Contacts for disability support
For advice about the services and support available for students with a disability and/or additional needs contact the team for your nation.
When sending us an email, don't forget to include your Personal Identifier (PI).
We don't recommend sending us supporting evidence by post as it could delay your request for disability support, however if you need to post your evidence, use the addresses listed below.
England, international students and apprentices
Telephone: +44 (0)1908 541082,
09:00 - 17:00 Monday to Friday (except bank holidays)
Email: disability-support@open.ac.uk or, if you are an apprentice, disability-apprenticeships@open.ac.uk.
The Open University
Disability Support Team
Frank Henshaw Building
Hammerwood Gate
Milton Keynes
MK7 6BY
Students in Ireland
Tel: +44 (0)2890 323718
08:30 - 17:00 Monday to Friday (except bank holidays)
Email: Ireland-support@open.ac.uk
Student Recruitment and Support Team
The Open University
110 Victoria Street
Belfast
BT1 3GN
Students in Scotland
Contact your Student Support Team who will put you through to the right team for your query. If you cannot access the right number, please call 0131 226 3851, 08:30 - 17:00 Monday to Friday (except bank holidays).
Email: scotland-support@open.ac.uk
Student Recruitment and Support Team
The Open University in Scotland
10 Drumsheugh Gardens
Edinburgh
EH3 7QJ
British Sign Language users can contact us direct by using the online sign language interpreter service provided by Contact Scotland BSL.
Back to topStudents in Wales
Telephone: +44 (0)2920 471170
08:30 - 17:00 Monday to Friday (except bank holidays)
Email: wales-support@open.ac.uk
Student Recruitment and Support Team
The Open University in Wales
18 Custom House Street
Cardiff
CF10 1AP
Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA)
If you're a student in the UK you can get information on applying for a DSA and contact details under Disabled Students' Allowance. If you need help completing the form see the Disability Support Teams listed above for the number to call.
If you live in the Republic of Ireland you're not eligible for a DSA, which is funded by the UK government for UK-based students only.
Apprentice students are not eligible for DSA but can get help and advice from the UK Gov website Access to Work and should speak to their employer.
Back to topUseful organisations
Here's a list of organisations that may be able to provide extra support in the UK. You'll need to check whether the organisation covers your area.
Open University Students Association
For local support, contact with other students, or to enquire about the OUSET financial assistance scheme.
Telephone: +44 (0)1908 652026
Fax: +44 (0)1908 654326
Website: OU Students Association
Email: ousa@student.open.ac.uk
Citizens Advice
They provide free, independent, confidential and impartial advice to everyone on their rights and responsibilities.
Website: www.citizensadvice.org.uk or visit the Citizens Advice contact page for phone numbers and other contact options.
DnA (Diversity and Ability)
Provides DSA advice and guidance as well as assistive technology training, study skills support, and mental health mentoring.
Telephone: 0800 978 8303
Email: hello@diversityanability.com
Website: diversityandability.com
The Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID)
Provides information and advice, assessments and student support for people who are D/deaf or hard of hearing.
Freephone: 0808 808 0123 | Free textphone: 0808 808 9000
Text: 0780 000 0360
Email: information@rnid.org.uk
Website: www.rnid.org.uk
Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB)
Offers practical and emotional support to those that need help so they can continue living life to the full.
Telephone: 0303 123 9999
Email: helpline@rnib.org.uk
Website: www.rnib.org.uk
Transcription services
For enquiries about transcription services.
Telephone: 01752 690092
Email: ivybridgetranscription@rnib.org.uk
Website: RNIB transcription services