Online resources to support the learning of disabled students.

1. 3rd International Conference Education 4 All Warsaw, Poland June 29th - July 1st Online resources to support the learning of disabled students. Matt Smith and Dr Val Chapman, University of Worcester Centre for Inclusive Learning Support United Kingdom 29.06.2010

2. Introduction • Introducing two web resources developed by the Centre fro Inclusive Learning Support • Q4S • UMA

3. Sessions Structure Using the resource Project Summary Web Resource Conceptual Framework Research

4. Project Overview • Funded by EU Leonardo Da Vinci, Life Long Learning Programme • Oct 2009 – Sept 2011 • Knowledge transfer, Inclusive practice • Project Partners; Greece, Turkey, Bulgaria

5. Project Overview Q4S Objectives “The resource will enable disabled students to identify barriers to their learning, and provide them with strategies and practical resources to overcome these barriers” “As a result, Q4S will contribute to disabled students’ integration into mainstream training and subsequently into employment, thereby improving their life chances and enhancing the available pool of skilled labour”

6. Research • Two stage research • Pre-development research • 175 students • Findings • Literacy and numeracy • Legal rights. • Self advocacy, disclosure

7. Research Pilot testing research • 145 face to face, 100 online feedback. • Findings • Accessibility • Readability • Images • Background colours • Audio version

8. Concept • Key Skills • Numeracy • Literacy • Practical skills • ICT skills • Group work • Visual skills

9. Concept • Q4S web resource offers advice on: • Self Help • Disclosure • Support from tutors • Accessibility • Reading age • Image • Audio format • Colour backgrounds.

10. Using Q4S

14. Project Overview • National Teaching Fellowship Scheme funded • Feb 2009 – Jan 2011 • Led by the University of Worcester, Dr Val Chapman CILS • ...in partnership with the University of Gloucestershire and University of Plymouth

15. Project Overview Objective Address lower levels of employment of graduates with disabilities. Only 50% of disabled people of working age are in employment compared to 81% of non-disabled people of working age. Web based resource • University staff, inclusive learning practice, • Students • Employers

16. Research Research Purpose • Inform web resource content and design • Stakeholders

17. Research Research Approach • Methods • Target groups Key findings (1) Written communication (2) Attitude not disability a barrier (3) Reflective learning (4) Extracurricular activities

18. Concept • Based on premise that all skills are executed through the application of certain ‘abilities’ • Focus on ability rather than impairment • Recognises a spectrum of ability • Recognises the dynamic of ability within the individual • Recognises the individual experience of impairment and disability

19. Using UMA

23. 3rd International Conference Education 4 All Warsaw, Poland June 29th - July 1st Online resources to support the learning of disabled students. Questions 29.06.2010