1. Inclusive learning & teaching Inclusive teaching – why do we need it and how do we achieve it? The support students receive Lena Kloos Head of Disability Services Ext 4454, Email L.J.Kloos@herts.ac.uk 1

2. 2 4 key points from Equality legislation When one person knows about a student’s disability the University as a whole is deemed to know. We must treat disabled students fairly and make reasonable adjustments. There is no justification in the law for failure to make a reasonable adjustment. Not knowing about a student’s disability might not be justification for failure to make a reasonable adjustment The law covers everything that UH does

3. Inclusive environment 3

4. 4 Inclusive practice – how? How can we get an inclusive environment / what does it mean in practice? Learning & Teaching - Take all reasonable steps to: Promote / encourage disclosure – an environment in which disabled people feel able to disclose Anticipate the needs of disabled people – remove unnecessary barriers Provide specialist support – specific to individual students’ (and staff) needs

5. Promote / encourage disclosure Positive messages Induction talks Programme handbooks StudyNet - academic + student support In the run up to e.g. placements / field trips / assessment Think about the wording you use Think about timing If you find out about a student’s disability encourage them to make contact with Disability Services (you can seek advice from us without giving names) 5

6. Anticipate the needs of disabled people Flexibility of programme structure. NB we must always maintain academic integrity and are not required to adjust ‘competence standards’ Accessibility and flexibility of the ‘tasks’ you set Delivery style & the way you present information (electronic on StudyNet prior to the lecture?) The teaching environment (e.g. lighting & equipment) Awareness of your staff (including VLs) – ensure they have they been informed how to find out about the adjustments agreed for disabled students and that they can make them 6

7. Provide specialist support We can’t anticipate everything and some students need support / adjustments tailored to their specific needs Disability Services will pick up on this so please encourage students to come and see us in our centralised service. Note – Disability Services does not provide extra academic support 7

8. 8 E.g. of support package for dyslexia Through Disabled Students’ Allowance Computer with specialist software loaded onto it (designed specifically for dyslexic adults) Digital recorder (to assist with notetaking) Specialist study skills Agreed by UH Extra time in exams / in-class tests & poss use of computer Occasional extensions to deadlines Understanding of their disability and what it means for them

9. Other types of support / assistance Students can also get support with e.g. Travelling to uni if their disability means they can’t use public transport Specialist equipment and software e.g. voice output / input, ergonomic keyboard / mouse etc Specialist furniture e.g. ergonomic chair Support workers e.g. general assistant (pair of hands), sign language interpreter, mentor etc. 9

10. 10 Disability Services at UH Head of Disability Services - Lena Kloos (University wide incl support / adjustments for staff ) Ext: 4454, Email: L.J.Kloos@herts.ac.uk Disability Advisers (main point of contact for students) Email: DisabilityServices@herts.ac.uk, Ext 3118 Assistant Disability Officer – Jackie Ellis (admissions, specialist technology, general enquiries) Ext: 3098, Email: J.1.Ellis@herts.ac.uk See StudyNet (student support / personal life / disability services) for further information about our team and the range of services available.