Accessibility Commitment 2014/15 by City College Plymouth

Accessibility Commitment 2014/15 Helping you with your studies if you have disabilities or difficulties 1

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Accessibility Commitment 2014/15 Helping you with your studies if you have disabilities or difficulties

Welcome If you are reading this then it is likely you have made some very important choices in your education; well done! It is likely you are either already studying here at City College Plymouth or thinking of doing so. For all current students, as well as those thinking of coming to our College and have dropped by to visit us, I extend a very warm welcome. We have many years’ experience in tapping the potential of our students. We are very proud of our record, especially as students develop and move forward to gain the qualifications they need to step onto the career ladder. Other students, after a grounding here at our College, will decide to continue with their education at the higher level, either here at City College Plymouth, or at university.

fairly and with respect. Then you can concentrate on your studies and will be supported to do so. At the same time we expect you to treat other people well. We want each student to settle in and feel a valued part of the College. Our Ofsted inspection said that our College ‘provides a very inclusive environment’ where ’Learners with learning difficulties and/or disabilities integrate well’ (Ofsted 2012). Our College is proud to liaise with DisabledGo, an organisation providing free access information to locations and venues for disabled people across UK and Ireland. In January 2013 the Careers and Information, Advice and Guidance team were successfully reaccredited with the Matrix accreditation that said our College ‘has opened up opportunities for students, supporting them to achieve goals they would not have thought possible for themselves’.

Underpinning the themes of this booklet is the commitment our College has for promoting equality of opportunity for all our students. If you feel you need extra support, then don’t hesitate to contact us to access the range of specialist support and resources shown in this book. I am constantly struck by the dedication of the learning support team, they are very used to supporting students with a wide range of challenges to their learning and they are hugely successful in making the student journey through College a successful and comfortable one.

We pride ourselves on providing you with an exceptional learning experience. Good luck to you all.

Phil Davies Principal

We welcome and value people from all backgrounds and cultures, recognise and celebrate diversity and actively oppose discrimination. At our College you will be treated

How to Apply for a Course

City College Plymouth is a good and

You

need

exciting

place

to learn

to:

1 Fill in

an Application Form - Do you have a disability?

2 Send

the

3 You

help

will

you

form to City College Plymouth - Central Admissions

come for an interview and you will be asked what

need

Applying for a Course Who can I talk to before I apply if I require Learning Support? If you believe that you may need help with your studies, the staff in the Learning Support team can advise you what support is on offer. Pop into Kings Road K038 to have a chat. Learning Support office, telephone 01752 305885 E-mail smcalister@cityplym.ac.uk or agee@cityplym.ac.uk 1. Start by ringing theinfospace on 01752 305803. Tell them you might need some help. 2. Next, fill in an application form. You can get one from the College or from the full-time course guide or on-line. At section D, you may wish to say you might need extra help. 3. Send the completed form to: Freepost RRGZ-EALH-SACS Applications Office City College Plymouth Kings Road Devonport Plymouth, PL1 5QG 4. You will be invited to meet with a course tutor and, if possible, one of the Learning Support team, so you can talk about what help you need. We will treat any information you give sensitively. 5. Make sure you ask to complete the Learning Support Disclosure form. 6. You will meet a member of the Learning Support team later to agree what help you need. 7. If you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t tell us at the start that you need help you can ask at any time while you are at College. But remember, the sooner the better.

Talkback

thin u o y t a h Tell us w Kelly Hart

Functional Skills for Mathematics and English My experience at City College has been great. I feel comfortable that the tutors are actually allowing me to have my say and are encouraging me all the way through my studies. The Learning Support staff are always there to help and being allowed to have my dog alongside me is very re-assuring. Students and staff have been fantastic in allowing me to fulfil the courseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s requirements. My Learning Support Assistant meets me early in the mornings and assists me getting to my classroom which also is a great help. I also had a Visual Stress test at the College. As a result of this, tutors now print documents in the correct format colour for me. This has really helped me and is greatly appreciated.

