Additional Learning Support

What is Additional Learning Support?

When you complete one of our course application forms you will notice that there is a section asking you if you have a disability and/or a learning difficulty.  We strongly recommend you take the opportunity to complete this section so that we are aware of any potential students that may need some support if they do take up one of our courses.

You can tell us this information at any time, even if you have started your course, but the sooner we know we can begin to make preparations.

All colleges are required to make ‘reasonable adjustments’ for disabled students. These adjustments may include things adaptations to teaching styles, assessment, location etc.  Any changes made will help us to better meet your additional learning needs.

The support we offer is all about you and your learning needs.

Who can access Additional Learning Support?

There are various reasons why students may have some additional learning support put in place, for example:-

• Medical – eg arthritis, diabetes, illnesses requiring constant medical care and possible periods in hospital
• Sensory – eg hearing or sight impairment (not correctable by glasses), colour blindness
• Congenital conditions (conditions you are born with) – eg cerebral palsy, spina bifida, scoliosis etc
• Loss of limb(s) – may be congenital or as a result of an accident
• Learning difficulties – eg dyslexia, dyscalculia, moderate or severe learning difficulties
• Emotional and behavioural – eg hyperactivity, mental health issues, trauma/shock
• Hidden disabilities/learning difficulties – eg Autism, Aspergers Syndrome
• Specific learning difficulties – eg dyslexia, dyscalculia, dyspraxia

Students may also receive support for their general literacy, numeracy or language needs where they are able to academically meet the requirements of the course but need extra support in one of these areas to help them achieve their main course.

Types of support available

If you request additional learning support you will have a meeting with a member of the Additional Learning Support team to discuss your needs and support requirements.

There are all sorts of different types of additional learning support that may be available, some of which are listed below.

Specialist Tutor

The specialist tutors can give 1:1 or small group support that is additional to your timetabled classes to look at areas such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, literacy, numeracy and language support.

Support may include:

• Transition Support
• Specialist tutors e.g dyslexia
• Learning support assistants
• Communication support workers
• Support with mobility around College
• Personal care needs
• Specialist equipment
• Literacy and Numeracy support
• Exam arrangements
• Equipment loans
• Study skills

How to get Additional Learning Support put in place

Contact the ALS team on 01302 558207/553769, email als.enquiries@don.ac.uk. Or ask your tutor to refer you.

If you think you will need additional learning support but don’t have a place on a course yet, our Learning Support Co-ordinators can be contacted to arrange a look around College and to have an informal talk about what your needs are.

Where relevant, they can also be contacted if you feel some help will be needed at certain points in the application process, for eg

• Support during your interview
• Support during your initial assessment

This type of support would need to be pre-arranged with them to ensure they are available.

Disabled students allowance for students on Higher Education courses

If you have a disability or specific learning difficulty, such as dyslexia, and are on or thinking of going on to a higher education course; you may be able to access some support with your studying so you can study on an equal basis with other students.

What do I Need To Do To Get Some Support With My Studying?

To receive this support you must first apply for and be granted Disabled Students Allowance (DSA).

DSA is a non-means tested, non-repayable allowance that covers additional study related costs that you will incur because of your disability or specific learning difficulty.

It is best to apply for DSA as soon as possible to help ensure there are no delays to the start of your support.

You can get information about DSA and an application form for the year you will be studying your HE course direct from the DSA website from the links below.

Please read this information carefully as it will also confirm what evidence of your disability or specific learning difficulty you will need to supply to support your application.

Visit DSA website here for more general information about Disabled Students Allowance

Visit DSA website here to get a Disabled Students Allowance application form

The support that we put in place for you follows the agreed recommendations made within your DSA Notification of Entitlement (the confirmation letter you receive from DSA listing the support they have agreed to pay for).

There are a range of possible types of support that may be available to you, some of which are listed below:-

• 1:1 Specialist Study Skills Support
• Specialist Mentor
• Mentor
• Practical Support Assistant
• Note Taker
• Communication Support Worker
• Proof Reader

What if I’ve Not Declared My Disability or Specific Learning Difficulty Yet?

If you decided to not disclose your disability or specific learning difficulty to the University Centre when you applied for your course, you can still complete a DSA application form at any time before or during your course.

The ALS team can help you:

• Complete your application
• Contact your DSA supplier
• Liaise with assessors/DSA/tutors
• Help with queries for your support

Who Can I Contact For Further Information?

Please contact Rob Tinsley or Sara Hawkins – Learning Support Co-ordinators

Email :- he.dsa@don.ac.uk

Telephone :- 01302 558207/3769