1. Getting to know the Disability Service at Trinity
An Orientation Event hosted by the Disability Service and Student Ambassadors
4th September 2017
Edmund Burke Theatre, Arts Building, Trinity College Dublin.
Add date of event into slide

2. Welcome from Dr. Alison Oldam - Director of Student Services
Congratulations on getting into Trinity
Thanks for coming

3. Outline of the Afternoon
13: :05: Welcome and Introduction by Dr. Alison Oldam
13: :20: Transitioning to College- Personal Accounts
13: :35: Introducing the Disability Service : :00: DS Registration and Needs Assessment
14: :20: Transitioning into College and Fresher's Week : :30: Parent/Student Communication
14: :30: Students: Campus Tour / Parents: Q & A
15:30 – 16:30: Coffee Break & Questions to Ambassadors & DS Staff
Synopsis of day

4. 3rd Year - Catholic Theological Studies
Ruairi Meyler
3rd Year - Catholic Theological Studies

5. Graduate in Applied Psychology
Anneka Hickey
Graduate in Applied Psychology

6. Forget everything you know about disability!
First of all…
Forget everything you know about disability!
First of all…

7. Student Ambassadors Who are we?
We are a team of students who represent students interests.
We give a student voice to the Disability Service.
There are over 30 DS Student Ambassadors and we will be recruiting again this year!
You can become a Student Ambassador too when you enter 2nd year!
Having a disability doesn’t necessarily mean being in a wheelchair or something that’s visible. Looking at this photo can you tell which of these students has a disability? Actually they all do! We want to stop the stigma associated with having a disability. We want you to know that it’s ok to have a disability and receive all the supports you require
Video of student ambassadors

8. The Disability Service Staff Trinity College Dublin

9. Getting to know the Disability Service
Where is the Disability Service located?
The Disability Service is based in the Arts Building in Room
The Disability Service was set up in Trinity in 2000.
There were 1,364 students registered with the service in 2016/2017.
You will find the Main office on the Campus Tour.
The DS noticeboard is visible to the right
80% - The amount of overall registrations that took place in the first term for

10. Who makes the Disability Service run so smoothly?
Declan Treanor
Director of the Disability Service
Fun Fact – Took up running to keep fit, ran fastest half marathon in 2011 – 1 hour 31 minutes in Achill.

11. Andrew Costello & Declan Reilly
Assistive Technology Office & Disability Officer
Disability Officer
Fun Fact: In his younger years (pictured here) Declan was a man of travel, visiting dozens of countries, including 26 US states. Alaska and Hawaii are next on the list.
Fun Fact: Andrew loves gadgets, apps and anything that can be plugged in!! He is our technology whizz and lives in the ATIC. He is also a keen golfer and loves Leinster Rugby!
Waiting for updated photos and facts

12. Carol Barry & Caroline Morgan
Executive Officer Office Manager
Fun Fact: Carol loves to walk and keep fit or spend the evening with James (Patterson) crime novels and her favourite de-stressor is baking!!
Fun Fact: Caroline is an avid Runner but is no Usain Bolt (Her words!)
Currently on Maternity Leave.

13. Martin McAndrew & Kim Lombard DS Office Manager Occupational Therapist
Fun Fact: Martin once won a Best Beard (ginger category!) while on holiday in Spain.
Fun Fact: Kim loves cycling and she had the pleasure of biking across the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco!"

14. Kieran Lewis & Niall Kirrane
Occupational Therapists
Fun Fact: Niall recently went Hang Gliding off a High Cliff in Rio de Janeiro, despite being terrified of heights!
Fun Fact: Kieran played for the Irish Rugby team prior to Joining the Disability Service. He has a Wikipedia Page!

15. Dr. Alison Doyle. &. Orlaith O’Brien Educational Psychologist
Dr. Alison Doyle & Orlaith O’Brien Educational Psychologist Ambassador Coordinator
Fun Fact: Alison is a street photographer and sells her images through commercial stock photography websites.
Fun Fact: Orlaith has a Wendy House from her childhood and now her grand child uses it!

