Disability Scheme

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Download the Disability Scheme in Word Format

Further Information

For further information please contact
Jamshaid Yousaf
Tel:01282 440299

Disability Statement

Introduction

This Disability Statement brings together into one document relevant information from various parts of the College. It can be read in conjunction with the College Charter which sets out the College's responsibilities towards its customers. A 'Guide for Learners', telling them how the Disability Statement can help them, is also available. The College believes in equality of opportunity, and disability is an element of its Equality of Opportunity Policy. If you, or someone you know, is disabled or has a learning difficulty, this Disability Statement will set out:

  • the policies of Nelson & Colne College
  • the names of members of staff with special responsibility for disabled persons
  • admission arrangements
  • educational facilities and support
  • arrangements for handling complaints and appeals
  • additional support or special arrangements during examination and assessment
  • facilities and support available, including counselling and welfare arrangements, links with external organisations which provide support, careers guidance, including a named contact catering for special dietary needs, and medical support
  • physical access to educational and other facilities including transport, canteen, personal hygiene facilities, learning resource centres, main teaching areas and workshops.

Key Staff

The main contact for issues to do with learning difficulties and disabilities is Jamshaid Yousaf, who arranges support for students. He is in close contact with staff who can offer advice such as:

  • specific support for studying eg: - dyslexia - physical disabilities - learning disabilities - mental health problems
  • issues to do with access to buildings
  • special support for examinations
  • supporting your medical needs
  • counselling
  • health & safety
  • careers

The College has been working with learners with learning difficulties and/or disabilities for many years, and has proven expertise in this field of work. In addition, staff have the chance to undertake specialised training.

Admission Arrangements

The College has an admissions policy and a system which is designed to help all students get on the programme which is best suited to their needs. This applies equally to learners with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. Before deciding to come to College, you can get help and guidance from College staff in a variety of ways. These can include:

  • individual discussions or interviews with staff either in College or a place of your choice
  • opportunities to sample different courses
  • open days or evenings which you can attend with your parents, guardians, advocates or carers
  • opportunities to discuss your own individual needs.

If you are at school and you have a statement of educational need, you are entitled to ask for a representative of the College to be present at your 14+ review. The College application form invites applicants to identify any additional support needs they might have. As well as this, there is a system for school leavers which enables schools to identify students who may want additional help. This information is passed on to the Head of Student Services, who will try to make sure that the interviewing staff are aware of the help the College can give you while on your programme. When you have been accepted by the College, the support that has been agreed will be made available. If we cannot meet your needs, we will do what we can to refer you to appropriate agencies.

Educational Facilities and Support

The type of support which the College provides will depend on your individual needs. It could be one or more of the following:

  • help with special care
  • individual teaching or teaching in a small group
  • special equipment to use at College
  • a support teacher or worker to help with parts of your programme or College life
  • specialist teaching
  • help with how to learn best
  • help with moving around College or between sites
  • special arrangements in assessments and examinations, where these are allowed by examination boards.

The College sets aside a sum of money to buy or lease special equipment where possible. You will receive a Support Agreement which describes how the College will help you. You will be invited to review these arrangements and to comment upon them each term.

Arrangements for Handling Complaints

We hope that you will be satisfied with the service you get from the College. If for any reason you are not, then there is a way for you to make a complaint. The College has a Complaints Procedure, which is outlined in the College Charter, and we try to deal with all complaints fairly and effectively. If you need any help on making a complaint, staff in the Reception Area will be able to advise you. If you do make a complaint, we will let you know that we have received it within three working days. We will deal with your complaint fully and let you know the outcome within two weeks of getting it. If you feel that you have not been treated fairly, there is an Appeals Procedure which you can access.

Examinations and Assessment

The College always tries to make sure that disabled learners are not at a disadvantage in their assessment or examinations. Providing the awarding bodies are in agreement, we will make available some or all of the following:

  • extra time
  • an individual room
  • someone to whom you can dictate your answers
  • any other help which we are permitted to give you.

Facilities and Support

The College staff have links with organisations and agencies who are available to help disabled students. If for some reason the College is not able to help you, it will contact other agencies to see if they can help. For example:

  • Social Services
  • Health Service
  • Welfare Benefits Information Service
  • Local Disability Service Team
  • Careers Advisors
  • University Support teams

Should you wish to access any of these specialised services, the Head of Student Services will be pleased to help. Should you have any special dietary needs, then the College's Refectory Manager, Denise Campbell, will help in any way possible.

Physical Accommodation and Access

The College has ramped entrances for the convenience of people who use wheelchairs.

All ground floor teaching areas are therefore accessible. In all buildings, there are lifts which enable access to all floors. Where there is no easy access to every first floor at the College, all specialised facilities also exist on the ground floor; this means that most classes can be relocated for the convenience of disabled students, and the College will do so wherever it is possible and necessary.

The College has toilet facilities which have been specially adapted for disabled people, and there are specially designated parking spaces at the College.