CHESS/NADP Conference Student Perspective Justin Smith
Background Profoundly deaf from birth Deaf family 1 st Language is British Sign Language Education: Mainstream with PHU until 11years old Residential school for the Deaf Currently at 3 rd University
1 st University Information from ‘Open Day’ and prospectus Discussion with Disability Unit No DSA Assessment took place No support Issues with a ‘Disability’ Unit Decided to leave after 1 month
2 nd University Open Day – information on: Course Support Services DSA assessment at University Useful recommendations and suggestions for support
3 rd University Information from website Support service in contact Late application for DSA Support in place and assessment took place at University Concerns over limited funding for postgraduate students
Support at University Equipment: Computer, printer, internet access, deaf alerter. Support workers: Interpreters, note takers. Support from my Department/Course: Lecture notes and PowerPoint slides in ‘advance’. Advance notice of seminars and presentations (not always). Other University services – no ‘special’ support (general).
Barriers at University Social life Academic Support problems University environment
Possible changes & suggestions Advance reading of lecture notes and PowerPoint Follow up meetings with student Student need to feel in control of decision making about support