16. Declan Treanor Director Disability Service

17. Student Services Disability Service Peer Mentors Supports for Students
Counselling
Service
Trinity Health Centre
Tutors
Student Union
Peer Mentors
These supports are available for everybody in college and are outside of the Disability service

18. Disability Service
To empower students with disabilities to achieve their potential and, in collaboration with students, engage the University community in creating an inclusive transformational environment and provide a platform for innovation and inclusion.
DS is present for whole of your college career
No need to engage with us more than necessary

19. Students Registered with the Disability Service

20. Students registered in 2016-17

21. Top 10 Courses in

22. DARE Offers 2017 – 260+ Accepted offers
Course
Number of Students
Arts 39
BESS 29
Science
Nursing 16
Medicine 15
Law 10
Health Professional Courses (e.g. Physio, OT, Radiation Therapy) 23

23. Notes on the DS
All students entering via DARE will not be singled out or defined as a DARE student on their student record.
Once entry into college, students access routes are no longer discussed.
We encourage students to register for supports on the outset of their degree.
All students who enter via DARE on a reduced points place are required to register with the Disability Service.
Registration with the DS; NO ANNOTATION ON FINAL DEGREE- STATING REGISTERED WITH DS.
Supports can change throughout student’s college journey.

24. Registration Process with the Disability Service and Reasonable
Accommodations/Supports
Throughout this section we want you to think about what supports you will need.

25. The Disability Service Registration Process
Register online-my.tcd.ie
Member of DS will contact student to arrange a meeting
Needs Assessment Meeting
Decision on Supports
LENS Report devised & Disseminated to Departments

26. How to register with the Trinity Disability Service..
Step 1- Go online and logon to my.tcd.ie by entering your Trinity student username and password.
Step 2- Click on ‘My Disability Service’ Tab located on the top navigation bar and click on ‘Disability Service Registration Application'.
Go through different sections
Log on my.tcd.ie (online)
Indicating a disability (online
The disability that applies to your registration (online)
Discussing disability needs with the DS team (Face to Face)
Specific Information (online)
Code of Practice (online)
Evidence (online)
Submit (online and Face to Face)

27. How to register with the Trinity Disability Service..
Step 3- Read the instructions on the Welcome Page.
Step 4- Select your Primary and Secondary Disability from the drop down Menu.
Step 5- Read and agree to the Trinity Code of Practice for students with disabilities.

28. The Code of Practice for Students with Disabilities
The Disability Service Code of Practice aims to provide a high standard of service to students with disabilities.
The Code of Practice has 3 main purposes:
Provides an outline for students with disabilities their rights and responsibilities in receiving reasonable accommodations while studying at Trinity;
Defines Trinity's rights and responsibilities to students with disabilities and the College community
Ascertains consent for supports to put in place & dissemination of registration with DS to college structures/services.
There is a lot of text in the code of practice but it is imperative that the article is read through and fully understood. It is possible to break it down into it’s two main purposes

29. How to register with the Trinity Disability Service..
Step 6- Select your Evidence of Disability to upload.
Please scan your Evidence –i.e. Section C of DARE Application

30. How to register with Trinity Disability Service..
Step 7- Upload and submit your Evidence of Disability.
Step 8- Finish the registration process by clicking the submit option.
Step 9- A member of the DS will be in contact via with you to arrange a group or 1:1 appointment for a needs assessment.

