Reasonable Adjustments in Labs
Reasonable Adjustments in Laboratory Settings (RAiLS)
RAiLS aims
Generate resources for students and staff with regards to Reasonable Adjustments in Laboratory Settings at Warwick
Create a network of UK STEM laboratory teaching practitioners to share best practice
Promote inclusion in Laboratory Settings and diverse participation in HE
The RAiLS team
Staff and students from diverse Warwick SEM departments and University teams are part of this project
The project's success wouldn't be possible without everyone involved!
RAiLS team
Why do we need Reasonable Adjustments in Laboratory Settings?
Students have needs that extend beyond assessment extensions and exams, and should be adjusted for in non-traditional learning spaces such as Laboratory settings. Providing these adjustments not only promotes a more diverse participation of students in STEM degrees but also ensures the University is complying with the law.
What are Reasonable Adjustments?
"Reasonable adjustments are changes that organisations and people providing services or public functions have to make if their provision, criterion, practice or physical feature puts a disabled person at a substantial disadvantage in relation to a relevant matter in comparison with persons who are not disabled."
Warwick Code of Practice for Disabled StudentsLink opens in a new window
Student disability, mental health and inclusion Warwick policyLink opens in a new window
How could this work in the lab?
For courses requiring laboratory experience, disabled students might need support with their access, activity development or assessment.
The process of identifying and implementing these Reasonable Adjustments differs from non-laboratory based approaches (e.g. exams, or other assessment methods), as it requires local and academic knowledge.
This means that staff possessing discipline-specific knowledge must be involved in the decisions, coordination and implementation.
Why does this guidance matter?
It is a legal requirement for universities to provide appropriate support for disabled students, and it is important to avoid situations where the implementation of Reasonable Adjustments is refused based on a lack of contextual, or subject-specific, understanding.
While the University acknowledges the need for reasonable adjustments in practical environments, there is currently no formal, standardised process for consistent implementation, or feedback to Disability Services.
Resources for Staff
Download the full staff guidance document generated by the RAiLS team
Navigate the case studies
Hear about students with Reasonable Adjustments in Laboratory Settings
Resources for Students
Download the full student guidance document generated by the RAiLS team
Hear about students with Reasonable Adjustments in Laboratory Settings
Find out how the labs in your department look like
Identify who to contact in your department to speak about RAdjs
What does good practice look like?
- Proactive and anticipatory consultation of student needs
- Training and support of departmental staff deciding on local Reasonable Adjustments
- Involvement of appropriate stakeholders in the conversation (including the students!)
- Continuous evaluation of inclusion in all teaching spaces
- University streamlining of processes and data handling
Next steps
The project team are working collaboratively with other groups across Warwick to address the gaps identified in current processes. Proposals include:
- Establishing a centralised committee to oversee the training, support, and validation of reasonable adjustment decisions made by staff who are not disability advisors.
- Developing a systematic reporting process for departments to ensure that any student disclosures are formally communicated to Disability Services for record-keeping and follow-up.
A second phase of this project is also underway in the 2025-26 academic year, incorporating more SEM departments. To find out more, contact b.lagunas-castan@warwick.ac.uk.
Further information
You can read more about diversity and inclusion in STEM using these links