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DSSSTUDENT GUIDE

Disability Support ServiceU N I V E R S I T Y C O L L E G E C O R K

PRODUCED BY:

DISABILITY SUPPORT SERVICE, UCC

WWW.UCC.IE/DSS

EUROPEAN SOCIAL FUND

Disability Support Service

CONTENTS

Page

Welcome .....................................................................................................3

Map of Campus .........................................................................................4

Disability Support Staff Contact Details & Opening Hours.........5

How to Register with the Disability Support Service ....................6

DSS Support Programmes .....................................................................8

DSS Code of Practice.............................................................................16

Financial Support...................................................................................18

Student Support Services ....................................................................20

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WELCOME

Dear Student,

Congratulations on getting a CAO offer to study at University College Cork. Iam delighted to welcome you and I hope your experience of studying herewill be an enjoyable and rewarding one.

If you have a disability/specific learning difficulty, the Disability SupportService will assist you by offering a range of services/supports to enable youparticipate effectively in your studies and enjoy the university experience.

The staff of the Disability Support Service are there to assist you achieve youreducational and vocational goals. Currently, the Service supports over 1,000students with disabilities and has an excellent track record in facilitating theempowerment of students to become independent learners, achieveacademic success and make an excellent transition to employment ongraduation.

If you require any supports to facilitate your studies in UCC, please contactthe Disability Support Service by telephone at 021-4902985 or via e mail [email protected]

I hope you will find this information booklet useful. If you need it in analternative format please contact the Service or check our website atwww.ucc.ie/dss

I wish you every success in your studies in UCC and look forward to meetingyou.

Yours sincerely,

_________________Mary O’GradyDisability Support Officer/Head of Service

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Mary O’GradyDisability Support Officer Head of ServiceEmail: [email protected] Phone: (021) 4902985

Dyslexia SupportPhone: (021) 4903423

Emma LandryEA (PT)Email: [email protected]: (021)4903421

Disability Advisor to Students with Mental Health DifficultiesEmail: [email protected]: (021)4902089

Careers Advisory ServiceSpecialist Careers AdvisorEmail: [email protected] Phone: (021) 4903768

Madeline DeasySEA, Exams/NotetakingEmail: [email protected] Phone: (021) 4903425

Deirdre MaddenAT Outreach Co-ordinator (PT)Email: [email protected] Phone: (021) 4902784

Linda DoranDeputy Head of Service Disability Advisor to Students who areBlind/Vision ImpairedEmail: [email protected] Phone: (021) 4903422

Siobhan Colclough Disability Advisor to Students withSpecific Learning Difficulties Email: [email protected] Phone: (021) 4205112

Darrelle KeeganDisability Advisor to Students who areDeaf/Hard of HearingEmail: [email protected] Phone: (021) 4902784/4205111

Caroline O’Donnell-KeturakieneSEA, Accounts (PT)Email: [email protected]: (021) 4903800

Lisa EganSEA (PT)Disability Advisor to Students with Significant On-Going IllnessesEmail: [email protected] Phone: (021) 4902189

Liath SheehanOccupational Therapist (PT)Email: [email protected] Phone: (021) 4903421

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DSS Opening Hours

Monday 10.00– 12.45 2.15– 4.45

Tuesday 10.00– 12.45 2.15– 6.00 (Term Time Only)

Wednesday 10.00– 12.45 Closed Wed. Afternoon

Thursday 10.00– 12.45 2.15– 4.45

Friday 10.00– 12.45 Closed Fri. Afternoon

AT Lab Hours

Monday 10.00-9.00

Tuesday 10.00-9.00

Wednesday 10.00-9.00

Thursday 10.00-9.00

Friday 10.00-1.00

DISABILITY SUPPORT SERVICE STAFF CONTACT DETAILS

If you wish to make an appointment please contact Reception at the DSS on:Phone: (021) 4902985 Email: [email protected]

OPENING HOURS


HOW TO REGISTER WITH THE DISABILITY SUPPORT SERVICE

Who can register with the DSS?

