1. University of Wolverhampton
  2. Current students
  3. Student Support
  4. Accessibility, Disability & Inclusion Team
  5. Teaching resources for students with a disability or SpLD
  6. Longstanding Health Conditions
Student working on laptop

Guide for staff

Supporting learners on your course with long term health conditions.

Supporting students with long-standing health conditions is essential for creating a truly inclusive university environment. These conditions—often invisible and fluctuating—can include chronic fatigue syndrome, diabetes, Crohn’s disease, epilepsy, and many others.

Focus on strengths of a individual and support them to thrive,

  • Fluctuation is normal: Health may vary day to day—flexibility is key.

  • Respect privacy: Students may not wish to disclose details or have peers aware of their condition.

  • Empower through trust: Accept students’ own assessment of their health and capacity.

Good Practises

Advice on  good practises in the teaching environment.

  • Provide materials/slides in advance to aid focus and reduce cognitive load

  • Allow recording of sessions or provide lecture capture

  • Offer priority seating (e.g. near exits or on ground floor)

  • Permit discreet exits if students need to leave suddenly

  • Advise on reporting any health-related absences on the student check in system

  • Be open to extended deadlines on a case-by-case basis

  • Allow alternative formats for presentations or exams (e.g. seated oral exams, breaks during assessments)

  • Ensure access to rest areas, bathroom facilities, and food/medication breaks

  • Be mindful of sensory sensitivities and offer adjustments where possible

  • Encourage use of support services and liaise with Accessibility, Disability & Inclusion advisors for tailored accommodations

  • Ensure where needed a personal evacuation plan (PEEP) is completed.

Accessibility, Disability & Inclusion

Book meeting

You can book in and speak to a Accessibility, Disability & Inclusion adviser for supporting learners on your modules.
Reasonable adjustments (not registered with A,D &I)

We recognise that long term health can significantly impact a student’s ability to engage with academic tasks. Even when a student is not formally registered with the University's Accessibility, Disability & Inclusion (A,D&I) team, reasonable adjustments may still be appropriate to ensure equitable access to learning and assessment.

Examples of Reasonable Adjustments

Extensions on assessments:

  • A 7-day extension on written assignments to help manage periods of heightened stress or reduced concentration.

 

Exam and In-Class Support: 

  • Access to a separate, quiet room to reduce sensory overload or anxiety.
  • Additional time to complete exams or in-class assessments.
  • Scheduled rest breaks to support focus and emotional regulation.

These adjustments are designed to reduce barriers and empower students to perform to their full potential. Staff are encouraged to take a proactive, compassionate approach and liaise with our Accessibility, disability & inclusion team when needed.

Further Information