Extended Learning Needs

If you have an identified disability or learning need you can access additional support. Phone 0141 272 3214.

Additional support is available to people who have:

  • a visual impairment
  • a hearing impairment
  • mobility issues
  • dyslexia/dysgraphia
  • a medical condition
  • mental health
  • any issues which may effect your learning

The college has:

  • disabled access and parking
  • wheelchair lifts to all floors
  • lifts with low level buttons & floor identity system (sound and visual display)
  • disabled toilets

The college may also provide:

  • Communication for the Deaf
  • Enlarging/Brailling for the visual impaired
  • Scribing/assessment for dyslexic students
  • Equipment on loan e.g Lap Top, Spellchecker, Calculators (Full list of equipment available on request)
  • Student Plus - agreement with Flexible Learning Unit and Library to allow students additional time for computer use and book loans.

Support Provision
The student support staff, in accordance with the College Disability Statement, will provide information on:

  • Additional support that the student may expect to receive
  • arrangements for students with physical or sensory disabilities in particular regarding access to buildings and accommodation
  • sources of extra funding which may be available
  • sources of specialist equipment which may be available
  • counselling for students if required
  • the college committee to improve facilities and access for all students with disabilities
  • the college complaints procedure
  • the college procedure on student guidance - Extended Learning Needs

Non-Advanced - NC Full-Time/Individual Programmes/General Education
Before starting the programme, learning support staff will meet with you to discuss your needs and negotiate a Personal Learning Support Plan for continuous support. Dyslexic students can have assessments proof-read and a scribe for exams. All students are able to access technology i.e. laptops, spellcheckers, dictaphones/tape recorders, CD-Roms etc. on a short term loan basis.

Whether study is full time or part time, the college bursary may provide some additional monies required for travel costs and extra support. There is no specific fund for other additional needs but support staff will try to identify alternative sources of support.

Advanced - HNC/HND Students
Full time and part Students in receipt of funding from Students Awards Agency for Scotland and who have a recognised Disability or learning difficulty can qualify for DSA - (Disabled Students' Allowance). Please speak to a member of the Key Skills if you are not sure of eligibility.

What is the Allowance?
If you are disabled and have extra costs on your course due to your disability, you can apply for the Disabled Students' Allowance as part of your funding. The allowance can cover the cost of a non-medical personal helper, major items of specialist equipment and other relevant expenditure.

What does the DSA cover?
The DSA is in three parts:

  1. Basic Allowance This allowance is paid toward general expenditure. It can be used to buy minor items such as tapes, Braille paper, radio aids, certain assessment fees and small items of equipment. You can also claim for medically certified dietary needs here or top up any part of the other two allowances if necessary. NB Part time student applications will be in equal proportion to the time spent on the course. (applies to sections 1 and 3)
  2. Special Equipment Allowance Full allowance available to all students. This allowance can be used to purchase any equipment that may be necessary for your course or to pay for the repair or upgrade of any existing equipment you may have.
  3. Non Medical Personal Help This yearly allowance can provide for course related personal help, such as Note-takers, Lipspeakers, Readers, Interpreters and other non-medical helpers that are necessary for you to benefit fully from your course.

Establishing a Disability
You will be asked to submit documentary evidence of your disability or learning need. However, you may have had your disability established at an earlier date, for example, through your time at school or another institution, which will serve as sufficient evidence. This need can be assessed by Student Support.

How do I apply?
You must indicate on your SAAS (Student Awards Agency for Scotland) application form, at item 15, that you also wish to claim DSA. A separate form will be sent for completion by you and an authorised person at the institution you will be attending. You should apply for this allowance at the earliest possible date.

For further information contact Kate Sangster, Head of Student Support on 0141 272 3214 or email ksangster@cardonald.ac.uk

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