The Disability Support Service is well established and supports the needs of over 1,000students with disabilities studying in UCC. Students registered with the Service includestudents with physical and sensory disabilities, students with specific learning difficultiessuch as Dyslexia, students with ADD/ADHD, students with High Functioning Autism orAspergers Syndrome, students with significant on going illnesses and students withdifficulties. The D.S.S. provides supports to all students with a disability including those who enter UCC via the following admission routes:

• Standard CAO Entry

• DARE Entry

• International Students with Disabilities

• Mature students who have a verified disability/specific learning difficulty

• Post Graduate Students with a disability

How can a student Register with the Disability Support Service?

Students can register with the Service online by clicking the link at http://www.ucc.ie/en/dss/registration/forms/dssform/ which is available on the UCCDisability Service web page.

What Kind of Supporting Documentation does a Student need to Register with the DSS?

• A list of the modules you are pursuing and names of lecturers (this information may befound on your course outline).

• Students with a Specific Learning Difficulty (e.g. Dyslexia) should bring a copy of an Educational Psychologist Report (assessment within the last 3 years) clearly stating that the student has a specific learning disability.

• Students with sensory and physical disabilities, those with ADD/ADHD, High Functioning Autism (Asperger Syndrome) and Dyspraxia, students with medical and mental health difficulties must submit verification by a Medical Consultant/Specialist inthe relevant field of disability. Please note that General Practitioner (G.P.) letters are not accepted as suitable medical evidence.

• A Medical Evidence Form is available to download from our website at http://www.ucc.ie/dss

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First Meeting with a Disability Advisor

When you disclose your disability and register with the DSS, you will be given anopportunity if necessary to meet with a Disability Advisor to discuss your individualeducational support requirements.

Students with disabilities/learning difficulties are encouraged to meet with a DisabilityAdvisor, as early as possible to identify their needs and ensure that all necessaryarrangements can be made. Due to the volume of demands for services and supports,students should note that it can take time to organise supports at the beginning of theacademic year.

Preparing for a Needs Assessment with a Disability Advisor

To prepare for your first meeting with a Disability Advisor, please think about thefollowing issues:

• What do you find easy to do? What do you find difficult?

• What challenges did you experience in second level education?

• How does your disability / specific learning difficulty affect your study? The DSS will communicate your learning and educational needs to your lecturers where appropriateif you give consent for same.

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Educational / Learning Supports

Orientation Programme

Orientation programmes are held at the beginning of the new academic year for studentswith specific learning difficulties (i.e. Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, ADD/ADHD and students withAsperger Syndrome/High Functioning Autism) who gain entry through the standardC.A.O Route and the Disability Access Route to Education (DARE). These programmesprovide students with an important introduction to university life.

All other entrants with disabilities are seen individually by Disability Advisors who explainall aspects of the transition process to University.

Liaison with Academic Departmental Representatives

The Disability Support Service liaises with nominated Departmental AcademicRepresentatives to inform them of the requirements of students with disabilities pursuingdegree programmes in their departments.

Recording Lectures

Rationale

If a student is unable to take accurate notes ina lecture due to the implication of theirdisability a Disability Advisor will liaise with theacademic department to provide lectures inalternate formats.

DSS Strategy

The alternative formats may include one ormore of the following as recommended by theDisability Advisor:

• Panopto• Echo Pen & Audio Notetaker• Dictaphone & Audio Notetaker• Go Mic & Audio Notetaker• Notetaker

The DSS requires each student to sign aRecording Agreement which states that thestudent accepts that the content of thelectures, and the delivery thereof, are for thestudent’ s use for learning purposes only andcannot be reproduced outside of UCC for anyreason. Any violation of this agreement willresult in the withdrawal of special permissionto record lectures as well as a review of thisaccommodation and similar services in thefuture.

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EDUCATIONAL SUPPORTS AVAILABLE THROUGH THE DSS


Learning Support

Rationale

Some students due to the impact of their disability/specific learning difficulty mayexperience challenges completing coursework/assignments for their degree programme.

