The Disabled Student Commitment follows the lifecycle of a student across their higher education journey, from entering higher education to moving on to further study or employment.
It clearly indicates that the transition from school or college into higher education needs to become more seamless, that students entering a higher education provider should only have to share their information regarding their disability once and that there should be clarity around the support offered.
The Commitment encourages higher education providers to self-audit, with their students, any gaps in delivery, to action these and make progress that shares expectations with their disabled students. The Commitment also calls upon sector bodies, regulators and the Government to show the progress they are making with regard to improving support for disabled students.
Signing up to the DSC demonstrates your institution’s commitment to creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for disabled students.
Sign up for DSC
Signing up to the DSC demonstrates your institution’s commitment to creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for disabled students.
Disabled Student Commitment Annual Report 2025
Two years since the launch of the Commitment, this report celebrates the HEPs that have achieved the Commitment, those that have signed up to the scheme since registration opened, and the progress made by named sector bodies. It also shares the work of the constituent groups that are taking the Commitment forward.
Disabled Student Commitment Year Two report shows growing sector engagement
Competence Standards Guidance
The Disabled Student Commitment Advisory Group has published Competence Standards Guidance that supports disabled students across UK higher education institutions, building on the momentum generated since the Disabled Students Commitment was established in October 2023.
The Disabled Student Commitment includes principles on:
- Requests to share information;
- Choosing a course of study;
- Transition into the higher education community;
- On-course experience;
- Moving forward.
Universities and colleges signed up to the Disabled Student Commitment
Current signatories to the Disabled Student Commitment, and how to sign up.
Disabled Student Commitment Governance
Oversight of activity related to the Disabled Student Commitment is boosted by a partnership approach between Advance HE, National Association of Disability Practitioners, London South Bank University and The Open University. Thanks to Hannah Borkin (Associate, Advance HE), Dr Elliott Spaeth (Senior Advisor, Advance HE), Professor Deborah Johnston (Pro-Vice-Chancellor) (Academic Framework) London South Bank University), Alice Speller (CEO, NADP) and Professor Ian Pickup (Pro Vice-Chancellor (Students) The Open University) for their continued work and coordination.
Professor Deborah Johnston
Professor of Development Economics and is Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Framework)
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London South Bank University
Disabled Students’ Commission (2020-2023)
The Disabled Student Commitment was consulted on and authored by the Disabled Students’ Commission. The Disabled Students’ Commission was an independent and strategic group established by the Universities Minister in July 2019 with funding from the Office for Students. It had a key responsibility to advise, inform and influence higher education providers to improve support for disabled students.
How to Sign Up
Joining the Disabled Student Commitment is simple. Follow these steps to get started:
- Step 1: Register your interest by emailing the [email protected].
- Step 2: Submit a signed letter from your Vice-Chancellor (or equivalent) outlining:
- Your institution’s name.
- A named key contact for DSC work.
- A brief statement about how your institution will align with the Commitment's principles.
- Step 3: Develop a delivery plan in consultation with your disabled students and publish it annually on your website.
Why Sign Up?
Signing up to the DSC provides numerous benefits, including:
- Compliance: Ensure alignment with the Equality Act 2010 and EHRC guidance.
- Support: Access tools and guidance to map and improve institutional practices.
- Recognition: Showcase your commitment with the DSC logo on your materials.
- Collaboration: Join working groups and share best practices with other institutions.
If you have any questions or need further information, please don’t hesitate to reach out at [email protected]
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