1. Supporting Autistic Learners with Technology in Higher Education Amy Porter - Transition Officer Alec Archer - Needs Assessor Simon Crawley - Technical Adviser Rich Nind - Technical Adviser Sheffield Hallam University

2. Introduction Transition from Further Education (FE) to Higher Education (HE) The Disabled Student Journey in HE The Disabled Students' Allowances (DSA) process The Study Needs Assessment (SNA) process Assessing an Autistic Learners Needs Technology demonstration

3. Transition from FE - HE Under 18 Over 18 Move from ‘Integrated’ to ‘Individual’ Funding Less supervision and more autonomous learning Smaller classes to large lecture theatres Often away from home and support networks Fresh start – boost in confidence or risk of stress Move from ‘Special Needs’ or 'Additional Learning Needs’ to ‘Disabled Student’

4. Disabled Student Journey Open DaysUCASVisitFirm OfferSFE LoanEnrolmentInductionLecturesDeadlinesExamsTransitionPlacementGraduate Course Design Teaching Placements Equipment Materials Assessment

5. Open DaysUCASVisitFirm OfferSFE LoanEnrolmentInductionLecturesDeadlinesExamsTransitionPlacementGraduate Apply for DSA Course Design Teaching Placements Equipment Materials Assessment D D = Disclosure Medical Evidence

6. Open DaysUCASVisitFirm OfferSFE LoanEnrolmentInductionLecturesDeadlinesExamsTransitionPlacementGraduate Apply for DSA Course Design Teaching Placements Equipment Materials Assessment DSA Assessment Institutional Support D D D = Disclosure Medical Evidence

7. Open DaysUCASVisitFirm OfferSFE LoanEnrolmentInductionLecturesDeadlinesExamsTransitionPlacementGraduate Apply for DSA Course Design Teaching Placements Equipment Materials Assessment DSA Assessment Learning Contract Support Review - If appropriate D D D = Disclosure Medical Evidence Institutional Support

8. Open DaysUCASVisitFirm OfferSFE LoanEnrolmentInductionLecturesDeadlinesExamsTransitionPlacementGraduate Apply for DSA Course Design Teaching Placements Equipment Materials Assessment DSA Assessment Learning Contract Access to Work Placement Support Support Review - If appropriate D D D D = Disclosure Medical Evidence Institutional Support

9. The DSA process DSA is a non means tested allowance that disabled students who are either already on, or moving towards studying on a higher education course can apply for. DSA covers any additional study costs a student will incur because of their disability including equipment and software and non medical helpers.

10. The SNA Process The SNA is an opportunity for the student to discuss with an assessor how the effects of their disability may impact on their ability to meet their course requirements. Different support options will be explored and negotiated between the assessor and student until the most appropriate support strategies have been agreed.

11. Information gathering This informs Identification of need This informs Suitable support strategies This informs Students Funding Bodies Service Providers The SNA Process

12. Assessing an Autistic Learners Needs Identification of Need - This highlights the effects of the student’s disability on the following aspects of their academic life: Research Composition Note-taking Proofreading Time Management Access to ICT / Course Technology / Practical Activities Examinations and Assessments Communication Mobility

13. Assessing an Autistic Learners Needs Case Study: Adam is 18 and in his first year at university studying Environmental Sciences. The student was referred to a clinical psychologist at the age of 8 due to behavioural, attention and interaction difficulties. A review took place when Adam was 16 which showed motivational and organisational difficulties.

14. Assessing an Autistic Learners Needs Recommendations for support: Laptop computer with Microsoft Office Combination printer, scanner and photocopier Mindview Texthelp Read and Write Digital Recorder Audio Notetaker Study Skills Tutor Mentor

15. Technology Demonstration Mindview Digital Recorder Audio Notetaker Organisational Devices Text to Speech Software

16. Any Questions