31. A Needs Assessment Meeting
You will receive an to meet with a Disability Staff Member for a one-to-one Needs Assessment or a Group Session (<10).
Encourage students to attend the meeting on your own.
During this meeting you will discuss and explore the following:
Your CAO course offer- why you choose your course etc?
You will explore your needs in transitioning into university
You will explore reasonable accommodations and supports you had at 2nd level and may require at 3rd level
You will make a decision whether to disclose your disability to your department; A Learning Education Needs Summary (LENS) or a professional Course Learning Education Needs Summary (PLENS)
Before this meeting you will need to consider how your disability affects your learning. Think about what supports were given to you in secondary school and whether or not you will need to make use of these supports in college

32. Time for you to think about Reasonable Accommodations & Exam Accommodations in preparation for your Needs Assessment
What reasonable accommodations did you receive during your time in school?
Did you receive any?
If yes, What ones?
What exam accommodations did you receive during your time in school?
What reasonable accommodations and supports will I need in Trinity to support my role as a third level student?
What will I need to succeed in college?
What reasonable accommodations/supports might I require?
Will I need a LENS report to disclose to my department?
Will I need exam accommodations?

33. Supports- Learning Education Needs Summary
When you meet with your disability staff member to discuss your needs you will be asked what reasonable accommodations you would like.
Here is where you will say what reasonable accommodations you need.
A Learning Education Needs Summary (LENS) will be filled out and sent to your course department with your consent to inform them of your reasonable accommodations.
Lens report image here

34. Disclosure Should I disclose?
After you complete your LENS report you will be asked if you would like to disclose your LENS report to your department.
Are there any benefits?
YES - If you decide to disclose your LENS report to your department they will be aware of your disability and the supports you require.
By disclosing the LENS report, your department are more able to accommodate any supports you may need.
Are there any negatives of disclosing your LENS report?
There are not. Your LENS report will only be passed on to relevant staff members in your department and will not be passed on to fellow students or staff.
There is nothing to fear except fear itself!

35. What are Reasonable Accommodations
Supports
What are reasonable Accommodations?
A reasonable accommodation is any action that alleviates a substantial disadvantage. They are used to ensure that all students have the same chance of completing their course.
How do you get a Reasonable Accommodation?
Talk to your Disability Officer/OT!
During your meeting you will discuss what accommodations are best for you. You decide what you feel you need.
The ball is in YOUR court!!
A reasonable accommodation is an extra support given to a student with a disability so that they can carry out their student role effectively.
How to avail of Reasonable Accommodations
You’ll meet with your Disability officer and part of your discussion will be about accommodations that may suit you. During this meeting you will discuss your disability and how it affects your learning. They will ensure you are getting the accommodations that are required for your specific needs.
It does not negate all your hard work!

36. Supports What are the main types of supports available by the DS?
General supports available
Academic Support
Use of ATIC Space
Exam Accommodations
Extra time
Smaller time
Library Supports
Extra borrowing privileges
Increased borrowing times
Additional Supports Available
Specialist disability Advice
Assistive Technology (ATIC)
C-Pen
Zeta-scanner
Occupational Therapy (OT)
Professional Placement Support
Library assistants can be made available depending on your LEN report
Assistive technology can take many different forms depending on the supports you feel you need
Explain what the OT service is and what an occupation qualifies as
Personal experience?
Special borrowing privileges include:
Take out up to 8 books at a time (versus 4)
Extra time taking out special books
You can take out more types of books - not just LEN books
Extra time taking out books

37. REMEMBER...
It’s up to you to decide what reasonable accommodations you want and need…
Not your parents/guardians…
Not the Disability Service Staff…
It’s in YOUR hands!!!

38. Caoilfhionn and Ruairi

39. Transitioning from School
to University
Wide range of subjects
Prescribed learning guided by teachers
Rote learning
Defined boundaries
9am to 4pm daily routine
Set break times and class periods
Institutional environment
Uniforms

40. Differences between School & University

41. Demands of Secondary School
Where you may have come from…
- Wide range of subjects: at least 7
- Prescribed learning usually guided by teachers
- Rote learning/ Group projects with defined boundaries
- 9am to 4pm daily routine; managed learning environment with familiar routines, set break times and class periods
- Very clear rules of behaviour and consequences- Institutional environment
- Obligatory clothes (uniforms); all individuals similar
- Very familiar physical, social & cultural environment– classrooms, labs, break rooms, people, ethos.
Students in secondary school experience various different demands on them throughout their years of education.
The second level education places demands such as:
Wide range of subjects; at least 7; which may include a language which may be difficult.
Prescribed learning usually guided by teachers-get very set homework, and tasks by the teacher, this structure helps students with AS.
Rote learning-requires a good memory to learn everything off by heart
Group projects with defined boundaries-familiar with the peers around you
9-4 daily routine; managed learning environment with familiar routines, set break times and class periods-very set structure
Very clear rules of behaviour and consequences- Institutional environment
Obligatory clothes (uniforms); all individuals similar
Very familiar physical, social & cultural environment– classrooms, labs, break rooms, people, ethos.-which helps people know where they are going,

