Frequently asked questions

Dyslexia

Q: I have been told that dyslexia is a disability. Is this right?

A: Yes. Dyslexia and other Specific Learning Difficulties, such as dyspraxia and dyscalculia, are also considered as disabilities. This is because they can affect the way people learn, making some aspects of learning harder. Even students with very a high intellectual ability may need support to cope with their dyslexia at university.

Q: What do I do if I think I might be dyslexic?

A: Come and see us. We can arrange a screening and, if appropriate, a diagnostic assessment for you. If you are diagnosed as dyslexic, we will then arrange some individual support for you. We will also put in place any reasonable adjustments, e.g. extra time in examinations.

Q: English is not my first language. Can I still be assessed for dyslexia?

A: Yes. You can still be assessed but if you are not sufficiently proficient in English some of the results may not be a true reflection of your ability. If possible, it is preferable that you obtain an appropriate report from your home country.

Q: I am not dyslexic but still need support, where can I go?

A; Support is available from the Learning Development team for all students at Plymouth University.

Study Skills

Q: What are Study Skills?

A: If appropriate, you can receive specialist one-to-one study skills tuition. The aim of the session is to help you develop strategies to build on your strengths and find ways of reducing the effect of any weaknesses.

Q: Will I have to pay for my Study Skills?

A: The cost of this tuition is usually met through the Disabled Students Allowance (DSA). Students with a disability who are not eligible for the DSA, for example international and fee supported EU students may still be supported but will need to discuss their needs with a Disability Adviser.

Q: What kind of areas might Study Skills include?

Optimising memory and revision techniques
Planning and structuring written work such as essays
Interactive reading techniques
Researching and referencing
Time management and organisational skills

Q: What areas are not covered by study skills?

Specific subject tuition
Proofreading
Doing the work for you

2nd year dance production photo: John Sanders

Admissions

Q: When should I let the University know about my disability?

A: It is important to let the University know when you first apply or as early as you can. This is to make sure that you are given the right advice on the support, equipment and facilities available in the University and so that we can more easily meet your needs. If you are not sure whether your condition is considered to be a disability, it is best to still let the University know. Disclosure about a disability will not prejudice your application.

DSA

Q: As I am an international student I do not qualify for Disabled Student Allowance. Can I still access support through Disability ASSIST?

A: Yes. You are welcome to come in and discuss your support requirements for study. The university has specialist software available in its open access computing and library areas as well as study skills provision. Although international students are not usually eligible for the same sources of funding as UK students it is worth exploring possibilities of funding assistance within your home country.

Disability Advisers at Disability ASSIST are happy to help with any queries

Jessica Rourke, Sarah Warn, Nigel Larcombe-Williams, Sally Agobiani, Nicola Ayer

Disability Advisers are happy to help with any of your queries. Please contact 01752 587676 for an initial discussion or email das@plymouth.ac.uk

Claro

Q: What is the Role of an Enabler?

A. The role will vary depending on the needs and disability of the student but may include:

• Taking notes in lectures and seminars

• Assistance with mobility around campus, field trips or other visits associated with their course

• Attending any venues which are inaccessible to the student, i.e. checking notice boards, etc.

• Assistance in the library with locating books, photocopying, etc.

• Reading chapters from books, journal articles, etc. onto tape or scanning onto computer

• Typing transcriptions of tape recorded material

Q: What is the role of an Enhanced Enabler?

A. Some of the tasks, although not exhaustive, may include:

• Helping the student with management of work load and meeting course deadlines

• Assisting the student with timetabling and attendance issues

• Encouraging and assisting the student to participate in the university social environment i.e. joining relevant societies etc.

• Helping the student in situations in which mental health conditions could be triggered

• Informing Claro Learning of concerns relating to the students disability, e.g. symptoms of mental ill health

• Assisting the student with mobility around the campus, and on field or other trips associated with their course

• Ensuring that the student has relevant information (especially if it is difficult to access), e.g. checking notice boards, etc.

• Assistance in the library with locating books, photocopying, etc.

• Reading chapters from books, journal articles, etc. onto tape or scanning onto a computer

• Taking notes for the student

• Typing transcriptions of tape recorded material – such as lectures and written assessment work – such as essays

Q: What is the role of a Learning Support Tutor?

A. Claro Learning Support Tutors provide individually tailored learning support. Qualified and experienced tutors work by identifying strategies for independent learning. Using the preferred learning style of the client they work on a one-to-one basis to maximize the individual’s potential. The support is offered when and where it is convenient for the client, according to individual needs. Tutors assist with specific skills areas such as:

• Time Management & Organisation

• Note-Taking & Note-Making techniques

• Exam & Revision Strategies

• Preparing For Lectures, Seminars or Presentations

• Action Planning & Target Setting

• Research Methods

• Structuring information, Referencing & Sourcing Data

• Academic Writing processes and techniques

• Numeracy and literacy strategies

• Incorporating assistive technology

Learning Support Tutors do not undertake (not allowed under the Disabled Student’s Allowance):

• proofreading

• the work for students (the strategies they learn enable them to become independent in their studies)

• specific Subject Tuition (Learning Support Tutors do not teach the subject – students are encouraged to approach their University subject tutors who are subject specialists)

• counselling services (all Claro consultants are familiar with student support services and signpost accordingly).

General

Q: I already know I have a disability. Do I need to provide evidence?

A: We do need evidence of your disability. This could be a medical or psychological report. If possible, please let us have a copy which has been translated into English.

Q: I don’t want my lecturers to know that I am dyslexic or that I have another disability. Do I have to tell them?

A: No. You may choose not to disclose your disability to anyone. However, if you want support arrangements, such as extra time in examinations and in-class tests, you must disclose your disability to us and we will have to tell some people. If you agree to disclose your disability, we only tell people on a ‘needs to know’ basis and we can discuss this with you first.

Students sometimes feel that they are able to cope on their own without assistance, but being away from your usual support mechanisms and studying at H.E. level abroad can cause additional strains. In our opinion, it is best to disclose a disability.

Q: I chose not to tell anybody about my disability but I have now changed my mind. Is it too late?

A: Although we would encourage you to disclose your disability as early as possible, you can do this at any time throughout your course. You must give us adequate warning, however, if examination provisions need to be put into place for you.

Q: I had extra time (or other arrangements) for my exams when I was at my previous school/college/university. Will these arrangements be carried over automatically?

A: No. You must register your support needs with Disability ASSIST.