DSS Strategy

The DSS strategy is to facilitate the empowerment of all students registered with theService by enabling students become independent learners and ultimately be successfulin higher education. The Service offers a range of supports aimed at enhancing thecompetencies of each student to manage the new learning environment and ultimatelymake a successful transition to employment. The DSS has developed a number ofReasonable Accommodations to assist students develop their potential. The key optionsinclude:

On-Line Study Skills Programme

• RED - An online study skills programme entitled RED - Resources for Education. http://www.ucc.ie/en/red/

• All first year entrants are registered in a Blackboard module entitled “Study Skills” which hosts relevant information to enhance their study skills in higher education

• Students with specific learning difficulties can avail of an Academic Skills Training programme and one to one support with a Dyslexia Tutor

• The training and use of assistive technologies also helps students manage their learningsupport requirements and a full schedule of training in Assistive Technologies and specialised software can be seen at www.ucc.ie/dss

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Support Programme for students with High Functioning Autism

The Disability Support Service has developed a specific programme to enable studentswith High Functioning Autism/Aspergers Syndrome, to cope with transition to highereducation.

• Specific Orientation Programme held at the beginning of the accademic year

• One to one support from an AS Tutor who assists students’ transition to university life

• Additional tuition where necessary

• Alternative examination arrangements

• The DSS liaises with Key Workers from Aspect, a service of Cork Association for Autismto assist students develop appropriate social and personal skills to help integration intoUniversity life

Subject Specific Tuition

Rationale

The DSS follows the principle set out in the HEA Guidelines regarding the use of ESFFunding for subject specific tuition. Tuition is not available for the provision of tutorialsthat are a direct substitute for core teaching where the student is not prevented by reasonof their disability from participating in core lectures or class-wide tutorials.

The DSS aims to ensure that any subject-specific tutorials for which funding is beingsought is essential to ensure equity of participation, and is not effectively granting thestudent an unfair advantage over other students who do not have access to funding forsuch measures.

DSS Strategy

If a student requires this ‘ Reasonable Accommodation’ due to impact of theirdisability/specific learning difficulty they must discuss the issue in the first instance withtheir Disability Advisor. The following options may be available:

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• Academic Departments may have organised additional support for their students such as Peer Assistive Learning programme organised by College of SEFS or the 10 week Writing Skills Course organised by College of Arts, Celtic Civilisation and Social Science.

• DSS may organise small group or one to one tuition on occasion, if the Disability Advisor confirms the documented need due to impact of disability/specific learning difficulty

• The Disability Support Service encourages the use of Assistive Technologies to build students’ skills in the area of academic writing.

How Can a student avail of Alternative Exam Arrangements?

Students with disabilities may avail of alternative examination arrangements if thissupport is deemed necessary as part of the student’ s needs assessment.

Alternative Arrangements may include some of the following:

• Extra time allowance (10 mins per hour)

• Alternative examination venues

• Use of IT/AT equipment or specialised software

• Notification of learning difficulty for students with Dyslexia

• Provision of exam papers in alternative formats

Any examination support which may be required by an individual student must beagreed, as part of a needs assessment with a Disability Advisor early in the academicyear as details need to be communicated to the Exams Office.

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The University has also developed specific policies to enable students complete theirstudies by allowing flexibility to split examinations between Summer and Autumn and alsoover two years without penalty for honours. Details of these specific policies are asfollows:

Splitting Exams between First/Second Semester and Autumn

A student may submit an application to split examinations between First/SecondSemester and Autumn on grounds of impact of disability, if the following procedures areadhered to:

• Student must submit Consultant’ s verification advising this option on grounds of impact of disability.

• Student must meet with the Academic Department Module Co-ordinator to discuss thisoption. If authorisation is given to split modules between Summer and Autumn this arrangement must be STRICTLY adhered to

• Student must meet with their Disability Advisor to discuss this option.

• Note: If due to unforeseen circumstances a student cannot comply with approved arrangements, contact must be made with the Disability Support Service immediately.

• If authorisation to split exams is approved a waiver on capping for honours will applyonly on medical grounds.

Splitting Examinations Over Two Years

A student may submit an application to split examinations over two years if evidence ofimpact of disability is provided, that due to exceptional circumstances the student isunable to manage the demand of the degree programme in one sitting.