Getting to College The shuttle bus service number 36 has wheelchair access. It is a free service for students (with a City College Plymouth student ID card) and runs regularly throughout the day. The service starts and ends at Royal Parade near the Theatre Royal and stops at: • Drake Circus Charles Street • the Railway Station • City College Plymouth (Kings Road) • Stoke (the top of Albert Road) • City College Plymouth (Goschen). The bus route also runs in reverse so students can travel away from the College when their study is finished for the day. The route links the main College centres at Kings Road and Goschen so students can travel between these College sites. Please be aware some of the buses between 8.00am and 9.00am only travel as far as Kings Road. If you are travelling to Goschen during these times, please make sure you check the timetable. Students can access the timetables via the Citybus website or can ask staff at the theinfospace to help with this. There are disabled parking spaces close to the entrances of the College and rramps to the doors with handrails.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I found the bus service swift and convenient to use. I found the driver and other students very helpful when I needed assistanceâ&#x20AC;? Goschen Student

www.disabledgo.com

Accessibility Most of the College can be reached in a wheelchair except for some mezzanine floors at Kings Road and Goschen. There are accessible toilet facilities in most areas; some with showers at the two main centres. Our premises have been assessed by DisabledGo and you can check our accessibility on the DisabledGo website for Plymouth. We are constantly trying to improve access to the College and would welcome your suggestions. Please e-mail these to estates@cityplym.ac.uk.

Moving Around City College Plymouth This table will give you an idea of the facilities available at College sites.

Car Park

Wheelchair Access

Lift

Accessible Toilets

Fix Hearing Loops

Kings Road (Main Site)

Yes

Some

Engineering Building

Yes

N/A

Yes

Construction Building

Yes

Hospitality Building

Yes

Nursery

Yes

n/a

Yes

Goschen

Yes

Some

Picquet Barracks

Yes

Yes, limited

Centre

dBs Music

Talkback

thin u o y t a h Tell us w Dominick Harvey

BTEC Diploma in Applied Science I must say the facilitates here have been fantastic over the two years I have been here. I have been achieving independence due to the ease of accessibility around the College. I have had no issues with accessing the equipment in the labs. I can use it all and when I had difficulty with microscopes the staff were able to hook up a camera to help me. To assist me through the day the Learning Support Department help me to take notes and provide care for me during the day - this has been extremely useful. Outside the classroom, in the refectory and student areas, getting around couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be easier. Everyone is helpful and I get through doors and suchlike very easily. My fellow students couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be more friendly.

We can support you if you have a disability or difficulty such as: • • • • • • • • • •

Asperger’s Syndrome or Autism behavioural difficulties dyslexia dyspraxia hearing impairments (signer communicators available) continuing illness (epilepsy, asthma, M.E., etc) learning difficulties mental health issues (1:1 confidential support, one hour meetings a week) physical disabilities visual impairments.

The help we can offer: • • • • • • • • • • •

in-class support, where appropriate individual support (signer communicators, learning support assistants) group support sessions specialist assessments for dyslexia advice and support from course tutors HELP team support for reading, writing, maths and language co-operation with outside agencies drop-in sessions behavioural support transition support; from school to College assistive technical advice.

Team

Meet some of the staff “I offer support to students based at Kings Road undertaking Games Development and Engineering qualifications. Support is available within the classroom for students who are challenged by the theory element of the course. On occasions we offer smaller group and individual sessions where students are encouraged to become more responsible for their own learning. I am knowledgeable about assistive equipment and can point you in the right direction for other College services.” Nicola (Learning Support Assistant) “We are the Learning Support Administration Team and your main point of contact for any questions or concerns you may have about the support you need, or the support you are receiving. We can also help with Dyslexia Assessments, Visual Stress Assessments and any special arrangements that you may need for examinations whilst you study at City College Plymouth.” Wendy, Emma and Sarah (Learning Support Administration Team)

“I work at Goschen, Kings Road and dBs Music supporting classes in many curriculum areas including Music, Construction, Science and IT. I have an interest in assistive technology and where appropriate I try to implement it as part of the support I provide. As part of my work I’m promoting awareness of assistive technology and software and contributing to the team’s Moodle Virtual Learning Environment for staff and students.” Oliver Ryles (Learning Support Assistant)

Take a break ... Being creative and doing. Learning is not always about book reading, note taking and paying attention, although all these things are important of course! Many students benefit from being creative, putting their ideas to the test and producing a product that excites the senses...including stimulating the taste buds! With skills such as these displayed, it is clear to see future employment opportunities are likely to beckon for these City College students.

