UCL Student Disability Services Venitia Stoby Student Disability Services Manager - Senior Disability Advisor

The Role of Student Disability Services: To provide support and advice to all UCL students and staff relating to issues around student disability To provide support services to disabled students To liaise with academic departments regarding reasonable adjustments (Equality Act 2010) Liaison with Accommodation Services and Estates and Facilities regarding modifications required for Halls of Residence or teaching rooms. We do not deal with staff disability – HR/Occupational Health

Students we work with: We support approx students with a range of disabilities including: Mobility Issues Sensory Impairments Specific Learning Difficulties Mental Health difficulties Autistic Spectrum Disorders Long Term/Chronic Medical Conditions

What kind of support is available? SDS offer a wide range of support tailored to the needs of the individual. Equipment and Assistive Technology Application for Disabled Students Allowances Support worker and note taker assistance Mentoring for students with mental health issues Specialist Tuition for students with Asperger’s Syndrome and Autistic Spectrum disorders. Support facilitating special exam arrangements Access to support workers: note-takers, library assistants, mentors, general support workers Provision of a Summary of Reasonable Adjustments (SoRA) to communicate individual needs to departments Access to SEnIT suite with a range of assistive technology Advice and guidance around additional support where required – funding for taxis, equipment loans etc. Dyslexia and Dyspraxia screening and assessment service.

Reasonable Adjustments for Academic & Support Staff Establishing clear roles within the department – who students should speak to for particular issues Providing reading lists and lecture notes in advance Permission to record teaching sessions Flexibility with deadlines if required Flexibility and sensitivity regarding presentations and group work Early notification of room/staff changes if possible Discuss arrangements for field trips, placements etc. in advance

Student Mental Health Role of Mental Health Coordinator  Meet with students for scheduled confidential appointments to assess, offer non- judgemental support, advice and guidance.  Signpost students to appropriate support such as UCL Psychological services and local health and psychiatric services.  Facilitates weekly drop-in sessions at the disability office (Monday and Wednesday 2pm- 4pm).  Support students with special exam arrangements applications.  Provide advice and guidance, for both students and academic departments about the potential impact of a student’s mental health difficulty on their studies and how this can be accommodated.  Liaise with Student Accommodation about specific requirements for students.  Provide students with regular one-to-one support from a specialist mental health mentor to assist with planning and managing their studies.

Student Mental Health Some common early signs of a mental health problem may be: Spending an increasing amount of time alone, appearing to be isolated. Losing interest in activities and tasks that were previously enjoyed. Poor performance at work or university. Not attended lectures/seminars. Mood swings that are very extreme or fast and out of character. Self-harming behaviour, such as cutting. Changes in eating habits and/or appetite: over-eating, bingeing, not eating. Sleep problems. Hearing and seeing things that others don't. Thoughts that people are against them. Excessive alcohol / drug use All of these signs can vary in severity. Often they can be relatively minor, or pass quickly. However, if they are persistent or prolonged, the individual experiencing them may benefit from support.

Student mental Health What could you do if you are concerned about a student? Firstly, follow any reporting or crisis procedures outlined in your role. Always Speak to a line manager, senior member of staff or colleague for guidance If you are somewhat concerned: Approach the student – Ask them how they are. Signpost to support services such as Student Disability Services, Student Psychological Services, Gower place practice, Nightline and Samaritans. Contact the Mental Health Coordinator at Student Disability services for advice. Encourage them to make an appointment with their GP. If you are very concerned also complete a ‘Student of Concern form’: If you are seriously worried for a student’s welfare, for example if they have attempted to commit suicide or have disclosed that they are actively planning to harm themselves or someone else call 999 immediately.

For further info… Please feel free to contact us regarding any queries relating to Disability and Mental Health. Online resources and staff support pages: Phone us us