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Sensory Needs

Disabled woman in a wheelchair with a friend walking outside in the park


Sensory needs include visual or hearing limitations that can impact communication, access to information, and overall learning experiences.

As someone with sensory needs, navigating through your academic journey can present unique challenges. Whether it's accessing alternative formats for course materials, utilizing assistive technologies, or arranging note-taking support, our Disability Team is here to assist you.

Disability advisor in consultation at Warwick.

Accessible accommodation

On-campus accommodation with access to a vibrating pillow alarm and more.

Accommodation subsidy

You might qualify for a subsidy that helps cover the costs of your en-suite.

Reasonable adjustments

Fair accommodations so you can actively engage with your course.

Assistance animals

We can connect you with local guide dog organisations and advise about dog-friendly facilities on campus.

Liaison

We can liaise with academic and other departments to raise awareness of inclusive practices.

Enabling support

Practical enabling support such as with note taking, scanning or enlarging text.

Specialist support

Dedicated assistance such as specialist study skills or mentoring.

Evacuation plans

Complete an independent assessment to determine your level of assistance required.

Support with external arrangements

Even though we don't provide BSL (British Sign Language) interpretation, CACDP (Council for the Advancement of Communication with Deaf People) note taking, communication support, or teacher for the D/deaf services, we do support students in making those arrangements externally. We also liaise with local and other external providers to facilitate these arrangements.

The above services can often be funded through the Disabled Students' Allowance.

Assistive Devices

Hard-wired Vibrating Pillow Alarms

Some of our accommodation rooms have vibrating pillow alarm sockets fitted. These receive a signal directly from the fire alarm system and start vibrating whenever the system is in alarm.

If you have been provided with a vibrating pillow alarm that plugs into a wall socket, it is important that this is not unplugged.

Portable Vibrating Pillow Alarms

Deafgard's vibrating pillow alarm.

To provide greater flexibility with where we can allocate our students, we also issue portable vibrating pillow alarm devices. At the University of Warwick, we use DeafgardLink opens in a new window devices.

Deafgard continuously listens for the sound of a fire alarm and its vibration pad is placed underneath a pillow or mattress. If the fire alarm sounds, the pad vibrates. Powerful lights on the Deafgard flash and the screen displays “FIRE”. The device also features an integrated alarm clock.