Disability-related support for applicants

When you’re applying for funding, we offer different types of support.

For example, we can:

• provide application forms and funding information in accessible formats, for example large print, braille or audio
• help you to complete your application form, for example by paying for a support worker
• support you to attend interviews at Wellcome, for example by paying for a British Sign Language interpreter.

Our funding scheme pages have information about how to apply, including application deadlines.

You can defer your application to the next round if you need to.

You can do this yourself if the scheme you’re applying to:

• has multiple rounds – check the relevant scheme page for final application deadlines
• does not have a preliminary application stage.

To defer your application, log on to the Wellcome Funding platform once the deadline for the current round has passed. Find and select your application, then click the ‘Re-Apply’ button to defer it.

If the scheme you’re applying to has a preliminary application stage, contact us – we’ll defer your application for you.

We can provide costs to help you carry out your project if you or a member of staff employed on your grant is disabled or has a long-term health condition.

Costs can include, but are not limited to:

• assistive technology (for example text to audio software) to help use computers, research equipment or materials
• additional costs for staff to help with day-to-day activities related to the project
• care costs for assistance animals if you need to travel.

You can include these costs in your application form under the 'Adjustment Support Costs' heading. You do not need to provide any further information at the application stage.

If your application is successful, we will contact you to ask you to complete an adjustment support form.

The form will ask you to provide:

• your grant reference number
• the cost of the item(s) or support you need
• details of any support you get from other sources, such as the government or your employing organisation
• a brief explanation for the amount you're asking for.

Grantholders can also ask for these costs at any time during their award. Read more about these costs and how to ask for them.

Disabled: we use the Equality Act (2010) definition that defines disability as ‘a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long-term negative effect on a person’s ability to do normal daily activities’.

A disability may or may not be obvious. There are many hidden disabilities, such as mental health conditions like depression, and physical disabilities that may not need mobility aids, like some autoimmune disorders.

Long-term health condition: is any medical condition that cannot currently be cured, but can be managed with medication and/or other therapies. Examples include diabetes, osteoporosis and dementia.

These are different to acute conditions which usually have a finite duration.

Find out what costs we’ll cover if you need to take sick leave during your grant.

• Disabled grantholders – if you’re awarded Wellcome funding, we can offer different types of support during your grant.
• Flexible working – read about the opportunities we offer our researchers.