42. Third Level Education (university)
Where you heading for…
It’s big and new/ Different environment
Attendance at lectures not compulsory – more freedom!
Large groups of strangers
Norms rather than rules
Different teaching methods
Few practice-runs
No daily routine
Student driven
May never get to know lecturer
But may speak with you on personal level
Lots of extracurricular options
No hand-holding for the student/
Live away from home- self-care
These are some typical characteristics associated with attending third level institutons.
It’s big and new
Different environment
Attendance at lectures not compulsory
Large groups of strangers
Norms rather than rules
Different teaching methods-tutorials, lectures, PBL etc…
Few practice-runs
No 9-4 daily routine
Student driven
May never get to know lecturer
Lots of extracurricular options
No hand-holding for the student

43. Third Level Education (university)- The Toolkit!
Tools that will assist in being a university student
- Self-Directed
- Motivated
- Self-aware
- Manage yourself and time
- Develop Academic Skills
- Develop Social Skills
- Manage your own health and well being
- Organise yourself
- Be Responsible for yourself
Obey college rules
Utilise IT Skills
- Seek support if needed
ALWAYS CHECK COLLEGE S- NEW FORM OF COMMUNICATION!!!

44. Teaching Methods used in University
What’s the difference?
When you enter Trinity you’re going to be faced with a whole new and exciting learning environment!
You won’t attend classes like you did in secondary school. Instead there are:
Tutorials: given by a PhD student to the small groups
Free Time :Time to study, do reading, assignments etc
Lectures: given by a Lecturer/ Professor to the whole course
Seminars: Group discussion based of a reading assignment
Lecture: given by a lecturer to the whole course, held in lecture halls or theatres and last 50 minutes
Seminars and tutorials: small group based discussions based on a reading assignments or some other homework Tutorials: given by a PhD student to the small groups

45. Getting to Lectures!!! Buy Comfy shoes
You will have to walk long distances between lectures rooms and buildings
Some may even have to take a bus around town to get to lectures!

46. This is followed by three revision weeks and a four week exam period.
Teaching Terms in Trinity
Michaelmas Term:
September- December
Hilary Term:
January-April
Trinity Term:
4 week exam period
Michaelmas and Hilary term comprise of 11 teaching weeks and a reading week.
This is followed by three revision weeks and a four week exam period.

47. Timetable in College

48. Balancing College Activities with Social Life and Family – Self Management
College Work
Social Life/Family/Leisure

49. Tips for College!! The Ambassadors tips for keeping organised:
Use an app like my study life to set up a plan for the week
Print off your college timetable to keep in your bag at all times
Put reminders in your phone for assignments so you get them in on time.
Keep a diary with your timetable and list of tasks to carry out
One of the biggest differences between Secondary School and University is Routine.
A big challenge for incoming students is organising their time throughout the week.
You no longer have a set 9 o’clock - 4 o’clock routine.

50. Accommodation

51. Home to………

52. ……………………….College Accommodation!!!

53. My Tips for Living at Home and Away from Home!

54. and the first few weeks of Trinity
Fresher’s week
and the first few weeks of Trinity

55. Orientation Website- www.tcd.ie/orientation

56. Orientation Website- www.tcd.ie/orientation
Information specific to your course- such as requirements; Garda Vetting, Infectious Diseases etc.
Information on Services
Information on where to find your Fresher's Week timetable- in your Timetable section of your my.tcd.ie
Trinity Jargon
Michelmas Term
GMB
The Ramp
Front Arch

57. Fresher's Week- 18th -22nd September 2017
Orientation
Collect ID
Course Meeting
Moving
Join Societies
Tours
Explain all of these.

