There are many ways of communicating your invitation to disabled potential students to disclose to you that they are disabled, which in turn gives you the best chance to make any preparations needed.
“We are eager to receive applications from disabled candidates…”
Such text can be accompanied by positive images or examples portraying the successes of disabled people on your course. If you are already demonstrating good practice in the information about your course or programme of study, e.g. by making it available in alternative formats, or by ensuring that it meets web accessibility guidelines, then your welcome to disabled people will be underlined.
A further way to encourage disabled applicants to tell you that they are disabled is to make sure that you convey willingness to make reasonable adjustments to interview or selection procedures.
“We are keen to perfect our interview arrangements for disabled candidates. We will appreciate your help and advice in making any required adjustments.”
Information about your course or programme of study can usefully identify a member of academic staff who will respond to any individual questions not answered implicitly or explicitly in the information you provide.
“Our Department is keen to extend and develop ways of making adjustments to meet the needs of students with various impairments. For further advice, please contact….”
This, or a similar form of words, will hopefully communicate encouragement to disabled applicants to discuss their needs with you, giving you in turn the chance to make preparations in advance, if necessary.
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