Specific Learning Difficulties: What administrators need to know Kirsty Wayland Helen Duncan

Aims be aware of barriers students with Specific Learning Difficulties experience have solutions to those barriers be aware of other services and technology available

What are Specific Learning Difficulties? Umbrella term to describe a range of difficulties – includes dyslexia, dyspraxia and others At Cambridge, students present with particular difficulties which are then investigated 30% of those who disclose Specific Learning Difficulties are diagnosed after commencing their course

What is dyslexia? 'Dyslexia is a specific learning difficulty which mainly affects the development of literacy and language related skills. It is likely to be present at birth and to be lifelong in its effects. It is characterised by difficulties with phonological processing, rapid naming, working memory, processing speed, and the automatic development of skills that may not match up to an individual’s other cognitive abilities.

What is dyspraxia? Difficulties with Motor co-ordination (fine & gross) visual perception visual spatial skills speed of processing & working memory retrieval and processing of language time management, organisation & sequencing

Diagnosis and setting up support Student contacts DRC Student has preliminary session with Adviser Student has an assessment with an Educational Psychologist Student goes to Access Centre for Needs Assessment Report Support is arranged

Diagnostic evidence Diagnostic report conducted by a Practitioner Psychologist or Specialist Teacher with PAToSS Practising Certificate. This report should be Less than 3 years old on entry to University Post 16 The report should include A diagnosis Specific Recommendations And can be used to apply for Exam access arrangements Disabled Student’s Allowances

Assessment Timeline Initial interview/disclosure 2 weeks EP Assessment 4 weeks Needs Assessment 4 weeks DSA in place

Disabled Students’ Allowances Available to home students with diagnosed impairment What they can be used for specialist equipment you need for studying - for example, computer software & hardware a non-medical helper, such as a note-taker, 1:1 study skills tuition. other costs - for example, consumables (e.g. ink cartridges), photocopying costs, non-core books. (Directgov website)

What the code says about disclosure asking applicants to declare publicising the provision that is made for disabled people providing opportunities for students to tell tutors/teachers or other staff in confidence asking students once they are on the course explaining to students the benefit of disclosure and about confidentiality ensuring that the atmosphere and culture is open and welcoming

To attend and participate in: Lectures Challenges: Arriving on time, with correct materials Note taking Reading boards/handouts Solutions: Handouts in accessible formats Slides and handouts in advance Course overview Recording

To attend and participate in: Supervisions Challenges: Meeting deadlines Speaking in groups – confidence issues, verbal fluency, processing speed Using feedback Solutions: Making things explicit – expectations, essay titles Practice opportunities Feedback – verbal and written Recording Allow adequate time before expecting a response

To attend and participate in: Practicals/fieldwork/years abroad Challenges: Handwriting Instructions Clumsiness Solutions: Use of a laptop/notetaker/dictaphone Instructions available in a range of formats Extra time for practical work Human support for practical work

To source and read relevant materials Challenges: Reading volume/ speed of reading Acquiring materials Solutions: Directed reading lists Format of materials Study skills for extracting information

To produce and submit written work Challenges: Speed of writing Speed of reading Essays Planning Presenting ideas clearly which match verbal fluency Solutions: Preparing the ground – model essays, clear titles

To undertake written, aural, and practical exams Adjustments include; Extra time Use of a word processor Rest breaks Quiet /distraction free room m.html