Queen’s University Belfast Grainne McGoldrick, Disability Officer

Disability Services Head of Service 5 Disability Officers 2 Admin Support Needs Assessment Co- Ordinator 10 Freelance Assessors Co-Ordinator Register of Support Providers 2 Admin Support

Current Students 1,964 students currently registered with Disability Services 123 students have Asperger’s Syndrome

Support Model Transitions Events Taster Day at Queen’s Individual visits to Schools Liaison with healthcare professionals/ support providers Needs Assessment Induction Event Asperger's Social Group Reassessment

Taster Day Held in April. Tour of campus, Library. Input from Disability Officer, Lecturer, Student, Accommodation Office, Students’ Union. Limited to attendees. ‘I found this day very useful and motivational’ ‘Has helped my son make his final decision regarding his University choice. Very enjoyable and informative event’

Induction Event Held in September before Freshers’ Week Students and parents/guardians invited What to expect at University (positive and negative) In-course support and funded support (Disabled Students’ Allowance) Important contacts

Asperger’s Social Group Established academic year 2006/07 Queen’s University, National Autistic Society, Jo Douglas from Northern Ireland Spectrum Centre

Aims of Social Group Aims A chance to meet other students Stress management Social skills Chance to talk/receive support for student issues Safe and comfortable outlet Useful points of contact Enjoyable activities!

Aims to meet 1-2 times per month during term time, during the day, around the Queen’s campus Guest speakers and workshops – depends on interests of the group e.g. employability, managing stress, exam preparation, clubs and societies Meet for lunch in the Queen’s area once/twice per semester No need to attend all meetings – depends on students’ interests and other commitments

Other One-to-one meetings for prospective students with Schools One-to-one Library Induction Priority appointments for needs assessment Support during Freshers’ Week Quiet areas in Student Accommodation and en-suite rooms

Students’ Comments ‘ When I started out at University I was surprised at the level of support I was offered. During the second year of my undergraduate degree, the QUB Social Group started, and since then I’ve had many a great time and met some great people’ ‘ I am richer for the experience as I never ventured out. The group gives me comfort to know that I am not alone in having trouble communicating with people’ ‘The Christmas and end of year lunches were very good. I had lots of fun at them. I also found the Degree Plus was beneficial. The movies were good fun too as was the board game day’.

Challenges Isolation Group work Not-attendance at lectures Disruptive behaviour during lectures Non-engagement with Support Providers Difficulties getting placement/during placement