Contacts for disability support
Disability Support Team
For advice about the services and support available for students with a disability and/or additional needs.
Telephone: +44 (0)1908 541082
Mon to Fri 09:00 - 17:00
Email: disability-support@open.ac.uk or, if you are an apprentice, disability-apprenticeships@open.ac.uk.
We do not recommend you sending us your supporting evidence by post as it could delay your request for disability support, however if you do need to use post, the addresses are:
England and international students
The Open University
Disability Support Team
Frank Henshaw Building
Hammerwood Gate
Milton Keynes
MK7 6BY
Students in Ireland
Student Recruitment and Support Team
The Open University
110 Victoria Street
Belfast
BT1 3GN
Students in Scotland
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.
Students in Wales
Student Recruitment and Support Team
The Open University in Wales
18 Custom House Street
Cardiff
CF10 1AP
Disabled Students' Allowances (DSA)
If you're a student in England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland take a look at How to apply for DSA to find the contact details and application method that applies to you.
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.
If you need help completing the form call the Disability Support Team on +44 (0)1908 541082 Mon to Fri 09:00 - 17:00.
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.
Useful organisations
Here's a list of organisations that might be able to provide you with extra support. You'll need to check whether the organisation covers your area of the UK.
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