1

Disabled Student Support Mechanisms at MMU: Learner Development Service

Anna Charles-Jones

Learning Development Adviser

Who are we?

• Main base at All SaintsNahida – ManagerAnna, Gill, Irene, Kate, Nicki, Rose –

Advisers (4.4 FTE)Eve,Phillippa & Sam – Admin Team

• Smaller office at MMU Cheshire Jude & Vikki – Advisers (1.1 FTE)

Kathryn – Student Services Administrator

What do we do?

• Comprehensive advice, assessment and support service for disabled students including the production of Personal Learning Plans

• Group dyslexia screenings & onward referral to Educational Psychologist

• Advisory support for staff on student-related disability issues

• Staff development and training

4

What constitutes disability?

• A physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on a person’s ability to carry out normal day to day activities.

• Adjustments for students with temporary injuries are at the discretion of their academic department not Learner Development.

2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09

Dyslexia 1306 1323 1618 1476

Visual Impairment 33 33 46 46

Hearing Impairment 73 70 76 61

Mobility/ Physical 113 112 101 69

Mental Health 99 100 120 136

Unseen 202 224 239 226

Multiple Disabilities 106 113 146 153

Total 1932 1975 2346 2167

Disabled Students at MMU

6

What to do if a student discloses a disability?Disclosure guidelines & authorisation form:

http://www.mmu.ac.uk/academic/studserv/learningsupport/pdf/Disclosure%20guidelines.pdf

When to refer

• Students needing a dyslexia screening

• Students who disclose a disability

• Students needing a review of their support

• When you are unsure i.e. if in doubt refer! (Drop-In Adviser)

MMU Institutional Support ProcedureStudent completes disclosure and data protection form

Has the student got evidence of their disability?

No Student to bring in evidence

Yes

Student to see adviser to complete Personal Learning Plan

Personal Learning Plan sent to Student Life Office / Exams Officer / Library & copy to student

Disabled Students’ AllowancesStudent completes DSA1 form during PLP appointment

Receives Eligibility Letter (*Student Finance Exec delays)

Attend Access Summit for assessment of specific support needs

Assessor writes up report

Report sent to Funding body

Await approval

Order equipment and arrange support workers

Specialist Equipment: Dictaphones, Computers loaded with specialist software etc.Non Medical Helpers : Note Taker, Study Coach, British Sign Language Interpreter etc.General Allowances: Allowances for non-core books, photocopying and Printer Cartridges etc.Travel: Reimbursing additional disability-related costs.Access Summit: Our local assessment centre where the needs of disabled students are assessed.

Support linked to Disabled Students’ Allowances

Departmental Disability Coordinators: An academic member of staff that coordinates the support for disabled students within the departmentFaculty Disability Contacts: Coordinate the administration of the personal learning plan process and examination requirementsFaculty Student Support Officers: provide support for all students including study skills Careers & Employability Service: Employment advice for disabled studentsCounselling Service: eg: counselling for students with mental health difficulties

Other Support Roles

12

How to contact us

Learner Development Service,

1st Floor All Saints Building

Tel: 0161 247 3491

Email: learner.development@mmu.ac.uk

Website: www.mmu.ac.uk/learnerdevelopment

Opening Hours: Monday-Friday 8.45am-4pm