Supporting disabled research students Sheenagh Hull Disability Coordinator
Supporting disabled research students Sheenagh Hull, Disability Coordinator working with the Faculty of Environment and research students
What’s it got to do with you? How many students have declared a disability: % of research students in the Faculty? % of undergraduate students? 2
What’s it got to do with you? 7% of you – or more? Last year around 7% of research students in the Faculty declared a disability or long-term condition affecting their study. 10% of undergraduate students 3
What’s it got to do with you? Much lower % for international students - why? • Better support systems at home? • Not aware of legal protection and University support here? • Concerns about supervisors or sponsors? UK, EU or international, even if not you • then someone you know, live with, work with… 4
Who do we work with? Students with: • Mental health conditions (depression, eating disorders…) • Long-term medical conditions (chronic fatigue, epilepsy, bowel disease) • Specific learning difficulties (dyslexia, ADHD…) • Asperger Syndrome 5
Who do we work with? • Significant sight loss (not corrected by glasses) • Hearing loss • Physical / mobility impairments (difficulty walking, writing, carrying books) But not – English language problems, poor handwriting, pregnancy, short-term illness… 6
Should you come and see us? Do you struggle with…? • Managing competing deadlines • Presentations • Hearing in lectures or groupwork • Reading small print • Carrying things around the University • Travel 7
What we can do • • • Recommendations seminars or SDDU sessions (Power. Point slides in advance, larger font handouts) Advice to your Supervisor Practical help (notetaker, library assistance, study tutor) Apps and software (support for reading, organisation) Ergonomic kit (keyboard, mouse, chair) Consideration in arrangements for exams and vivas – but don’t leave it late! 8
What we need first An evidence statement from a medical professional or psychological assessment, to include: 1. Diagnosis 2. Duration (long term / ongoing) 3. Example of an impact on everyday activity or study We can give you advice on this 9
More information Disability Service is in Chemistry West Building: • disability@leeds. ac. uk • 0113 343 3927 • Reception counter staffed 9: 00 -16: 30 Faculty Disability Contact: • Jacqui Manton j. Manton@leeds. ac. uk in the PGR Administrators’ office 10
How to find us Through the arch into Clothworkers Court, next to the Great Hall 11
How to find us Across the court and through the archway in the corner 12
How to find us Straight along the path, past the School of Media and Communication 13
How to find us Go in the main entrance to Chemistry West – in the doors, on the right 14
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