Who will give me the support I need if I have a learning difficulty? These are some of the staff members who are on-hand to provide you with extra support during your learning. For them the priority is for you to unlock your potential and become as successful as possible with your learning and future employment. Some students come to the College with a history of learning difficulties. If you believe that you are one of these students, you will need to tell us as soon as possible so that our staff can provide assistance with your learning. This may include proof reading, essay planning and note taking. Sometimes students will feel shy about their learning difficulty. The team will do everything in their power to put you at ease.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I would like to encourage any student who feels that they have literacy difficulties to contact us, or ask their tutor to contact us, to arrange for a dyslexia screening as soon as possible after enrolling on a course. If it turns out that you are dyslexic it enables our team to arrange to support you from the very beginning of your course. Please feel free to ask even if you are not sure, especially if you have previously been given extra time for exams at school.â&#x20AC;? Caroline (Dyslexia Assessor)

When you are studying The College has libraries at Goschen and Kings Road. Membership is automatic on enrolment and your College ID card also functions as your library card. The libraries provide resources in a variety of formats - there are newspapers, magazines, DVDs and, of course, books, some of which are available electronically so you can log in from anywhere 24/7 outside the College. They are also responsible for lending specialist equipment to you to support your learning, for example; assistive equipment such as laptops and digital recorders depending on availability. Coloured paper and transparencies are also available for those who find ordinary text hard to read on paper or on the screen. The shelves are colour coded to make things easier to find. The libraries are also well equipped with PCs and Wi-Fi access for students with laptops and have plenty of space for group and silent study. Adjustable chairs and tables are available. Black and white and colour printing is available but there is a charge. Contact us on 01752 305366 (Kings Road) or Goschen 01752 305069 or visit our page on the student intranet, if you would like to know more. Your views on the service are sought and will, wherever possible, be acted on.

Supporting Success

My Study Bar If you have problems with studying, reading and writing, MyStudyBar will provide free software which may help. MyStudyBar forms one of the EduApps special collections of software to support difficulties such as dyslexia etc. It’s free for anyone to download at eduapps.org. However memory sticks with MyStudyBar downloaded software may be borrowed from both College libraries. Included are free guides and help sheets.

What do students say? “I can’t type that well, it’s hard to keep up.”

Supporting Success

Word Prediction speeds up typing. “I need help to recognise words and meanings.” Dictionaries and thesaurus with built in text to speech can help. “I find black on white hard to read but changing the settings everytime is a pain and sometimes isn’t allowed.” EduApps provide user end preferences, any learner can make changes.

What specialist equipment is there? The College can provide individuals with computer software such as: • Guide - for visually impaired students • Dragon Dictate so that work can be dictated onto the computer • WordsWork which lets you do a self assessment and plan your learning strategy • Inspirations 8 - many computers in the College have this software installed. The package provides a mind mapping suite, a range of organisational tools and the means for transferring your essay ideas directly to your preferred Office software (Office, Excel, Powerpoint). • My Study Bar - is a piece of software that can be issued to any student on a USB stick. Used in any computer, it provides a range of study and reading tools. These include: mind map and organisational tools, screen tint options and facilities for reading texts back to students. • electronic, height adjustable tables are available in the libraries and some study rooms. If you have a requirement for this facility, then a table could be provided in your classroom. If you think any of the above might help you, please ring Learning Support on 01752 305885. The libraries can provide individuals with specialist equipment, depending on availability, such as: • Braille embosser • computers, some with large screens. To borrow: • scanner and reader pens • laptops • spell checkers • talking jugs and scales • digital voice recorders There are no charges for borrowing the specialist equipment. For more information on what you can borrow contact Learning Resources: library@cityplym.ac.uk / 01752 305366. 19

If you have specific learning difficulties When you attend the College, you will have an initial assessment which will help us understand what your levels of reading and maths skills are. You will also carry out a short assessment, to find out how you learn best and whether you might have dyslexia. If these assessments suggest you would benefit from extra help, you will be invited to a further assessment.