The following procedures must be adhered to:

• Student must submit consultant’ s verification advising this option on grounds of impact of disability.

• Student must meet with the Academic Department Module Co-ordinator to discuss thisoption. If authorisation is given to split modules between Summer and Autumn this arrangement must be STRICTLY adhered to

• Student must meet with their Disability Advisor to discuss this option.

• Note: If due to unforeseen circumstances a student cannot comply with approved arrangements, contact must be made with the Disability Support Service immediately.

• If authorisation to split exams is approved a waver on capping for honours will applyon medical grounds.

Waiver of Capping in Supplemental Examinations

• If a student defers a module/modules in either Semester 1 or Semester 2 examinationson medical grounds - then the module grade will not be capped for honours in Autumnexams. However, if student fails an exam and is resitting that exam then the module grade will be capped.

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The Disability Support Service has an extensive Assistive Technology Unit based on theground floor of the Boole Library. This Unit hosts an extensive range of the most up todate hardware and specialised software to facilitate students with a wide range ofdisabilities. The Unit has a dedicated AT Assessment Room, Training facility with 20workstations and an interactive white board, dedicated booths which are used for one toone training in specialised software and an alternative format facility where books areconverted into electronic and Braille formats to suit students with different printdisabilities.

Some examples of software/hardware available in the Assistive Technology Unitinclude:

Vision Impaired: JAWS/Zoomtext, Tiger Embosser, Zeta scanner, Braille Note, etc

Specific Learning Difficulty – Literacy software, mind mapping software, text to speechsoftware and voice recognition software

Physical Disability: A variety of input devices including adaptive keyboards, adaptivemice, as well as voice recognition software

Hard of Hearing: Conversers, and portable loop systems

The Assistive Technology Officer completes a AT assessment for individual students toaddress his/her Assistive Technology and I.T.Training needs.

For further information on the Assistive Technology Unit and the types of technologyavailable, please see our website at http://www.ucc.ie/en/dss/students/AT/

Alternative Media Formats

The DSS can provide materials in alternative formats that best suit the requirements ofstudents with a print disability. Core text books, lecture handouts and exam papers aremade available in Alternative formats that are accessible to students depending on theirspecific needs and the technology they are using.

SPLD students can avail of training to enable them to scan course material into a formatthat suits them, e.g. MP3, Pdf etc.

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TECHNOLOGICAL SUPPORTS AVAILABLE THROUGH THE DSS


Personal Assistants

The DSS will link with Service Providers on behalf of students to provide access to PA’ son Campus.

Campus Transport and Accessibility

An On-Campus Transport Service operates daily. This service facilitates students who arecommuting to and from their campus apartments to college. This service is available tostudents with mobility and vision impairments. If you need accessible transport to andfrom UCC, please discuss this with your Disability Advisor.

Uplift Peer Mentor Programme

A Peer to Peer Mentor Programme offers support to students with mental healthdifficulties, who may be experiencing problems integrating and coping with university life.Please contact your Disability Advisor for more information on this support programme.

Occupational Therapy Programme

A professional Occupational Therapist delivers workshops and offers support to studentswith disabilities who experience difficulty balancing the demands of college life andpersonal issues. Workshops are organised which assist students in developing good timemanagement skills, organisational skills and personal effectiveness skills.

Integrated Physical Activity Programme

The DSS liaises with Clinical Therapy staff from the Mardyke Arena to facilitate studentswith disabilities to participate in:

• Swimming Programme

• Pilates

• Hydrotherapy

• Anti-Gravity Treadmill

Career Support Programme

Careers Advisors offer support and guidance to prospective students with disabilities onprogramme options and making appropriate choices to ensure optimum success. TheCareers Advisors also support students with disabilities in preparation for programmeplacement and in the transition to employment on graduation.

Services Include:

• One to one Advice Clinics

• Specialist Workshops/Seminars on Transition to Employment

• CV preparation and one-to-one guidance interviews

• Advice on disclosing disability during the job hunting process.

• Liaison with FAS, Employability Cork and WAM Programme organised by AHEAD

• Information on grants and incentives to employment – http://www.ucc.ie/en/dss/careers/

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PERSONAL SUPPORTS AVAILABLE THROUGH THE DSS


DSS CODE OF PRACTICE

DSS Code of Practice

The Code of Practice is applicable to all students, who register with the Disability SupportService. This Code of Practice is intended to promote a model for a high standard ofservice to students with disabilities. The University “will do all that is reasonable” toaccommodate the needs of students with disabilities as per the Equal Status Act, 2000but the responsibility for learning lies with you the student.

The purpose of this Code of Practice:

• To outline to students with disabilities their rights and responsibilities in receiving Reasonable Accommodations in the University.

• To define the University’ s rights and responsibilities to students with disabilities and to the U.C.C. community.

Every student with a disability/specific learning difficulty has the right to:

• Equitable access to courses, services, activities and facilities throughout the Universityin as far as is reasonably possible.

• Reasonable and appropriate accommodations, academic adjustments, and/or additional services which are determined on a case-by-case basis and in accordance with the individual’ s certified disability/specific learning difficulty to access the learning environment.

• Request a review of their Reasonable Accommodations.

• Appropriate confidentiality of disability records (files) and that disclosure of information will only happen with the student’ s written consent.

• Information reasonably available in accessible formats.

• Be treated with dignity and respect.

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Every student with a disability/specific learning difficulty has the responsibility to:

• Register with the Disability Support Service and identify themselves in a timely mannerwhen seeking an accommodation.

• Provide documentation from a Consultant/Educational Psychologist that verifies the nature of the disability/learning difficulty.

• Follow Disability Support Service and University procedures if they wish to obtain Reasonable Accommodations.This includes signing the Code of Practice and consenting to release of information.

• Students must follow specific procedures for obtaining Reasonable Accommodations,such as Alternative Examination Arrangements.

• Attend all lectures/tutorials.

• Complete all course work.

• Identify himself/herself to teaching staff.

• Link with Careers Advisor at DSS for advice and guidance re placement implications ongrounds of disability

• Treat staff at the D.S.S. with dignity and respect.

The full document can be downloaded or viewed on the DSS website athttp://www.ucc.ie/en/dss/guidelines/

Policy on Extensions for Continuous Assessment

If a student is unable to meet a deadline for Continuous Assessment, they should contactthe Academic Department as soon as possible.

• The Disability Support Service cannot request an extension on behalf of the student but can offer a letter of support, where it is deemed that the request is on grounds ofdisability.

Policy on Parking

In order to qualify for a Disabled Parking space on campus, you must:

• Have a sticker from the IWA or DDA

• Be a wheelchair user

• Drive an adapted car

Full details of all policies supports and procedures pertaining to the participation ofstudents with disabilities in UCC is available on our website at http://www.ucc.ie/dss

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FINANCIAL SUPPORT

Is there any Financial Supports Available to Students with Disabilities?

Check website www.studentfinance.ie for full details of all financial supports for you as astudent in higher education.

The Fund for Students with Disabilities

Much of the study related-support for students with a disability isfinanced through the “Fund for Students with Disabilities”. TheNational Access Office administers this fund and makes an allocation

to the University depending on the needs of students with disabilities studying in thatcollege. Make an appointment with your Disability Advisor if you need more informationon this fund.

Higher Education Grants Scheme

For further Information on the Higher Education Grants Scheme please referto www.studentfinance.ie

Back to Education Allowance (if Aged 21+ and in Receipt of a Social ProtectionPayment)

The Back To Education Allowance (BTEA) is a scheme administered by the Department ofSocial Protection. It is payable to individuals who wish to pursue approved second andhigher level courses. Further information is available from (01) 8748444 or onwww.welfare.ie.

The ESF Student Assistance Fund

This Fund assists students who, having commenced a third-level programme, experiencefinancial hardship and, therefore, may be unable to continue with their higher level studies.The Fund is administered on a confidential, discretionary basis. The areas that could beconsidered for funding include books/class/medical expenses, food, travel of an urgent oressential nature etc. Funding is not available for the cost of tuition fees. Contact EvanHealy, Budgetary Advisor, email: [email protected], telephone: 021 490 2151, for furtherdetails on applying for this fund.

