The most recent information is shown in the following table. Figures for 2005/06 will be available in January 2007.
Disability type 2000/01 2001/02 2002/03 2003/04 2004/05 Dyslexia 7,750 10,010 11,765 13,140 14,755 Blind/are partially sighted 665 875 820 835 870 Deaf/have a hearing impairment 1,365 1,670 1,600 1,695 1,800 Wheelchair user/have mobility difficulties 1,040 1,265 1,300 1,275 1,370 Personal care support 70 75 70 60 55 Mental health difficulties 885 1,115 1,340 1,505 1,620 An unseen disability e.g. Diabetes, Epilepsy, Asthma 5,550 6,035 5,430 5,720 5,815 Multiple disabilities 1,540 2,150 2,245 3,050 3,020 Autistic spectrum disorder n/a n/a n/a 65 185 A disability not listed above 2,785 3,265 3,880 3,735 3,700 Unknown 20,085 6,940 9,695 7,050 61,640 No disability 454,375 496,565 503,730 515,765 456,545 Total 496,095 529,955 541,875 553,890 551,375 n/a = not applicable. 1 A separate category for autistic spectrum disorder was introduced in 2003/04. The information on disability is based on self reporting by students and those who have indicated that they have a disability will not necessarily be in receipt of a disabled students allowance (DSA). Note: Figures are based on the HESA standard registration population and have been rounded to the nearest five, so components may not sum to totals. Source: Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA)