Transcript Queens University AS Model of Support

Queen’s University Belfast
Grainne McGoldrick, Disability Officer
Disability Services
Disability
Services
Head of Service
5 Disability
Officers
Needs
Assessment CoOrdinator
2 Admin Support
10 Freelance
Assessors
Co-Ordinator
Register of
Support
Providers
2 Admin Support
Current Students
1,964 students currently registered with Disability Services
• 123 students have Asperger’s Syndrome
Support Model
Transitions Events
Taster Day at Queen’s
Individual visits to
Schools
Liaison with
healthcare
professionals/
support providers
Needs
Assessment
Induction
Event
Asperger's Social
Group
Reassessment
Taster Day
• Held in April.
• Tour of campus, Library.
• Input from Disability Officer, Lecturer, Student,
Accommodation Office, Students’ Union.
• Limited to 60-70 attendees.
‘I found this day very useful and motivational’
‘Has helped my son make his final decision regarding his
University choice. Very enjoyable and informative event’
Induction Event
• Held in September before Freshers’ Week
• Students and parents/guardians invited
• What to expect at University (positive and negative)
• In-course support and funded support (Disabled
Students’ Allowance)
• Important contacts
Asperger’s Social Group
• Established academic year 2006/07
• Queen’s University, National Autistic Society, Jo
Douglas from Northern Ireland Spectrum Centre
Aims of Social Group
Aims
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A chance to meet other students
Stress management
Social skills
Chance to talk/receive support for student issues
Safe and comfortable outlet
Useful points of contact
Enjoyable activities!
• Aims to meet 1-2 times per month during term time,
during the day, around the Queen’s campus
• Guest speakers and workshops – depends on interests
of the group e.g. employability, managing stress, exam
preparation, clubs and societies
• Meet for lunch in the Queen’s area once/twice per
semester
• No need to attend all meetings – depends on students’
interests and other commitments
Other
• One-to-one meetings for prospective students with
Schools
• One-to-one Library Induction
• Priority appointments for needs assessment
• Support during Freshers’ Week
• Quiet areas in Student Accommodation and en-suite
rooms
Students’ Comments
‘When I started out at University I was surprised at the level of support I
was offered. During the second year of my undergraduate degree, the
QUB Social Group started, and since then I’ve had many a great time
and met some great people’
‘ I am richer for the experience as I never ventured out. The group
gives me comfort to know that I am not alone in having trouble
communicating with people’
‘The Christmas and end of year lunches were very good. I had lots of
fun at them. I also found the Degree Plus was beneficial. The movies
were good fun too as was the board game day’.
Challenges
• Isolation
• Group work
• Not-attendance at lectures
• Disruptive behaviour during lectures
• Non-engagement with Support Providers
• Difficulties getting placement/during placement