SEND and disabled learners

Starting university is an exciting yet apprehensive time for anyone but can be made more daunting when you have additional needs. Read through the information below to find out what different higher education institutions in York and North Yorkshire are offering prospective and current students.

Coventry University (CU) Scarborough

• Entender - This is a project at Coventry University focused on understanding the needs of neurodivergent students, improving support available for neurodivergent students and aiding them when it comes to transitioning between school, university and employment.

• Campus access guides - CU Scarborough has detailed access guides to their campuses which explains where there is step free access as well as photos of buildings and rooms, dimensions and information about lighting.

• Accessible study equipment and bookable rooms - CU Scarborough has two bookable rooms, only available to students known to the Disabilities Team. The rooms offer PCs with screen reading assistive technology, a height adjustable table, a height adjustable stool, and a trackball mouse.

• Health and wellbeing portal and 1-2-1s - There is 24/7 mental health and emotional support on offer through the platform Spectrum.Life. Students can speak to accredited counsellors to receive personalised support via Live Chat, WhatsApp or phone.

 

University of York

• Step Ahead - University of York offers a Step Ahead programme which consists of events designed for new undergraduates from underrepresented groups. Click here to access the full list of who is eligible for Step Ahead. The programme aims to improve new students' confidence about starting university, increase their familiarity with the campus and help make friends with other new students.

• Student support plans - New and current students at University of York can access Disability Services support and Student Support Plans, once they complete the registration process. Disability Practitioners will determine the appropriate support for you.

• Adaptable accommodation - If you have a diagnosed physical health condition or disability, diagnosed mental health condition, a sight, hearing or mobility impairment, or a health condition that requires specially stored medication then there are options for finding suitable accommodation with additional requirements. Some examples of how University of York can help include: a wheelchair friendly room with grab rails and accessible light switches, plugs, desk and shower. They can also allow for new students to bring a fridge for storing medication, a room with access to a lift, a studio flat with self-contained kitchen and bathroom, and a vibrating pillow connected to the fire alarm. Students are required to submit supporting evidence for their additional requirements.

• Societies - Students at University of York have the option of joining different societies (a society is a group that brings together university students with shared interests). For those that identify as neurodivergent, there is a Sunflower Society, ADHD society and a Neurodivergent society on offer.

 

York St John University

• Appointments with Blue the therapy dog - Students at York St John University can book 15 or 30 minute appointments with Blue, the therapy dog and a Disability Practitioner.

• Disabled Students Network - A social support group for students at York St John University who identify as having a disability whether diagnosed or not.

• Learner Adjustment Plans - A Learner Adjustment Plan (LAP) contains recommendations for how the university can support you as a disabled student. The LAP is developed between a student, your school and the Disability and Inclusion Team.

• Wellbeing drop in - Students can access free mental health and counselling by self referring or by coming to a daily drop-in session, where you can speak confidently with a practitioner. The focus of the support is to develop strengths, skills and resources to cope.

 

Askham Bryan College

• Learning mentors and Interventions - Students applying to Askham Bryan College are encouraged to declare if they have SEND needs. Inclusive Services will then talk to you and you will work together to decide on the individualised support required. Two examples of support on offer are Learning Mentors and regular interventions.

• Taster and transition sessions - Askham Bryan College also offers taster sessions which enable students to get a feel for whether a course is the right fit for them ahead of time.

• Assistive technology - Inclusive Services may also offer you assistive technology to help with your studies. Read and Write software, which can read text aloud, proofreading, or understanding unfamiliar words can be accessed on college computers.

• Student Wellbeing Coordinators - Student Wellbeing Coordinators are an option for anyone studying at Askham Bryan College who wants to talk to someone and needs some help. Their service is free, confidential, relaxed and discreet.