Supporting Disabled Students Sheenagh Hull, Disability Coordinator working with the Faculty of Environment Environment PGR, Sept/Oct 2017

Not for you? Approximately 10% of students at the University have declared a disability For taught postgraduate courses: 8% home/EU, only 1.5% other international students Many haven’t declared and many don’t know what is available Nearly all students will know someone who is a ‘disabled student’ and could advise them (if appropriate!)

Not for you? Much lower for international students - why? Better support systems at home? Not aware of legal protection and University support here? Concerns about tutors, supervisors or sponsors? Whether UK, EU or international, even if not you then someone you know, live with, work with…

What is a disability? Specific Learning Difficulties (dyslexia, ADHD) Asperger Syndrome Significant sight loss Hearing loss Physical / mobility impairments (difficulty walking, sitting, writing)

What is a disability? Long-term medical conditions (epilepsy, heart conditions, inflammatory bowel disease, chronic fatigue syndrome) Mental health conditions (eating disorders, generalised anxiety disorder, bipolar)

Not a disability – anything short-term or… Wearing glasses or contacts Occasionally feeling low or panicky Broken arm or leg Addiction / alcoholism Poor handwriting English as an additional language Pregnancy!

Should you come and see us? Do you struggle with…? Managing competing deadlines Completing all the required reading Hearing in lectures or groupwork Reading small print Getting around the University Using a PC for long periods

More information The full presentation on Minerva: what we need from you more about what we do deadlines for exam requests links for Disabled Students Allowance how to contact us and find us

What we need first We need to see evidence of disability, from a medical professional or psychological assessment: Diagnosis Duration (long term / ongoing) Example of an impact on everyday activity or study We can give you advice on what you need

What we facilitate Recommendations to your School (PowerPoint slides in advance, handouts in larger font, flexible deadlines) Practical help* (notetaker, library assistance, study skills tutor) Apps and software* (support for reading, organisation) Ergonomic kit* (keyboard, mouse, chair) * May need external funding

What we facilitate Exam access arrangements including: Vivas and presentations, eg Use of a PC/equipment Chair with back support Examiner awareness

Examination requests We may need to explore this with you or ask for supporting documents, so don’t wait until near the date… If you struggle in exams, you may benefit from other study support, so don’t wait … Contact Disability Services

More information – external funding Disabled Students Allowance: SFE guide: what are DSAs? Research Councils For other funders, see YourDSA: www.yourdsa.com/ Sponsors

PGR Disability Contact – research students Jacqui Manton Other support in Environment: Your named research administrator Supervisors PG Tutor

More information Disability Services in Chemistry West Building disability@leeds.ac.uk 0113 343 3927 open 9:00-17:00

More information Disability Services counter open 9:00-17:00 Drop in for a short private chat 9:30-16:00 to 13 Oct, then 9:30-11:00 & 14:00-16:00 for rest of term

Through the arch into Clothworkers Court, next to the Great Hall How to find us Through the arch into Clothworkers Court, next to the Great Hall

Across the court and through the archway in the corner How to find us Across the court and through the archway in the corner

Straight along the path, past the School of Media and Communication How to find us Straight along the path, past the School of Media and Communication

In the main entrance to Chemistry West – we’re right there How to find us In the main entrance to Chemistry West – we’re right there