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University support and adjustments

University support and adjustments

Here are some of the possible adjustments that could be discussed with a Disability Adviser:

Teaching and learning

The University has an inclusive teaching and learning policy and alongside this we can make further adjustments to support your individual needs. Some examples of this could be:

  • informing tutors when students have a disability-related reason for missing lectures, arriving late or leaving early (except where attendance is used as a means of assessment)
  • similarly, some students may need to move or stretch during lectures to alleviate discomfort due to a physical impairment or health condition, and tutors can also be made aware of this
  • all students are permitted to make recordings of lectures (unless the content is confidential). If additional assistive technology is needed, such as an assistive listening device/radio aid system, we can advise lecturers of what they may need to do to facilitate this
  • in practical sessions, additional help can be requested if students struggle to follow demonstrations of written instructions, or have difficulties with physically using any of the lab equipment
  • tutors can be asked to compile a glossary of course language in order to support Deaf students working with sign language interpreters.

If you require adjustments to examinations or assessments, you will need to register with the Disability Advisory Service and arrange to speak with an Adviser.

 

Exams and Assessments

Please contact the Disability Advisory Service as soon as possible to ensure there is enough time for adjustments to be put in place. Adjustments can include:

  • additional time
  • smaller exam venues
  • rest breaks
  • use of a computer, plus access to assistive technology
  • provision of ergonomic aids, such as an adjustable chair
  • 'green stickers’ can be applied for students with specific learning difficulties for empathetic marking, so spelling, punctuation and grammar errors are not penalised (unless this is a specific learning outcome of the course)
  • exam papers with enlarged fonts, coloured paper or use of coloured overlays.

When students are required to give presentations, adjustments may be made to present to tutor only.

Adjustments can also be made for placements. The Disability Advisory Service can discuss with you and the academic department if you have a placement for a vocational course. Examples of this could be:

  • adjustments to working hours
  • consideration of travel time
  • parking on site
  • accessibility of buildings

 

Assistive Technology

Apps Anywhere is a web based tool which provides access to a range of software applications which can then be used by students using their own Windows device or from a university owned PC, from any campus location. The applications available include Texthelp Read&Write (textto-speech) and MindManager (mind mapping), as well as Audacity, which can be used to make and edit recordings, and EndNote to help with referencing. There is also one computer within the library with Supernova available for students with visual impairments.

Blackboard materials are available to download in a range of accessible formats to suit student’s needs.

Library Support

The library staff can assist with:

  • providing accessible electronic versions of books
  • finding books for you to collect
  • sourcing and creating accessible formats of materials
  • accessing the library online catalogue to locate books
  • 1:1 introductions to the library building, its study spaces and facilities
  • using assistive technology installed on the library PC’s.

Library’s guide to finding inclusive technology to support your learning.

For more information and support in the library, please contact library@reading.ac.uk or visit reading.ac.uk/library

 

Academic and Social Mentoring

Academic mentoring

Students who experience organisational difficulties may benefit from additional support through our Academic Mentoring Scheme.

This support may be provided by a postgraduate student and can assist with:

  • organising workloads
  • prioritising work
  • time management.

Academic mentoring does not provide teaching support, but aims to reduce the impact of organisational difficulties on study.

Social mentoring

Students who experience challenges managing the social side of university life may benefit from Social Mentoring support.

This support is provided by current students and they can assist with:

  • questions you may have about settling in at University
  • support to join clubs and societies
  • orientation around campus
  • meeting for a chat.

This is likely to be during the first few weeks of term, but can be for longer if needed.

If you think that this support may be useful to you, please contact the Disability Advisory Service. Eligibility will be based on medical evidence and discussion with a Disability Adviser.

 

Assistance and therapy animals

Assistance animal

An assistance animal is an animal, usually a dog, which has been professionally trained to perform tasks for someone. It will be registered with Assistance Dogs UK (ADUK).

Students who wish to bring an assistance dog on campus must:

  1. be registered with the Disability Advisory Service
  2. provide details on the dog’s registration with ADUK and provide evidence that dog and owner have completed training
  3. complete the animal application form and if approved;
  4. complete the conduct agreement
  5. provide evidence of public liability insurance
  6. inform the accommodation office at acmo@reading.ac.uk if living in halls of residence

The Disability Advisory Service will include this information on the student’s Individual Learning Plan. It is required that if an assistance animal has been organised through one of the ADUK organisations that a representative from the organisation will make contact with the Disability Advisory Service to discuss practical details including arrangements for Halls.

Therapy Animal

A therapy animal (or emotional support animal) is an animal that provides emotional support to help alleviate identified symptoms or effects of a disability or medical condition. A therapy animal does not necessarily aid with mobility and does not assist with practical daily tasks.

Students who wish to bring a therapy animal on campus must:

  1. be registered with the Disability Advisory Service
  2. provide appropriate medical evidence to support the request to have a therapy animal on campus, which should include information about the support the animal will provide and where it may need to go on campus
  3. complete the animal application form and if approved;
  4. complete the conduct agreement
  5. inform the accommodation office at acmo@reading.ac.uk if living in halls of residence
  6. arrange public liability insurance (through pet insurance) and provide a copy of the policy to DAS

DAS will include this information on the student’s Individual Learning Plan. Consideration will then be given as to whether the adjustment of bringing a therapy dog or other animal onto campus and into Halls is reasonable or if the student can be supported effectively through other services. Consideration will also be given as to the possible impact of the request on other members of the University community such as significant disruption to services and allergies, as well as the welfare requirements of the animal.