Online resources to support the learning of disabled students rd International Conference Education 4 All Warsaw, Poland June 29 th - July 1st Matt Smith and Dr Val Chapman, University of Worcester Centre for Inclusive Learning Support United Kingdom

Introduction Introducing two web resources developed by the Centre fro Inclusive Learning Support Q4S UMA

Sessions Structure Project Summary Research Conceptual Framework Using the resource Web Resource

Project Overview Funded by EU Leonardo Da Vinci, Life Long Learning Programme Oct 2009 – Sept 2011 Knowledge transfer, Inclusive practice Project Partners; Greece, Turkey, Bulgaria PROODOS A.E. Centre of Vocational Training

Project Overview Q4S Objectives “The resource will enable disabled students to identify barriers to their learning, and provide them with strategies and practical resources to overcome these barriers” “As a result, Q4S will contribute to disabled students’ integration into mainstream training and subsequently into employment, thereby improving their life chances and enhancing the available pool of skilled labour”

Research Two stage research Pre-development research 175 students Findings  Literacy and numeracy  Legal rights.  Self advocacy, disclosure

Research Pilot testing research 145 face to face, 100 online feedback. Findings  Accessibility  Readability  Images  Background colours  Audio version

Concept Key Skills Numeracy Literacy Practical skills ICT skills Group work Visual skills

Concept Q4S web resource offers advice on:  Self Help  Disclosure  Support from tutors Accessibility – Reading age – Image – Audio format – Colour backgrounds.

Using Q4S

Project Overview National Teaching Fellowship Scheme funded Feb 2009 – Jan 2011 Led by the University of Worcester, Dr Val Chapman CILS...in partnership with the University of Gloucestershire and University of Plymouth

Project Overview Objective Address lower levels of employment of graduates with disabilities. Only 50% of disabled people of working age are in employment compared to 81% of non-disabled people of working age. Web based resource University staff, inclusive learning practice, Students Employers

Research Research Purpose Inform web resource content and design Stakeholders

Research Research Approach – Methods – Target groups Key findings (1) Written communication (2) Attitude not disability a barrier (3) Reflective learning (4) Extracurricular activities

Concept Based on premise that all skills are executed through the application of certain ‘abilities’ Focus on ability rather than impairment Recognises a spectrum of ability Recognises the dynamic of ability within the individual Recognises the individual experience of impairment and disability

Using UMA

Online resources to support the learning of disabled students rd International Conference Education 4 All Warsaw, Poland June 29 th - July 1st Questions