Student Disability Service

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?