Accessible Higher Education at New College Durham
The Learner Support Service ensures that you can achieve and progress in your education and are able to fully participate in college life.
Our experienced team offers tailored support, advice, and guidance for higher education students with a wide range of learning needs.
We provide inclusive education in a safe and positive environment.
We have a great deal of experience in providing access to our services for students with (but not limited to):
- Specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia and dyspraxia
- Autism spectrum conditions
- Hearing and visual (sensory) loss
- Medical and/or mobility needs
- A range of mental health conditions
Our provision:
A Higher Education Access Adviser will contact you to arrange an initial assessment of your needs and requirements. This advisor will remain your point of contact throughout your time at college, providing guidance and advice including:
- Discussing and developing strategies with you to support you through your course.
- Arranging examination concessions, library extensions.
- Providing equipment that will help you to achieve.
- Supporting you to share information with your tutors so that you get as much support as possible.
- Assisting you in claiming Disabled Students Allowance.
- Recommendations for referrals for other external specialist assessment. (For example, a visual processing or motor skills assessment.)
Specialist support:
Appointments can be provided with a specialist assessor on recommendation from the HE Access Adviser. The accessor will establish your needs and make recommendations to teaching staff on the best ways to provide you with full access to learning. This sometimes includes a referral to alternative, specialist assessment services, always in accordance with assessment protocols (SASC).
Visit SASC.org.uk
Assistive technologies:
We utilise and provide technology where appropriate to enable access to learning. This includes Microsoft Office 365 and its associated accessibility tools.
Personal Learning Coach (PLC):
In a 1-1 appointment with a PLC, you might receive coaching on practical study skills, time management, organisation, and planning. Our PLCs are also on hand to provide pastoral support and provide help with any access issues you have at college.
Disabled Students Allowance (DSA)
Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) is provided by Student Finance England to cover study-related costs that exist because of a disability, long term illness, or mental health problem. It’s for students on Higher Education courses.
You can receive DSA on its own or in addition to any student finance you get, and you can apply at any time during your course. The type of support and how much you get depends on your individual needs - not your household income.
It can cover things like laptops, assistive technology, a specialist study skills tutor, and travel costs if your disability directly affects your ability to travel to and from college.
As part of your application, you’ll be invited to attend a Needs Assessment, where you’ll work with an assessor to identify ways in which your access to education could be improved, and the cost of providing those improvements.
The Learner Support Service can guide you through the application process.
Contact us
If you would like to talk to a member of the Learner Support Service about available support or to discuss your needs in more detail, please contact us:
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Main Building - Orange corridor, Room 0.22