Make history in the first annual Disabled Student Survey

The University is dedicated to continuously improving the student experience for our disabled students. We are one of the first institutions to partner with Disabled Students UK to bring you the annual Disabled Student UK Survey. Designed by disabled students for disabled students, it is the largest survey on disabled students’ experience of accessibility in UK higher education. You are invited to take part: make history and create positive change for future disabled students at Essex.

Disabled Students UK (DSUK) is a community of disabled students that formed in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. They came together with one shared vision: to create a level playing field for all disabled students. They believe that disabled students’ knowledge and experience is key to understanding and improving the accessibility of our universities. At Essex, we share these values and envision a truly accessible university experience that ensures equal access to education — but we need your help.

Your views, suggestions, and lived experience will help us challenge inequality and strengthen our provisions.

To participate in the survey you need to:

• be a current registered student (UG, PGT, PGR), full-time or part-time, and;
• have experience of one or more of:
  • physical disabilities
  • mental health conditions
  • long-term health conditions
  • neurodiversity
  • any Specific Learning Difference

You do not need:

• to have a formal diagnosis
• to have told Essex about any disability

The anonymous online survey is open from 29 January 2024 to 26 February 2024. All data are collected and analysed directly by DSUK, and the University will not see any of your answers. You can save your progress at any time and come back to it later. Contact DSUK if you need any assistance filling out the survey.

The results will be shared with us anonymously and will help us make improvements to accessibility for disabled students.

Make history, make your voice heard, and make the University more accessible.