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Information for specific groups |
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Learners with specific learning difficulties |
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Learners with specific learning difficulties Colleges and universities generally encourage participation from learners with specific learning difficulties, and are committed to breaking down the barriers that some learners face. There are many reasons why learners need support. But whatever your needs, there should be help and support available. It will help with your application if you contact a Learning Support or Disability Adviser at the college or university beforehand. They will be able to give you more information about the extra support that can be provided. Colleges and universities aim to ensure that support is available to all learners who require it. The type and level of support required can be assessed before you start a course. Disclosure of your disability when applying The UCAS application form offers you the option of disclosing your disability to the institutions you would like to attend. If and when you disclose your disability is a personal choice. Many disabled learners who have gone into HE have given positive feedback about informing the institution of their disability at the time of applying. Universities and colleges need this information on the UCAS form to start planning the support arrangements early. Many colleges and universities can invite prospective learners to discuss their individual needs relating to the course before it begins. This can make the difference between having your support set up in time for when you begin your first lecture, to receiving the support a couple of months after the start of your course. Disclosing a disability will not affect the academic decision on offering you a place. All disclosures of disability are treated sensitively and are used only for the potential benefit of the learner. If you have a specific learning difficulty, the college or university may arrange for you to come for an assessment of your needs. The assessment process is supportive and is based on the exchange of information and the identification of an appropriate individual learning programme. Support can include: · A meeting at pre-entry stage to agree the support and any adjustments required for your study programme. · Specific testing for dyslexia. · Some HEIs have Buddy Schemes – for example students who have dyslexia and are in their 2nd or 3rd year of study who can pass on their advice and experience. · Provision of specialist equipment such as IT hardware and software, audio facilities and laptop computers. · Production of learning resources in appropriate formats. · Extra help with literacy, numeracy and study skills. · A reader and note-taker in lectures and exams, if appropriate. · An individual learning support plan. · Extra help on your mainstream programme including individual tutorial time or support with the organisation of your materials and study time · Specialist networked software such as Inspiration. · Specialist study skills tutorials. · Information leaflets and contact numbers for various external support organisations. · Extra time in exams. Funding for additional support To get this funding, you will need to apply for “The Disabled Students‛ Allowance” (DSA).. The DSA helps pay for extra costs in attending a course arising as a direct result of SpLDs or other disabilities. The DSA can help with the cost of a non-medical personal helper (e.g., a note taker), major items of specialist equipment (e.g., laptop or dictaphone), travel and other course related costs (e.g. tapes). How
Much? Full time undergraduate students can receive · Specialist equipment allowance of up to £4,680 for the whole of the course · Non Medical Helpers allowance of up to £12,420 a year, increasing to £20,000 in 2008/09 for full-time students, and to £15,000 for part-time students · General disabled students allowance of up to £1,565 a year If you are applying for a part time course, or you are a postgraduate student, an Open University or distance learning student, or applying for a NHS Bursary Scheme, you may be entitled to the DSA as well. Please refer to ‘Bridging the Gap: a guide to the DSA in Higher Education‛. This can be ordered by calling 0800 731 9133 How
do you apply? If you are entering higher education for the first time and are applying to your Local Education Authority (LEA) for financial support, you will find that the application form asks if you have a disability. You must state on the form that you have a disability and the date of your last assessment. You can apply on paper using a PN1 form – these can be obtained from college, university, or LEAs, or phone 08456 077577. It is also available on-line at studentfinancedirect.co.uk. Applying on line will mean easier applications as your details in the 2nd and 3rd year will automatically appear. Don‛t forget to include all the information required. If this is not complete, delays can be expected. What
next? Once your LEA has confirmed your eligibility for the DSA, they will then ask for you to have a DSA assessment of need. This will determine the level of financial support you require. The assessment will be undertaken at an approved access centre. There are a number of these around the country and depending on your circumstances, this will determine which centre you will attend. Apply as soon as you can before the course starts. However, you may apply at any stage of your course. The LEAs recommend that you get the form in by the beginning of July. If it is received after this date, there is a possibility that your DSA will be delayed and not be in place for the start of your studies. Payments will be made either directly into your bank account, to you personally, or to a supplier of equipment or services. All equipment bought with your DSA is, and
will stay your property. However, the LEA may have to recover some or all
your DSA if you abandon the course. (Click here to open a PDF version of this page) Useful links The British Dyslexia Association
Dyspraxia
Foundation
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