If you have a hearing impairment Along with Signer Communicators to support students with a hearing impairment, there are fitted hearing loops in the main areas of the College: • • • • • • •

the main hall at Kings Road - KC16 the shop at Kings Road - K028 the Refectory Student Centre - KW032A at the reception desks at Kings Road and Goschen at the finance offices at Kings Road - K026 and Goschen - GC020 in the libraries at Kings Road and Goschen - GC044.

Some teaching rooms also have them: • KI105 Learning Support classroom • K307 • GC220 • GC033 • GA104.

Visual Stress Visual Stress is also known as Scotopic Sensitivity or Irlen Syndrome symptoms of which include: • • • • •

words appear to be blurred text appears to be moving text appears fuzzy and out of focus the whiteness of the page causes glare and makes reading difficult trying to read in bright lighting is uncomfortable.

What can be done for me at City College Plymouth? At our College we are committed to supporting you in all areas of your studies. At the start of the year you complete an Iscreener form that’s designed to pickup your Irlen profile. In this way, many students are invited to come in for a Visual Stress test with the Learning Support team. Students will be booked in for a 1 hour long assessment. The object is to find out about your visual stress and how it can be tackled. Usually you will be given a coloured overlay that’s specifically issued for your use when reading for study or pleasure. We will advise on the best way to adapt your computer to take into consideration your visual stress. We will take a record of your preferences when it comes to the colour of paper used for your test paper. There are 10 Irlen colours.

I think I might have Visual Stress. If you think you have Visual Stress but have not been contacted, you could ask for an appointment. You could call in at the Learning Support Office K038, 01752 305885. You could send in a Self-Referral Form or you could ask your tutor.

If you have a visual impairment The College is painted in contrasting colours to help you distinguish doors, windows, floors, pillars and walls. We have large screen monitors and software to enhance your learning experience. The College can provide orienteering professionals from the RNIB to support individual students to access our buildings knowledgeably when they first arrive. We also have a Braille machine to transcribe written materials. The College has facilities for guide dogs, including a ‘doggie loo’ which reception staff can provide directions to.

When you take exams Special arrangements can be made to help you when you take exams including: • coloured paper • enlarged print • extra time • readers • signers • writers • separate room • taped questions and/or answers. If you think you need these arrangements PLEASE tell your tutor as early as you can. The exam boards need evidence and it takes time to gather that information together and get their approval. That way you are sure to get the consideration you need. “I play a vital role in encouraging students with hearing impairments to become fully integrated into College life and to support their success. In addition to signed support, I support students who have general hearing difficulties. I can further support students by note taking, adapting material and encouraging the use of assistive technology for delivery.” Juli (Signer Communicator Support Worker)

Other College Services There are a number of teams available to help you whilst at College. Staff can help with a range of queries such as: • • • • • •

money and travel counselling support sport and activities wellbeing hearing your voice at College careers and employment.

Please visit theinfospace based on the main corridor at Kings Road, or on the first floor by the library at Goschen where staff will be happy to help.

Counselling There is a counselling service for students and you can visit or ring theinfospace to make an appointment.

Careers Education and Guidance Service Here you will find a range of services to help you make the right choices now and while you are at College. It will also help you plan your next steps. The College works in partnership with the personal advisors at Careers South West. Again, you can make appointments through theinfospace.

Student Funding We can help you when you need information, advice and guidance on grants, travel costs, childcare costs and other expenses. The team can help you apply for grants such as: • • • • •

discretionary Learner Support residential bursary childcare schemes higher education funding in some cases, transport costs.

