Under the Equality Act 2010, the London School of Theology (LST) has a duty to provide equality of opportunity for disabled students. This includes an anticipatory duty towards students with all forms of disability, where adjustments are anticipated in response to needs that may arise. The London School of Theology ultimately aims to promote and provide an inclusive learning environment that caters to the needs of all of its students in line with the Equality Act 2010.
Application
In line with the Equality Act 2010, LST welcomes applications from all people irrespective of their disability.
During the application process, applicants are asked to complete a disability questionnaire if they indicate they have a disability. The Equality, Diversity and Disability Adviser receives notification of all questionnaires and provides appropriate support for those applicants.
Covid-19 Arrangements
Previously, a meeting with the Disability Adviser would also be arranged during the face-to-face interview process. However, since the pandemic, this process has moved online and all disability meetings take place and continue to happen over zoom. These meetings provide an opportunity for the applicant to meet the Disability Adviser to talk about their disability and the resulting impact. The Disability Adviser also provides the applicant with information regarding disability support at LST and where necessary, puts the applicant in touch with the Pastoral Team who are also able to provide ongoing support throughout the application stage and when the applicant enrols as a student.
Overview of Disability Support
We would normally ask for a doctor’s report or letter, recent or past, for physical impairments and other medical conditions if already available. If this is not possible, then we would work with the applicant as much as possible to determine the impact of their disability on their lives.
In the case of a learning difficulty, by law, diagnosis should be undertaken by a Practitioner (Educational) Psychologist after the age of 16. The report would typically include a diagnosis and a set of recommendations for reasonable adjustments.
In all cases, doctors’ reports, letters or SpLD assessment reports help us to provide Reasonable Adjustments and to encourage and assist students to apply for the Disabled Students’ Allowance.
What happens if you haven’t had a formal assessment for a learning difficulty?
- We are able to arrange one for you
- The cost is shared equally between the student and LST
- We provide provisional adjustments and support while you’re waiting.
What access arrangements are in place?
Coursework – access arrangements include permission to record lectures, extended library loans and extended deadlines.
Exams – access arrangements include 25% additional time and supervised breaks.
Who do you contact?
Registry/Student Support
The Registry department are able to provide more information about the access arrangements that are in place for you.
Pastoral team
The Pastoral Team also provides support for all students including those with mental health and other disabilities.