Here are some resources our members have found helpful, and some of our Frequently Asked Questions.
Please note this page contains resources recommended by individual members; inclusion does not imply endorsement by the society.
If you are a member of UCL staff, our other resources can be found here.
General resources
UCL disability support
www.ucl.ac.uk/students/support-and-wellbeing/support-disabled-and-neurodivergent-students
Information on the support offered by UCL for disabled and neurodivergent students can be found on their website. UCL may offer support if you are on the waiting list for a diagnosis; get in touch with them to find out more.
Disabled Students’ Allowance
www.gov.uk/disabled-students-allowance-dsa
The government offers funding for accessibility software and equipment for disabled students, called disabled students allowance (DSA). This is available to some PhDs, depending on the nature of your funding and other factors. UCL disability advisors can help you with this.
Web tools
Goblin tools
A website of AI tools designed for helping neurodivergent people with various tasks, such as judging tone, breaking down a task into steps or adjusting the formality of text.
Color Veil
Free Windows software and browser extension that adds a coloured filtered over your screen. Designed for dyslexic people, but also useful for sensory issues.
Bionic reading
A website, app and browser extension that bolds the first few letters of each word in a piece of text, which some people find easier to read.
CoPilot
GenAI linked to your UCL Microsoft accountL you can ask it to assist with reviewing documents, writing emails, or to give feedback on signposting within a document for example
FAQs
If I’m not eligible for DSA, can I get any other funding?
Yes. UCL can fund disability-related study support. Full details are on the website here: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/students/support-and-wellbeing-services/disability-and-neurodiversity/funding-support
What adjustments can I ask for in my SORA?
Many neurodivergent PGRs struggle with knowing what adjustments to seek in their Statement of Reasonable Adjustments (SORA), and disability advisors may only have ideas for taught students. To give ideas, these are some things our members have asked for:
- Consistent desk space.
- Specific requirements around location of desk, e.g. not in the middle of a room.
- Regular meetings with manager/supervisor and a clear list of aims after those meetings.
- Height-adjustable desk.
- Use of earplugs in labs.
- Advance notice of viva questions.
- Access to software/equipment through disabled students’ allowance (DSA).
- Asking to record meetings.
- Extended library loans.
- Printing on coloured paper.
- Extra time during the viva.
Can I get support from UCL without a diagnosis?
Depending on the type of support you are requesting, some may be possible without a formal diagnosis of neurodivergence (particularly if you’re on a waiting list for assessment). Best to get in touch with the disability support team directly with your individual circumstances.
UCL Neurodiverse Postgraduate Researchers Network 