Can a disabled student have an alternative assessment?

I have ADHD, Asperger's and some dyslexic issues (I have not had the full screening). I have terrible difficulty in structuring, organising and completing essays on time. I have always had extensions, but on this occasion I am really struggling and it is causing me real distress. Is it possible to have an alternative form of coursework? I do not want to have an advantage over others but I want to continue. My grades are otherwise excellent.

Original post by Alexis Em

I have ADHD, Asperger's and some dyslexic issues (I have not had the full screening). I have terrible difficulty in structuring, organising and completing essays on time. I have always had extensions, but on this occasion I am really struggling and it is causing me real distress. Is it possible to have an alternative form of coursework? I do not want to have an advantage over others but I want to continue. My grades are otherwise excellent.

I know at my university that you can request alternative assessment if you feel you need it through the disability advice team, so I would recommend getting in contact with your disability team to see if there is anything they could do.

Original post by Alexis Em

I have ADHD, Asperger's and some dyslexic issues (I have not had the full screening). I have terrible difficulty in structuring, organising and completing essays on time. I have always had extensions, but on this occasion I am really struggling and it is causing me real distress. Is it possible to have an alternative form of coursework? I do not want to have an advantage over others but I want to continue. My grades are otherwise excellent.

Hi there! Sorry to hear that you're struggling.

To organise this, you'd need to contact your university's disability team, and request an alternative assessment through them. Whether they can grant it will depend on your university's rules and policies around alternative assessments. It may be that they grant you a longer extension or deferral instead.
I also urge you to reach out to your university's wellbeing team if you're feeling stressed - they may be able to offer support!🤗

Best of luck, hope this helps!
-Kiera (Student Ambassador)

Original post by Alexis Em

I have ADHD, Asperger's and some dyslexic issues (I have not had the full screening). I have terrible difficulty in structuring, organising and completing essays on time. I have always had extensions, but on this occasion I am really struggling and it is causing me real distress. Is it possible to have an alternative form of coursework? I do not want to have an advantage over others but I want to continue. My grades are otherwise excellent.

@Alexis Em
Hello! A major help in your quest for alternate arrangements would be to apply for Disability Support Allowance (DSA) if you have not done this already - it will highlight a list of recommended Teaching, Learning, and Assessment strategies. You won't be able to claim anything for things you have not been formally assessed for. Dyslexia would be with an educational psychologist, the university might pay for this, it is around £340. ADHD and Asperger's would have to come from a Medical professional so I'm afraid you are at the mercy of NHS waiting lists.

Speak to the Disability support team / officer, I would say it is likely that alternate exam arrangements such as a smaller room on your own for exams is likely. Also, you would get 25% extra time on time constrained assessments such as exams and in class presentations etc.

I'm a qualified SENDco by the way, that's why I know all this stuff :smile:

Best of luck with your studies

Marc
Arden University Student Ambassador

Can a disabled student have an alternative assessment?

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