1. Disabled learners in VET – the UK situation Martin Steinmuller 28 September 2011

2. About LSIS The Learning and Skills Improvement Service (LSIS) is the national improvement body for further education and skills in England and Wales. We are sector-owned. We work on Quality Improvement, Governance, E&D, Community Development, Teaching and Learning, Curriculum design, Sustainable Development, innovation and new ways of working and more… Our services include: Leadership and management courses Virtual learning environments Toolkits Workshops and conferences → Two links: www.lsis.org.uk and www.excellencegateway.org.ukwww.lsis.org.ukwww.excellencegateway.org.uk

3. The UK VET system 414 General Further Education and Sixth Form Colleges with over 3 million learners aged 16+ 72 National Specialist Colleges 40% of 16-18 year olds studying at a college; 13.3% from disadvantaged background 20% of Black and Ethnic minority students in colleges, compared to 13% in the population → diverse mix of students 4000-5000 Work-based Learning and Adult and Community Learning providers

4. Disabled learners (age 16-24) in UK VET 56% not in employment, education or training compared to 23% of non-disabled population → problem to access course Disproportionate number on low level course (Level1 or entry courses) → inadequate assessment of skills Risk of potential cuts to lower level courses No dedicated financial support for disabled learners as compared to Higher Education 48% employment rate compared to 78% of general population

5. Experience of disabled learners “I’ve had to fight for reasonable adjustments, handouts in large print on coloured paper and a large screen monitor, and am seriously considering quitting because of the way I’ve been treated and them generally acting as though they know more about my needs than what I or my consultant do.’ (National Union of Students focus group participant, 2008)

6. The support of Q4S One-stop shop for learners Informs them on available guidance Raises their confidence to self-promote their agenda Helps them assess and understand their requirements Provides valuable disclosure advice etc. → Learners are empowered! Useful for teacher training

7. Contact details Martin Steinmuller Community Development Manager E: martin.steinmuller@lsis.org.uk Mobile: +44 (0) 78 2593 4750 Telephone: +44 (0) 24 7662 7717