TCD Model of Support for students with AS

Presentation Aims

• Explore the model of support for students with AS at TCD from entering college to graduation

• Challenges faced by students with AS & Trinity

• 1,375 students currently registered with Disability Service• 72 students (5%) have Asperger’s Syndrome• 62 Undergraduate • 10 postgraduate

Number of Students with AS

Pathway’s Model of Support for Students with disabilities

Pathway’s Model taking account of the total ‘Student Journey’ from pre-entry to employment or further education

Phase 1: Pathway to College

Thinking about College

• Open Days/Evenings• Individualised meetings with DOs/OTs in

supporting transition to college• Students with AS encouraged to connect

with College well in advance• Working with ASD Support Groups-

lectures, talks

Dedicated Transition

Website

Transition Planning Tool

AS Website

Transitioning into college

• Parent/Student Event• Orientation Programme • Needs Assessment• Referral to Reasonable Accommodations-

e.g. Unilink

Welcome Day - Getting to know Trinity

• Two Day Orientation/Welcome for students with ASD • Day Schedule

– Getting to know Trinity-Being a Fresher Student– Campus Tour/Scavenger Hunt– Meeting the DS and SU– Being a student learner– Getting to know TCD Computers/Library – Tour of BLU Library– Managing living in Halls– Questions and Answers??

Students Comments about the Day

“Everything seems clearer now as a result of the Welcome Day”

“I feel better prepared for college & I enjoyed myself.”

“I learned about college, I met new people and help was given to all my problems”

“I came to learn names and find my way around”

“Between meeting important staff and being shown around I found I gained the information I wanted.”

Phase 2: Pathway through CollegeCollege Life: Building and

maintaining a college career…the bigger picture

Phase 2 Supports

• Students with AS can avail of a number of supports in college:– Meeting with DO-advocate; Needs assessment, disclosure, LENS etc.– Weekly appointments with OT in Unilink– Weekly Social Leisure Group – Placement planning– Mock exams – Low Distraction Exam Venues – AT quiet study Space

Unilink Service

• Occupational Therapy Support Service• 1:1 support • Focuses on supporting the student to develop

practical strategies to manage their student role and their health and well-being at college

• PEO and Recovery Model (Quinn et al, 2014) • Connection with Health Centre

Weekly Social Leisure Group

Mock Exams & LDV

• Mock Exams: Students have the opportunity to experience exams scenarios; reduce anxiety, familiarity

• TCD also provide Low Distraction Venues for students with sensory difficulties.

Phase 3: Pathway to EmploymentCareer Pathways Service

• Individualised transition planning service – Exploring career options– Build career related skills and experiences– Ways to manage disability in the workplace

• Access to suite of resources and supports; OT, CA, ATO, Workshops

• Transition to employment planning tool

Challenges within TCD

• Transition to college- need for longer lead in• More complex academic and personal

issues arising• Managing anti-social behaviour• Seen as place of expertise and excellence-

which opens up challenges • Parental Input / Engagement

Any Questions?Thank you for listening!