The NUI Awards Scheme for Students with Disabilities

Under this scheme, which is in operation since 1981, awards are provided for first yearundergraduate students who have physical/sensory disabilities. For information on thisscheme contact your Disability Advisor.

Please Note:If you have difficulty managing your finances in University contact Evan Healy, UCCBudgetary Advisor via e mail at [email protected]

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STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES

UCC is committed to ensuring every student has a quality Student Experience. The Headof the Student Experience is Dr Ian Pickup

The Range of Support Services in UCC are as follows:

Student Health

Located at Ardpatrick House, College Road, next to the student car park – this venue iswheelchair accessible. A nine to five General Practice service for the student populationis provided all year round.

Contact Details:Phone: 021 490 2311Website: http://www.ucc.ie/en/studenthealth/(Student health do not allow contact via email and therefore do not have an address).

Student Counselling & Development Service

Located at Ardpatrick House, College Road. UCC Counsellors give you the support toexplore issues important to you. Individual and Group Counselling Sessions are availableto students who require assistance in dealing with problems which are affecting theiracademic and social integration in UCC. The Disability Support Service works closely withthe Student Counselling and Development Service and the Student Health Service tofacilitate students’ needs.

Contact Details:Phone: 021 490 3565 Text: 087 2453840 (office hours only)Email: [email protected]: http://www.ucc.ie/en/studentcounselling/

Chaplaincy

Located at Iona, College Rd. It is open to all religious denominations and provides asupportive presence across campus.

Contact Details:Phone: 021 4902 459 Email: [email protected]: http://www.uccchaplaincy.com/

Careers Service

Located at 3/4 Brighton Villas, Western Road. This venue is wheelchair accessible. TheService offers advice on CVs, summer and long term employment, psychometric testingand interview practice.

Contact Details:Phone: 021 490 3638 Email: [email protected]: http://www.ucc.ie/en/careers/

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Student Union

Located on College Road. Students are encouraged to make contact with members of theStudent Union if they encounter difficulties.

Contact Details:Phone 021 490 2367 Email: [email protected]: http://www.collegeroad.ie/

Accommodations Office

Contact Details:Phone:021 4902276.Email: [email protected]: www.ucc.ie/services/

On Campus Accommodation available for Students with Disabilities

Accessible accommodation is offered by UCC at various locations; CastlewhiteApartments, Brookfield, Farranlea Hall, Victoria Lodge, and The Spires.

Contact Details:Phone: 021 - 4902479 Email: [email protected]: http://www.ucccampusaccommodation.com/

Physical Education and Sport

Located at the Mardyke Arena, on Mardyke Walk.

Contact Details:Phone: 021 4904752 Email: [email protected]: http://www.ucc.ie/en/education/sspe/

Mardyke Arena

The Mardyke Arena is a fully accessible sports facility consisting of a 25 metre swimmingpool, changing rooms and a gym which provides dual purpose equipment. Adaptiveequipment is available to enable wheelchair users access to the pool facility.

Contact Details:Phone: 021 4904751Email: [email protected]: http://www.mardykearena.com/

Library Services at UCC

The Boole Library is named after George Boole, the first Professor of Mathematics atQueen’ s College, Cork (now UCC). The Library is situated centrally on campus andprovides a range of services to support the teaching and research of all Universityprogrammes. The Boole Library’ s website provides detailed information on all libraryservices and allows students to access their library record.

Contact Details:Phone: 021 4902794Email: [email protected]: www.booleweb.ucc.ie

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ICT Services

In the Student IT Centers, you can log on to the Open Access Computers and Printersusing your Network Access Account. Once you log on to a PC you will have access to theinternet and a range of software including Microsoft Office. You will also be able to usethe printing facilities available.

Contact Details:Phone: 021 4901886Email: [email protected]: http://www.ucc.ie/en/sit/


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NOTES

WHO TO CONTACT

Disability Support ServiceSouth Lodge

University CollegeCork

Ph: 021-4902985 Fax: 021-4903123

Email: [email protected] Website: www.ucc.ie/dss

Disability Support ServiceU N I V E R S I T Y C O L L E G E C O R K

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