence, seeking support early and knowing how to challenge decisions can help ensure fair access to education and positive outcomes for every learner.

Current disability & accessibility update • 2026

Key Rights & Practical Checks

Equality Act Disability Test

In Great Britain, disability generally means a physical or mental impairment with a substantial and long-term adverse effect on normal day-to-day activities. Long-term normally means 12 months or more.

Official Disability Definition

Reasonable Adjustments

Adjustments should address the actual disadvantage faced by the learner. They can concern policies, teaching, assessment, communication, aids, services or the physical environment depending on the setting.

Education & Reasonable Adjustments

School Accessibility Plans

Schools in England must prepare accessibility plans covering disabled pupils' access to the curriculum, the physical environment and information.

School Publication Duties

Digital Accessibility

In-scope public-sector websites and apps must meet WCAG 2.2 AA and publish an accessibility statement, subject to the regulations and exemptions.

Digital Accessibility Rules
Schools • England

School Accessibility Plans & Published SEND Information

An individual reasonable adjustment deals with a particular learner's disadvantage. An accessibility plan is broader: it is the school's plan for improving accessibility over time.

Curriculum Access

The plan should increase the extent to which disabled pupils can participate in the curriculum.

Physical Environment

It should improve the physical environment so disabled pupils can benefit from education, facilities and services.

Accessible Information

It should improve the availability of information to disabled pupils where that information is readily available to pupils who are not disabled.

Check the School Website

Maintained schools must publish their SEN Information Report and information about disabled-pupil admissions, steps to prevent less favourable treatment, accessibility facilities and their accessibility plan.

New in 2026 • England

Inclusive Education Estates Guidance

On 25 June 2026, DfE published Inclusive education estates, covering assessment of mainstream estates, 10 core elements of inclusive design, practical adaptations and case studies.

This does not replace individual reasonable-adjustment duties. It can help responsible bodies consider accessibility when buildings, outdoor spaces and facilities are planned or improved.

DfE Inclusive Education Estates
Exams & assessments

Access Arrangements & Reasonable Adjustments in Exams

Exam access arrangements are intended to remove or reduce disability and learning-related barriers while preserving the assessment standard. They are not awarded simply because a diagnosis exists.

Possible Arrangements

Depending on need and qualification rules, arrangements can include extra time, supervised rest breaks, a reader, scribe, word processor, modified papers or other approved adjustments.

Evidence & Normal Way of Working

JCQ guidance requires centres to use the relevant evidence rules. Some arrangements require a formal application; others can be delegated to the centre.

Ask Early

Raise needs with the SENCO, exams officer or equivalent early enough for evidence, assessments and applications to be completed.

Private Candidates

Private candidates should discuss access arrangements with the exam centre before entry because the centre must be able to evidence and deliver the arrangement.

JCQ Access Arrangements
Higher education • 2026/27

Disabled Students' Allowance & University Adjustments

England – Up to £27,783

Eligible full-time and part-time undergraduate and postgraduate students can receive up to £27,783 per year in 2026/27, depending on individual assessed needs.

DSA – England

Wales – Up to £34,671

Student Finance Wales states that eligible undergraduate and postgraduate students can receive up to £34,671 per year in 2026/27, plus a separate allowance for eligible disability-related study travel.

DSA – Wales 2026/27

University Duty

The Office for Students confirms that universities and colleges in England have a legal duty to make reasonable adjustments for disabled students. A learning support plan may record agreed adjustments.

OfS – What Disabled Students Can Expect

If Adjustments Are Not Implemented

Use the university's complaint or academic appeal process as appropriate. In England and Wales, an eligible complaint can normally be taken to the OIA after internal procedures are complete.

OIA Complaints
The OIA normally requires a complaint within 12 months of the provider's Completion of Procedures letter.
Further education & apprenticeships • England

Disability Support Beyond School

Further Education SEND Duty

Relevant FE institutions have a statutory best endeavours duty under section 66 of the Children and Families Act 2014 to secure the special educational provision called for by a young person's SEN.

Section 66

Apprenticeships

Government guidance for England covers reasonable adjustments, funding and programme flexibilities for apprentices with learning difficulties and disabilities.

Disabled Apprentice Support

Access to Work

Eligible disabled people and people with health conditions can receive practical support in paid work, including apprenticeships, subject to the scheme rules.

Access to Work

FE Complaints

For eligible DfE-funded FE and apprenticeship provision, use the provider complaint process first. DfE says eligible escalated complaints should normally reach it within 12 months of the issue.

FE & Apprenticeship Complaints
Digital access

Accessible Websites, Apps, Documents & Online Learning

WCAG 2.2 AA

In-scope public-sector websites and mobile apps should meet WCAG 2.2 AA, subject to the regulations and any valid exemptions or disproportionate-burden assessment.

Accessibility Statement

In-scope public-sector websites and apps must publish and maintain an accessibility statement explaining how accessible the service is and known issues.

Accessible Documents

PDFs, Word documents and other downloadable material can create barriers when headings, reading order, alternative text, contrast or form fields are inaccessible.

Alternative Formats

Equality duties can also require information in an accessible alternative format where reasonable, such as large print, accessible digital text or audio.

Complaints & deadlines • England

Choose the Right Complaint or Appeal Route

School Disability Discrimination

The SEND Tribunal can consider disability-discrimination complaints against schools. GOV.UK says the claim should normally be sent within 6 months of the discrimination.

School Disability Discrimination

SEND / EHC Plan Disputes

Decisions about EHC needs assessments, plans, placements and some related matters use the SEND Tribunal route rather than an ordinary school complaint.

SEND Tribunal

Further Education

Use the provider's complaints procedure first. Eligible DfE-funded FE or apprenticeship complaints can then be escalated to DfE, normally within 12 months of the issue.

FE Complaints

Higher Education

In England and Wales, complete the provider's internal procedure and obtain a Completion of Procedures letter. Eligible OIA complaints normally have a 12-month deadline.

OIA Eligibility & Deadline
Do not assume that making an internal complaint pauses a statutory legal deadline. Get specialist advice promptly if a tribunal or court claim may be needed.
UK nations

Disability & Additional-Support Systems Across the UK

England

Equality Act 2010 disability rights operate alongside the Children and Families Act 2014, SEND Code of Practice, EHC plans and the SEND Tribunal.

England SEND Code

Wales

Wales uses the Additional Learning Needs system for children and young people aged 0–25. Support can be recorded in an Individual Development Plan (IDP). Equality Act disability rights also apply in Wales.

Wales ALN SystemWales ALN Rights

Scotland

Scotland's Additional Support for Learning framework requires education authorities to identify, provide for and review additional support needs. A refreshed fourth-edition statutory Code was published in February 2026.

Scotland Additional Support

Northern Ireland

The Equality Act 2010 does not apply in Northern Ireland. Disability rights in education operate under Northern Ireland legislation including SENDO 2005 and the Disability Discrimination Act framework.

Equality Commission NINI School Accessibility
DSA across the UK

Higher-Education Disability Funding by Home Nation

England

2026/27 DSA: up to £27,783, based on assessed need.

England DSA

Wales

2026/27 DSA: up to £34,671, plus eligible disability-related study travel.

Wales DSA

Scotland

SAAS administers Disabled Students' Allowance for eligible higher-education students in Scotland. Household income does not affect DSA.

SAAS Disability Support

Northern Ireland

Student Finance Northern Ireland provides Disabled Students' Allowance for eligible students. Use current 2026/27 student-finance forms and guidance.

NI Student Finance & DSA
Official sources

Key Official Disability & Accessibility Sources

← Back to Education & Learning All Guides & Information