58. Being a Fresher Registration and Student Card The technical things:
What documents do I need for ID card collection?
You need your confirmation slip from your online registration and proof of ID (Passport/ Garda Age Card/ Birth Certificate/ Driver's Licence).
If you have been to this University before, please bring your old student card.
What do I need my Student card for?
Library access; buildings; computer rooms; exams; printing, paying for food/coffee
Collect card from the Exam Hall in Front Square
Don’t lose your card as it will cost you 20 euro to get a new one
What is a Fresher - 1st year student

59. Fresher’s Fair Trinity Clubs and Societies Societies and Clubs
Over 120 societies
Over 50 Clubs
MAKE IT YOURS!!
Examples -
Fencing

60. Fresher's Fair Societies and Clubs
During Fresher’s week all of the Trinity clubs and societies will be in Front Square for you to explore and join.
You pay a small fee (typical €2 or €3) to join the club/society.
If you don’t join during Fresher’s Week you can attend any society/club event during the year and then contact them directly through , Facebook, Twitter etc.
If you don’t see a society you like, you can create one.
Tip: Don’t join every society/club it will be an expensive week!!
Join the societies you want to most - what interests you
Avoid smooth talkers when comes to clubs and societies
Examples of societies

61. During your first week in Trinity
Register with Trinity
your Tutor and arrange to meet
Attend ‘Meet your Mentors’ meeting
Library Tour
Attend your course meeting
Go on Sports Centre Tour
Think about getting a locker
Screenshot your timetables
Add your laptop/phone to the Trinity internet connection - if you are having problems go to IT services
Buy a diary
Familiarise yourself with Lecture/TA rooms and locations for week 1 of college

62. Communication Between
Parents and Students

63. Communication between Students and Parents
As a Trinity Student you are now considered an adult. It’s up to you what you do with your college time.
If a parent/guardian needs to talk to the DS about your progress in college it is entirely up to you to make this happen.
The service cannot disclose any information regarding you to your parents.
You must fill out a Consent to Confidentiality Waiver form and arrange a meeting with a DS staff member to discuss your agreement to consent prior to any communication with a parent or guardian.
1) You must complete the Consent to Confidentiality Waiver form and make an
appointment with their Disability Officer or Occupational Therapist to discuss your
agreement to consent, in advance of any communication with a parent or guardian.
2) The DS will not engage in any form of communication unless this step has been
completed.
3) You as the student will be involved and informed regarding all communications, ie
meetings, telephone calls or s with your parents/guardians, and will be notified
about the outcomes of same.
4) In the case of a meeting requested parents or guardians with DS staff, the student
must attend this meeting. A note or summary of the meeting will be sent to all
participants for their records.
5) A Consent to Confidentiality Waiver, completed by the student, must be produced
for each phone call, or meeting request.

64. What’s next?

65. It’s over to you!!! Your next steps!
Register online-my.tcd.ie
Member of DS will contact student to arrange a meeting
Needs Assessment Meeting
Decision on Supports
LENS Report devised & Disseminated to Departments

66. Meeting with DS/Needs assessment:
Once you register online, you will receive an from a Disability Service staff member to have your needs assessment via a Group or one-to-one meeting.
Make sure you think about what reasonable accommodations you would like to have while in Trinity. Remember it's up to you to say what reasonable accommodations you want.
Please attend the Group or one-to-one meeting to ensure reasonable accommodations can be put in place, to support your role as a student.
Needs assessment if not already completed

67. CONNECT: College Transition Programme
What? A weekly meet-up group to help you get settled in college, focusing on developing the skills needed for student life.
When? 5 – 7pm, Every Tuesday for the first six weeks of term.
Where? Student Common Room, Room 4017, Arts Building.

