SEN and University Support

Advice on Special Needs and the 11 Plus Exams

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Hilda
Posts: 20
Joined: Wed Dec 12, 2007 9:17 am

SEN and University Support

Post by Hilda »

DC is high functioning ASD and we are starting the process of looking at universities. The type and level of support offered by each university is a key factor in decision making. All universities have a disabled students assistance team, and there is money to be had to accompany the student. However talking to the student support teams at open days it has become clear that some universities are much better than others in terms of the support they offer.

Does anyone know of any online forums, or blogs or publications that offer comments on the SEN support offered by different universities?

There seem to be masses of publications (Times/Guardian university guides etc) looking at all manner of statistics for universities, but nothing which addresses SEN support.

Hilda
DC17C
Posts: 1197
Joined: Wed Oct 12, 2011 9:34 pm

Re: SEN and University Support

Post by DC17C »

http://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/forumdisplay.php?f=277" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
This seems to have some info which might be helpful
Guest55
Posts: 16254
Joined: Mon Feb 12, 2007 2:21 pm

Re: SEN and University Support

Post by Guest55 »

Read up about DSA now and apply once the 'firm' is chosen.
Belinda
Posts: 1167
Joined: Thu Nov 08, 2007 10:57 pm

Re: SEN and University Support

Post by Belinda »

DD had SEN support at University.

One important aspect to bear in mind is the 'needs assessment' made following the DSA application. You seem to be knowledgeable already, :D and most likely will have an updated assessment of SEN, however, following all this, and the application, a 'needs assessment' takes place and this is crucial to get right.

This assessment outlines specifically the additional needs your DC will need in relation to his/her chosen course. It will also likely take place when your DC is already at university at the start of Y1; it may even be better made once he/she is actually there and knows what the course structure, lab hours, lecture hours etc are. The needs assessment can then be based exactly according to DC's needs for that course at that university.

DD applied after she arrived, she nonetheless, from day 1, had ample support from the SEN dept at her uni. The finance was just back-dated and paid to the university (whoever) accordingly. It didn't mean she didn't have the support because of an application going in after she arrived. It was the uni that she was at that arranged everything. They got in specialists to make assessments accordingly and arranged for all necessary support in and out of class.

The help and support can be anything from a carer to assist DC, a note-taker in lectures, extra time in exams, and material items such as laptop, building adjustments, ramps etc. It is the specific assessment carried out to address the needs of DC to access the course. Without actually being at the university, and knowing the course structure it may be difficult to make the proper needs assessment.

Universities operate the needs of the individual based on the social model and will make adjustments accordingly so that your DC can access his/her course.

I hope the above helps, and may give you something to think about and discuss with specific universities that your DC is interested in. I also hope I have given the correct information; :? it is based on what my own DC went through when she was in Y1 of her course.

Best wishes.
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