Giving a voice to individuals with apraxia of speech
Going to college or university
Going to University or College with Speech Apraxia
Are you already at university or college, or planning to go soon? If you have speech apraxia, you might be wondering what support is available to make life easier.
Starting higher education can be exciting but also daunting — especially when courses often expect you to take part in tutorials, group discussions, or presentations. Even things like “let’s go round and introduce ourselves” can feel stressful.
The good news is: you don’t have to face this alone. Support is available, and you are entitled to reasonable adjustments that can make your course more accessible.
Reach out to Student Services
If you’re comfortable sharing that you have speech apraxia, your university or college can put support in place for you. The earlier you do this, the easier it is to set things up before your course starts.
Every university has services to support students — usually a general Wellbeing Service and a Disability Service. These are there to make sure that students with communication differences, like speech apraxia, aren’t disadvantaged.
Some people feel unsure about contacting Disability Services — especially if they don’t see speech apraxia as a disability. But remember: formal adjustments (such as changes to how you are assessed) usually need to go through them. If speech apraxia affects your academic experience, you are legally entitled to support.You could talk to them directly, or start by speaking with your personal tutor and showing them our Guide for University Staff (coming soon from Speech Apraxia UK).
Reasonable Adjustments
Reasonable Adjustments
Thanks to the Equality Act 2010 (or the Disability Discrimination Act in Northern Ireland), colleges and universities must make “reasonable adjustments” so that you’re not at a disadvantage because of speech apraxia.
Introductions
If saying your name or speaking spontaneously is difficult, you could request adjustments such as:
- Tutors introducing everyone at the start of a session.
- Using name cards or badges.
- Choosing when (or if) you introduce yourself.
- Pairing up and introducing each other.
Day to day studies
Reasonable Adjustments
Presentations
Presentations are often a big worry. Adjustments might include:
- Pre-recording your presentation instead of doing it live.
- Co-presenting with another student.
- Reading from a script.
- Extra time if the presentation is timed.
- Giving the presentation in a smaller, less formal setting.
- Submitting a written, visual, or multimedia piece instead of a live talk.
Oral Exams & Assessments
If oral elements are part of your grade, you could ask for:
- Extra time.
- Alternative assessment formats (e.g. written work, recorded answers).
- Information given to examiners in advance about speech apraxia.
- Adjustments to marking criteria — focusing on communication and content rather than speech clarity.
Medical evidence
Your university might ask for evidence to confirm your diagnosis and explain its impact. You could:
- Ask your GP for a letter (note: some may charge a small fee).
- Request a report from your Speech & Language Therapist (NHS or private).
Check with Student Support Services about what exactly they need. Many say 'recent' evidence but if yours is not (and this is an issue), remind them speech apraxia is a lifelong condition (or ask them to contact Speech Apraxia UK)
Looking After Your Wellbeing
University life can feel overwhelming at times. If speech apraxia makes social or academic situations harder, it’s important to look after your mental health too.
Support is available through:
- Student Minds – peer support groups for students. Mental Health Support – For UK University Students | Student Minds
- The Mix – free, confidential support for young people. Call 0808 808 4994 (daily, 4–11pm). The Mix
- CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) – support for men and boys. Call 0800 58 58 58 (5pm–midnight). Suicide Prevention Charity | Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM)
- Samaritans – 24/7 listening support. Call 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org.
We need diversity within the speech and language profession
Training to be a speech and language therapist/pathologist with a speech difference
Training to be a speech and language therapist/pathologist with a speech difference
Training to be a speech and language therapist/pathologist with a speech difference
Input on guidance to support disabled SLT students | RCSLT The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists takes an 'anti-ableist stance towards supporting disabled people on pre-registration SLT courses, i.e. an anti-discriminative/prejudiced view towards disability. It intends to support HEIs and PEs in understanding the needs of and promote the equality of access for disabled students to undertake a pre-registration SLT course '. The disabled student experience during training | RCSLT Become a speech and language therapist | RCSLT .
Thinking about training when you have speech apraxia?
Training to be a speech and language therapist/pathologist with a speech difference
Training to be a speech and language therapist/pathologist with a speech difference
First, good for you! We need more people with speech differences in the profession!
The RCSLT produces guidance which includes information for disabled students about what they can expect and how to access appropriate support. It includes the responsibilities of educational institutions and placement educators such as reasonable adjustments and the support they offer e.g. DSA, support summaries.
Don't be put off applying for training to be a speech and language therapist by your apraxia. Times are very different now and it is not a barrier but an asset to our profession.
Neurodiversity in speech and language therapy
Training to be a speech and language therapist/pathologist with a speech difference
Neurodiversity in speech and language therapy
https://open.spotify.com/episode/4ixncSUGyr3uDwGUafECnp?si=WuRvByk_SKeFcjA97ZtdUA
Read my journey
The confidence to re-apply after being knocked back 25 years ago
University, higher education and apraxia of speech
Starting university:tell the disability or learning support team
Students do not have to wait until difficulties arise before asking for support.
Universities usually have a disability, accessibility or learning-support service that can discuss:
communication needs
lectures and seminars
oral presentations
practical sessions
examinations and assessments
placements
assistive technology
note-taking
alternative methods of communication
Disabled Students' Allowance
reasonable adjustments
Where possible, contact the university before the course begins. This gives staff time to arrange adjustments and allows the student to discuss what actually helps them.
Students may wish to provide evidence from a Speech and Language Therapist or other appropriate professional explaining their communication needs.
Disabled students allowance and financial support
Students in higher education may be eligible for Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) where a disability or long-term condition creates additional study-related costs.
DSA is not means tested and does not normally have to be repaid. In England, eligible undergraduate and postgraduate students can currently receive support of up to £27,783 per year for 2026/27, according to individual assessed need.
DSA may contribute towards:
specialist computer equipment
assistive software
specialist study-skills support
specialist note-taking support
other non-medical help
additional disability-related travel costs
training to use assistive technology
Students do not automatically receive the maximum amount. Recommendations are based on the additional barriers they experience while studying.
For students with speech apraxia, useful support might include technology that reduces reliance on speaking, helps capture lectures, supports written communication or assists with organisation.
Students should also check their university for:
disability bursaries
hardship funds
scholarships
accommodation support
travel assistance
emergency financial support
Some universities may fund assistive technology themselves rather than requiring it to be purchased through DSA.
Important: DSA arrangements differ between England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Students should check the scheme for the nation that funds their studies.
Assistive software and technology, what might help
Lectures, seminars and group discussions
Lectures, seminars and group discussions
Presentations and oral assessments
Lectures, seminars and group discussions
Placements and professional courses
Placements and professional courses
Lectures, seminars and group discussions
Placements and professional courses
Exams viva voce and assessment adjustments
Exams viva voce and assessment adjustments
Exams viva voce and assessment adjustments
AAC at university
Exams viva voce and assessment adjustments
Exams viva voce and assessment adjustments
At Speech Apraxia International – Raising Awareness and Providing Support for Apraxia of Speech, we offer a range of speech therapy services. These include individual therapy sessions, group therapy sessions, and teletherapy. Our experienced therapists work with children and adults to improve communication skills and overcome speech and language disorders.
Social life, confidence and self advocacy
Exams viva voce and assessment adjustments
University resources and useful websites
University resources and useful websites
