If you have a disability or medical condition Belfast Metropolitan College has a dedicated learning support team who are on hand to assist you with any additional support needs you may have while on course.

Recommendations for any support will be individual and based on evidence presented to the College’s Centre for Disability Services. Below is a list of some examples of support available:

• Learning Mentors
• Sign language interpreter
• Note-taker
• Loan of equipment
• Specialist enabling technology
• Examination support

BMC is allocated a budget each year to meet the needs of students with disabilities or additional support needs. The fund is called the Additional Support Fund and is available for students enrolled on Further Education courses. This fund does not cover transport or personal care.

Students on Higher Education courses may be entitled to claim Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA). The individual student must apply to their local Education and Library Board to confirm eligibility for this award. If you want to apply for DSA you should do so as early as possible before your course starts so that arrangements can be made for any support you need to be assessed and ready in time for the start of your course.

There are many different types of support available so to make sure you get the right support, please contact us and have an assessment of needs completed by a Disability Advisor. Your assessment will take into consideration your individual support requirements so a personalised plan of support can be put in place for you. The quickest way to ensure your support needs are addressed is to complete the Learning Support Referral Form (LS1) and send directly to Disability Services (address on form) or contact us on 028 90265097 to make an appointment to see one of our Advisors.

Further information on support available can be found on our Disability Services webpage.