1 st April 2009 Stevenson College Access Centre DSSG workshops How to Complete the Annual Revalidation Form

1 st April 2009 Stevenson College Access Centre DSSG workshops Completing the Annual Revalidation Form Aim to provide : Detailed information to demonstrate your institution’s capacity to continue to carry out needs assessment for DSA

1 st April 2009 Stevenson College Access Centre DSSG workshops Completing the Annual Revalidation Form Question 1 Which senior member of staff is ultimately accountable for the institution’s participation in the pilot?

1 st April 2009 Stevenson College Access Centre DSSG workshops Completing the Annual Revalidation Form Question 1 Evidence Required : Are the time and resources allocated for assessments (plus associated preparation and follow-up) both adequate and do they reflect the level of responsibility and complexity of the task? Students receive information about their rights and responsibilities in connection with the application for support.

1 st April 2009 Stevenson College Access Centre DSSG workshops Completing the Annual Revalidation Form Question 1 Who has ultimate responsibility? What is her degree of familiarity/involvement with the work of the access centre? Are the Students aware of their rights and responsibilities with regard to the service offered by the Access Centre? How is this implemented?

1 st April 2009 Stevenson College Access Centre DSSG workshops Completing the Annual Revalidation Form Question 2 Who is responsible for overseeing the needs assessment process on a day-to- day process?

1 st April 2009 Stevenson College Access Centre DSSG workshops Completing the Annual Revalidation Form Question 2 Evidence required: Assessors have the relevant qualifications and experience All assessors authorised/registered to provide assessments services – under the auspices of a recognised institution or agency Assessors, and their employers, (or contractors) demonstrate an active commitment to continuing personal and professional development

1 st April 2009 Stevenson College Access Centre DSSG workshops Completing the Annual Revalidation Form Question 2 Who is responsible for overseeing the needs assessment process on a day-to- day process? Background, specialisations and qualifications Continuing personal and professional development

1 st April 2009 Stevenson College Access Centre DSSG workshops Completing the Annual Revalidation Form Question 3 Who else is involved in conducting needs assessments in your institution and what are their skills, expertise and experience?

1 st April 2009 Stevenson College Access Centre DSSG workshops Completing the Annual Revalidation Form Question 3 Who are the assessors? Free-lance assessors Stevenson in-house assessors Administrative staff

1 st April 2009 Stevenson College Access Centre DSSG workshops Completing the Annual Revalidation Form Question 3 Position e.g. free lance assessor, member of Stevenson College staff, administrator Years in service Areas of Special expertise Relevant qualifications Formal Staff development and training Informal staff development

1 st April 2009 Stevenson College Access Centre DSSG workshops Completing the Annual Revalidation Form Question 4 Can you indicate the range of additional needs that required external agencies input into students’ assessments and how this was organised and co-ordinated?

1 st April 2009 Stevenson College Access Centre DSSG workshops Completing the Annual Revalidation Form Question 4 Evidence Required: Assessor has the knowledge and skills to make well informed decisions about study aids and support strategies. Service providers undertake regular monitoring activity and conduct an annual internal review Results from student surveys and surveys from other stakeholders to gauge satisfaction Assessors/centres liaise regularly with suppliers of equipment and services.

1 st April 2009 Stevenson College Access Centre DSSG workshops Completing the Annual Revalidation Form Question 4 Outside agencies which provide support for students assessments No 6 (One stop Shop for people with High Functioning Autism) Mental health professionals e.g. CPN Disability advisor Physiotherapist

1 st April 2009 Stevenson College Access Centre DSSG workshops Completing the Annual Revalidation Form Question 4 Suppliers of equipment/services Regular visits and contact with providers of computer equipment and software Suppliers of ergonomic furniture and aids Contact with independent providers of training

1 st April 2009 Stevenson College Access Centre DSSG workshops Completing the Annual Revalidation Form Question 4 Annual evaluation procedure undertaken to assess student experience and level of satisfaction Feedback from evaluation given through staff development session

1 st April 2009 Stevenson College Access Centre DSSG workshops Completing the Annual Revalidation Form Question 5 Do you wish to continue to undertake assessments for (range of students) or do you wish to undertake assessments for more students (and if so, how many etc?)

1 st April 2009 Stevenson College Access Centre DSSG workshops Completing the Annual Revalidation Form Question 5 Evidence requirements: Literature about the purpose and process of needs assessments is readily available and clear/easy to understand Applications for support are processed and acknowledged promptly Referrals are made without delay Assessment appointments are made within agreed period or legitimate explanation for delay given Information about waiting times available Confidentiality respected, compliance with legislation

1 st April 2009 Stevenson College Access Centre DSSG workshops Completing the Annual Revalidation Form Question 5 Types of assessments undertaken Specific learning difficulties Autistic spectrum Disorders Visual Impairment Physical Disabilities Mental Health Hearing Impairment

1 st April 2009 Stevenson College Access Centre DSSG workshops Completing the Annual Revalidation Form Question 5 Procedure on receipt of referral explained Procedure following sending of report is explained Procedure for dealing with priorities How do we deal with passing information to third parties? How do we seek permission for observers (e.g. Brite mentors)?

1 st April 2009 Stevenson College Access Centre DSSG workshops Completing the Annual Revalidation Form Question 5 Timescale for making initial contact after referral from SAAS received. Dealing with requests for information about waiting times Compliance with the law and ensure confidentiality of information?

1 st April 2009 Stevenson College Access Centre DSSG workshops Completing the Annual Revalidation Form Question 6 Can you identify any changes that your institution has made to its services/facilities in order to support the needs assessments process?

1 st April 2009 Stevenson College Access Centre DSSG workshops Completing the Annual Revalidation Form Question 6 Evidence Requirements: Facilities for assessment comply with or exceed minimum standards With complex or unfamiliar aids and strategies, students are given the opportunity to trial equipment before recommendations are finalised

1 st April 2009 Stevenson College Access Centre DSSG workshops Completing the Annual Revalidation Form Question 6 Updating equipment Examples of equipment available Equipment available for trial from Access Centre Alternative methods of arranging trials can be arranged Specialist suppliers arrange visits to students

1 st April 2009 Stevenson College Access Centre DSSG workshops Completing the Annual Revalidation Form Question 7 Can you describe how your institution has amended or enhanced its mechanisms for quality assuring the study needs assessment process?

1 st April 2009 Stevenson College Access Centre DSSG workshops Completing the Annual Revalidation Form Question 7 Evidence requirements: Time and resource allocated for conduct of assessments are both adequate and reflect the level of responsibility and complexity of the task Students receive information about their rights and responsibilities in connection with the application for support.

1 st April 2009 Stevenson College Access Centre DSSG workshops Completing the Annual Revalidation Form Question 7 Time Resource Time allowed for assessment Breaks Preparation time allowed

1 st April 2009 Stevenson College Access Centre DSSG workshops Completing the Annual Revalidation Form Question 7 Other Resources Accommodation available (with appropriate access) Equipment and other resources available in each room (range of equipment and software)

1 st April 2009 Stevenson College Access Centre DSSG workshops Completing the Annual Revalidation Form Question 7 Rights and Responsibilities List of student’s rights and responsibilities Flowchart outlining the sequence of events after receiving draft report Students are informed of their rights regarding purchase of equipment