Notetaking
Specialist Notetaking Support
Specialist notetaking support for disabled students
Specialist notetaking support from UMO helps disabled students follow taught sessions at universities and colleges in London. As a result, they do not have to divide all their attention between listening, processing information and producing a complete written record.
More attention for learning
First, the notetaker records key ideas and relevant detail. Therefore, the student can focus more fully on listening, processing, discussion and participation.
Notes shaped around the student
Before support begins, UMO agrees practical preferences such as layout, headings, terminology, level of detail and accessible file format.
Specialist notetaking support for HEIs
UMO works with the student and referring team to confirm the timetable, delivery arrangements, communication route and boundaries of the role.
A useful record of the taught session
During a lecture, seminar or other agreed session, a notetaker listens for the structure, main points, examples, terminology and instructions. They then produce organised notes for the student to review after teaching.
- Captures key spoken content and relevant information from the session
- Uses clear headings, spacing and consistent structure
- Adapts the format within the scope of the approved support
- Provides notes through the agreed secure route and timeframe
How specialist notetaking support works
A clear setup process helps the student, notetaker and university know what to expect.
Referral and funding
The student or HEI shares the approved support details, timetable and relevant access information. UMO confirms whether it can meet the request.
Preferences
The student can explain what makes notes useful to them, including format, structure, terminology and any accessibility requirements.
Taught sessions
The notetaker attends the agreed session in person at the London campus and records its academic content within the boundaries of the role.
Secure delivery
Finally, the notetaker shares the completed notes through the agreed route. Afterwards, the student can offer practical feedback to refine the working format.
Specialist notetaking support
In-person support at universities and colleges across London, subject to timetable and practitioner availability.
Notetaking supports access; it does not replace teaching
The service provides a structured record of an agreed taught session. However, it is not tutoring, assignment support, a verbatim transcript or a substitute for accessible teaching materials. Students normally attend and engage unless the university or funding body agrees a different arrangement.
Meanwhile, universities remain responsible for considering their duties to disabled students and for deciding reasonable adjustments. A notetaker's notes can form one part of a wider support plan.
What specialist notetaking support can include
For example, the notes may include the following features. The precise content depends on the session, the student's preferences and the support agreed.
Topics, subheadings, key arguments, examples, definitions and transitions between ideas.
Useful references to slides, diagrams, demonstrations or board content where these can be captured appropriately.
Reading, deadlines, changes, follow-up tasks and guidance stated during the session.
Readable spacing, consistent hierarchy and an agreed digital format that supports later review.
Funding specialist notetaking support
Funding routes and legal frameworks vary across the UK. Therefore, these points keep the service description clear.
Disabled Students' Allowance
DSA can fund some study-related support, including non-medical help such as a specialist notetaker. However, the student's funding body and needs assessment process determine eligibility and approved support.
University-funded support
Alternatively, an HEI may arrange or fund notetaking as part of its own support provision. The referral should identify the required role rather than treat manual, electronic and specialist access roles as interchangeable.
Equality duties
In England, Scotland and Wales, the Equality Act 2010 includes an anticipatory duty to make reasonable adjustments. By contrast, Northern Ireland has a separate legal framework, including SENDO.
Trusted information about disabled student support
Explore current government and independent guidance on funding, adjustments and support in higher education.
Questions about specialist notetaking support
Answers for students, disability teams, needs assessors and other referrers.
Eligibility and the notetaker's role
Who may benefit from notetaking support?
Notetaking may be appropriate where a disability, long-term health condition, sensory impairment, specific learning difference or other access need creates a substantial barrier to listening, processing information and taking useful notes at the same time. Therefore, the university or funding process should consider the appropriate adjustment individually.
Is notetaking the same as transcription or live captioning?
No. Notetaking produces a structured summary of relevant session content. It is not a word-for-word transcript and does not provide live captions. Deaf or visually impaired students may require a specific specialist role with distinct training or qualification requirements.
Do students have to attend the session?
Notetaking support normally helps a student access and engage with teaching, so the student usually attends. However, if disability-related circumstances require a different approach, the student should agree it with the university or funding body.
Can a notetaker complete academic work for a student?
No. The notetaker records agreed taught content. They do not research, interpret an assignment, produce assessed work, provide subject tutoring or make academic decisions for the student.
Delivery, funding and information
Where is specialist notetaking support available?
UMO currently provides this service in person across London. Availability depends on the campus location, timetable and support requested, so UMO confirms the practical arrangements before support begins.
Can DSA pay for UMO notetaking?
DSA can fund approved non-medical help, including some specialist notetaking roles. However, the relevant process must recommend and authorise the support. In addition, the supplier must offer the approved role. Contact UMO with the award or referral details so we can check eligibility and availability.
How are notes and student information handled?
UMO agrees a secure route for sharing notes and limits information to what the service needs. In addition, institutions and providers should use lawful, secure and transparent arrangements because disability and health information may qualify as special category personal data.
Looking for reliable notetaking support?
Tell UMO about the student, approved support role, timetable and London campus location. We will then confirm the next step and whether we can support the request.