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Disabled learners in VET – the UK situation Martin Steinmuller 28 September 2011. About LSIS. The Learning and Skills Improvement Service (LSIS) is the national improvement body for further education and skills in England and Wales. We are sector-owned.
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Disabled learners in VET – the UK situationMartin Steinmuller28 September 2011
About LSIS • The Learning and Skills Improvement Service (LSIS) is the national improvement body for further education and skills in England and Wales. We are sector-owned. • We work on Quality Improvement, Governance, E&D, Community Development, Teaching and Learning, Curriculum design, Sustainable Development, innovation and new ways of working and more… • Our services include: • Leadership and management courses • Virtual learning environments • Toolkits • Workshops and conferences → Two links: www.lsis.org.uk and www.excellencegateway.org.uk
The UK VET system • 414 General Further Education and Sixth Form Colleges with over 3 million learners aged 16+ • 72 National Specialist Colleges • 40% of 16-18 year olds studying at a college; 13.3% from disadvantaged background • 20% of Black and Ethnic minority students in colleges, compared to 13% in the population → diverse mix of students • 4000-5000 Work-based Learning and Adult and Community Learning providers
Disabled learners (age 16-24) in UK VET • 56% not in employment, education or training compared to 23% of non-disabled population → problem to access course • Disproportionate number on low level course (Level1 or entry courses) → inadequate assessment of skills • Risk of potential cuts to lower level courses • No dedicated financial support for disabled learners as compared to Higher Education • 48% employment rate compared to 78% of general population
Experience of disabled learners “I’ve had to fight for reasonable adjustments, handouts in large print on coloured paper and a large screen monitor, and am seriously considering quitting because of the way I’ve been treated and them generally acting as though they know more about my needs than what I or my consultant do.’ (National Union of Students focus group participant, 2008)
The support of Q4S • One-stop shop for learners • Informs them on available guidance • Raises their confidence to self-promote their agenda • Helps them assess and understand their requirements • Provides valuable disclosure advice etc. → Learners are empowered! • Useful for teacher training
Contact details • Martin Steinmuller • Community Development Manager • E: martin.steinmuller@lsis.org.uk • Mobile: +44 (0) 78 2593 4750 • Telephone: +44 (0) 24 7662 7717