68. CONNECT: College Transition Programme
Week
Date
Theme 1
26/09/2017
Organisation and Time Management Skills 2
03/10/2017
Societies and Student Life 3
10/10/2017
Surviving College on a Student Budget 4
17/10/2017
Brain Food: Healthy Eating for College 5
24/10/2017
Flexi- Slot – Have Your Say! 6
31/10/2017
Managing my Wellbeing in College

69. Term Events… www.tcd.ie/disability
All Disability Service events will be listed on the Google Calendar on & on Facebook.

70. Trinity App with Disability Service Information
The Trinity My Day –downloadable via Android and i-Phone

71. Students: Campus Tour followed by Coffee and Tea and Questions Parents: Talk with DS Staff followed by Coffee and Tea and Questions

72. Students: Guided Campus Tour with Student Ambassadors Group 1: Faculty of Arts Humanities and Social Sciences
Group 2: Faculty of Health Sciences
Group 3: Faculty of Engineering, Maths and Science

73. Parents/Guardians: Communication and Question Time with DS Staff

74. Parent of a 3rd level student with a disability
Your New Role
Parent of a 3rd level student with a disability

75. Students' Growth in Autonomy

76. Student Rights Student is now over 18
Under Data Protection the Disability Service Staff cannot discuss a students case with a parent without the student’s knowledge
However, a student can give their consent to Wave Confidentiality and bring their parent to a meeting, or allow them to contact their Disability Officer.
Consent to Wave Confidentiality applies to one meeting only.

77. Ways for parents to Support Students
Get to know the Trinity terms for what is happening in College
Read a Year in the Life of a Trinity Student
handbook Page 9
Support them by understanding the 9 steps to Register with the Disability Service
Parents’ handbook, Page 17

78. What supports will the student Receive?
Academic
Assistive Technology (AT)
Career Planning
Examination Accommodations
Library Supports
Occupational therapy
Campus Accommodation
DS Ambassador Programme

79. Comparison 2nd level and 3rd level
Accommodations within Teaching and Learning
Support
Junior Cert
Leaving Cert
College equivalent
Teaching support – disability specific
Receive lecture notes in advance
Disclosure and have disability service circulate your LENs
Teaching support – subject specific
n/a
Special Needs Assistant
Personal assistant for individuals with physical disabilities
Visiting Teacher Service
Disability Officer
ASD class
Behavioural support class
Assistive Technology
Assistive Technology Officer
ATIC rooms

80. Comparison 2nd level and 3rd level
Reasonable Accommodations in Examinations
Support
Junior Cert
Leaving Cert
College equivalent
Spelling and grammar waiver
Spelling and grammar stickers
Reader
Assistive technology
Scribe
Word Processor
Recording device
n/a
Use of specific computer packages for students with visual or hearing disabilities
Special Centre - individual
Yes
Special Centre – group
Extra time

81. Comparison 2nd level and 3rd level
College Orientation
Support
Junior Cert
Leaving Cert
College equivalent
College accommodation
n/a
Some places available in College Halls
Campus accommodation
Usually for final year students or those who find commuting difficult
One day orientation
Recommended to attend before starting in College

82. Further Support Systems in College
Academic Liaison Officers
Tutorial System
The Disability Service
Student Health Service
Student Counselling
Careers Service
Chaplaincy
Student Union

83. Other Useful Information
Disability Disclosure
Parents’ handbook Page 27
Policy for Students with Disabilities

84. A guide for Parents/Guardians of Students with Disabilities

85. Engaging with your student
Some guidance for parents /guardians…
The nervousness will soon evaporate as Freshers’ Week activities and the course gets underway.
Don't under-estimate how long it will take you and your student to adjust.
Keep the contact going as the distractions of term-time mount.
One thing you can be sure of is that you won't get told everything.

86. Parent Q & A with Disability Staff Members
Group Staff Photo needed here

87. Disability Service Student Ambassador Q & A

88. Wishing you all the best of luck in your university career AND remember we are here to support you!

89. Thank You! Contact Details: Phone: 01-8963111
Website: