Supporting Autistic Learners with Technology in Higher Education

1. Amy Porter - Transition Officer Alec Archer - Needs Assessor Simon Crawley - Technical Adviser Rich Nind - Technical Adviser Sheffield Hallam University Supporting Autistic Learners with Technology in Higher Education

2. Transition from Further Education (FE) to Higher Education (HE) • The Disabled Student Journey in HE • The Disabled Students' Allowances (DSA) process • The Study Needs Assessment (SNA) process • Assessing an Autistic Learners Needs • Technology demonstration Introduction

3. Under 18 Over 18 • Move from ‘Integrated’ to ‘Individual’ Funding • Less supervision and more autonomous learning • Smaller classes to large lecture theatres • Often away from home and support networks • Fresh start – boost in confidence or risk of stress • Move from ‘Special Needs’ or 'Additional Learning Needs’ to ‘Disabled Student’ Transition from FE - HE

4. Course Design • Teaching • Placements • Equipment • Materials • Assessment Disabled Student Journey

5. Medical Evidence D Apply for DSA • Course Design • Teaching • Placements • Equipment • Materials • Assessment D = Disclosure

6. Medical Evidence D Apply for DSA • Course Design • Teaching • Placements • Equipment • Materials • Assessment D DSA Assessment Institutional Support D = Disclosure

7. Medical Evidence D Apply for DSA • Course Design • Teaching • Placements • Equipment • Materials • Assessment D DSA Assessment Support Review - If appropriate Institutional Support Learning Contract D = Disclosure

8. Medical Evidence Access to Work D D Apply for DSA Placement Support • Course Design • Teaching • Placements • Equipment • Materials • Assessment D DSA Assessment Support Review - If appropriate Institutional Support Learning Contract D = Disclosure

9. DSA is a non means tested allowance that disabled students who are either already on, or moving towards studying on a higher education course can apply for. • DSA covers any additional study costs a student will incur because of their disability including equipment and software and non medical helpers. The DSA process

10. The SNA is an opportunity for the student to discuss with an assessor how the effects of their disability may impact on their ability to meet their course requirements. • Different support options will be explored and negotiated between the assessor and student until the most appropriate support strategies have been agreed. The SNA Process

11. Information gathering This informs Identification of need This informs Suitable support strategies This informs Students Funding Bodies Service Providers The SNA Process

12. Identification of Need - This highlights the effects of the student’s disability on the following aspects of their academic life: • Research • Composition • Note-taking • Proofreading • Time Management • Access to ICT / Course Technology / Practical Activities • Examinations and Assessments • Communication • Mobility Assessing an Autistic Learners Needs

13. Case Study: Adam is 18 and in his first year at university studying Environmental Sciences. The student was referred to a clinical psychologist at the age of 8 due to behavioural, attention and interaction difficulties. A review took place when Adam was 16 which showed motivational and organisational difficulties. Assessing an Autistic Learners Needs

14. Recommendations for support: • Laptop computer with Microsoft Office • Combination printer, scanner and photocopier • Mindview • Texthelp Read and Write • Digital Recorder • Audio Notetaker • Study Skills Tutor • Mentor Assessing an Autistic Learners Needs

15. Mindview • Digital Recorder • Audio Notetaker • Organisational Devices • Text to Speech Software Technology Demonstration

16. Any Questions