The College offers all students a free breakfast and you may be eligible for a free meal during the day. There is more information on all of these in our funding booklet which will be sent to all students over the summer months. You can also find information on the student intranet. For more help please contact the funding team on 305381 or 305110 or you can e-mail the query to studentfunding@cityplym.ac.uk.

Childcare Support If you need help with childcare costs we may be able to help you. • discretionary Learner Support Fund: this fund is open to students over the age of 20 at the start of the academic year to help pay for registered childcare costs while you are in guided learning. • Care to Learn: This fund is open to students under the age of 20 and can help pay childcare costs during full or part-time study. Sometimes help with travel costs is also available.

Day Nurseries The College has two nurseries, both of which are judged outstanding by OFSTED. • Curious Kittens, Kings Road 01752 305872 • Curious Kittens, Goschen 01752 305060. You need to apply as early as possible. If we have no vacancies please contact the Families Information Service for details of registered childcare providers: • Plymouth FREEPHONE 0800 783 4259 • Cornwall area FREEPHONE 0800 587 8191 • Torbay FREEPHONE 0800 328 5974.

Health Care There are first aid rooms on the two main sites: • at Kings Road on the ground floor in room K021B • on the ground floor between entrances C and C1, near the lifts, at Goschen. If there is a medical emergency a list of first aiders is held at reception and in faculty offices. There are free sexual health drop-in sessions at Goschen and Kings Road in the student centres.

Talkback

thin u o y t a h Tell us w Cullum Thomson

Studying Level 2 National Award in ICT When I first started studying at City College Plymouth I was concerned about the accessibility, as I am a full-time wheelchair user. Thankfully Kings Road has a variety of options open to me. My classes are based mainly on the 2nd floor so I do rely heavily on the lifts. I find the lifts easy to access and they provide enough space for me to turn around. The power assisted door buttons are positioned at the right height for me to reach and big enough for me to easily press. The classrooms provide plenty of space for me to move around the room and be able to socialise with my class mates. I also have an adjustable table, which helps me to access my computer easily. Overall, my experiences at the College have been very positive and all my needs have been taken into account. 27

The outside agencies we work with include • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Careers South West DisabledGo Hearing and Sight Centre NCH Action for Children Job Centre Plus Plymouth Learning Link RNIB Routeways SCOPE Sensory Team, Adult Social Care Department Youth Enquiry Service PLUSS Plymouth Mental Health Provider Network RNID CAMHS NHS.

Talkback

thin u o y t a h Tell us w Andrew Quest

Functional Skills for Mathematics and English I first studied at City College in 2007. Since I have returned to study I have noticed the facilities for me with my sight impairment are even better than before. Sometimes I like to come into college early and I find everyone very friendly. I particularly like to start my day at Costa Coffee having a chat with my fellow students. Obviously I need help to move around College and I find that staff will make sure I know where I am going and that I get to the correct classroom. I am assigned to a Learning Support Assistant and when it comes to daily routines, he really helps me get the most from my time here. Also, the tutors are keen to make sure lessons are adapted for me and this usually means providing material in Braille. In summary, I am enjoying my time at City College Plymouth and I am very happy with the facilities.

Tell us what you think You have opportunities to comment in student surveys during your studies and other ways you can raise any suggestions and concerns are: • you can tell your course rep. • you can talk to your tutor • you can talk to any member of staff • you can talk to your Students’ Union Executive, who are based in the student centres • you can talk to a mediator or a counsellor • you can email comments on the premises to estates@cityplym.ac.uk • you can ring Abi Gee with concerns about Learning Support on 01752 305885. There is a formal complaints procedure. You can read this on the College website at www.cityplym.ac.uk. If you want to use this please ask for a Talkback form at one of the reception desks, in the libraries or download one from the website and send it or hand it in. If you prefer you can email your concerns to talkback@cityplym.ac.uk or ring the Talk Back Coordinator on 01752 305119. Should you wish to discuss any issues with a member of the Senior Leadership Team, please email: talkback@cityplym.ac.uk.