student disability service challenging attitudes mainstreaming equality
TRANSCRIPT
Student Disability Service
Challenging Attitudes
Mainstreaming Equality
No more blue Mondays Workshop
Jacquie Nicholson RNMH, BA (Hons), MSc, MBPsS.Mental Health MentorUniversity of Edinburgh3rd Floor Main Libraryp: 0131 651 5036e: [email protected]
Equality Act 2010 Replaces Disability
Discrimination Act Harmonises 116 pieces of
separate equality legislation making illegal: Direct discrimination Indirect discrimination Discrimination arising from a
disability Harassment and victimisation Failure to make reasonable
adjustments
What is the Student Disability Service?
Advisors, Mental Health Mentor and IT tutor: Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD) and Disability
Other staff include: Proofreaders, SpLD Tutors, MHM, Note takers and more
Provide advice and support to a range of students
Also work with staff across the University.
Where are we?
Student Disability Service:
Third Floor
Main Library Building
George Square
With Student Counselling
and Careers Services.
When are we open? Semester opening hours: Monday - Friday 9am - 4.45pm.
Also open until 7pm on the first six Tuesdays from Freshers' week
Vacation opening hours: Monday - Friday 9am - 4.45pm .
What do we do? Pre-application visits Liaise over building
adaptations Advise on technology
and equipment Loan equipment as
required Support students with
temporary injuries Support and advise staff
in supporting students.
What else do we do?
Discuss a student’s support needs and produce Learning Profile of Reasonable Adjustments
Circulate Learning Profile to relevant staff
Engage additional support as needed.
Course adjustments - examples
Copies of lecture outline/summary in advance
Prioritised reading lists Permission to record
lectures Staff assistance in
locating texts in main library
Extra time on short-loan reserve library books.
Exam adjustments - examples
Extra time to complete written paper (25%, 33%)
Exam room with smaller number of students
Use of a standard computer
Use of assistive software in exams – e.g. Dragon voice to text
Provision of ergonomic furniture/equipment in exam rooms.
Mental Health Mentor Service
Specialist, professional, confidential service for students with mental health conditions
Students with persistent mental health conditions OCD, Depression, Psychosis, BD etc
Funded through DSA’s and DSSF Self management, strategies to help
with anxiety, low mood, study skills
Other help we offer
Assistance in applying for Disabled Students’ Allowance if eligible
Can assist with course-related expenses
Available to both UG and PG students
If ineligible, University will provide funding, so support will remain same.
What students need to do
Students with indications of
Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, AD(H)D, ASC:
SDS can carry out initial screening Followed by referral to
Educational/Clinical Psychologist Educational assessment carried
out – from which detailed report is
produced. ASC/AD(H)D Students will need to
follow up with NHS services
What we don’t do Offer general financial
support (e.g. fees, accommodation)
Provide support to disabled staff
Provide support to graduates – unless they are starting a new programme of study
Provide taxis for temporary injuries.
What students need to doStudents must provide medical
evidence of disability:
Letter from medical professional detailing:
Nature of disability, learning difficulty, medical condition and symptoms
Date of diagnosis, if appropriate Confirmation of long-term
condition? How condition affects daily life?
What else do students need to do?
Make contact early:
Enables adjustments to be put in place for start of studies
Allows adaptations to be made in advance, if required
Allows funding to be applied for, if eligible
Allows Support Assistants to be appointed if necessary.
For further information
www.ed.ac.uk/student-disability-service
Famous faces
Any Questions?