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| Annalu Waller's home | School of Computing | |||
Support for Students with DisabilitiesHi, my name is Annalu Waller and I am the Disability Support Officer (DSO for short) for the School of Computing. My role is to ensure that lecturers and other staff are aware of what is needed to make the School's learning environment accessible to all students. I enjoy my role as DSO immensely and hope that students will approach me at any time. I am a registered rehabilitation engineer and love coming up with wacky, but realistic, solutions to challenges faced by people with disabilities. In addition, my research focuses on developing computer-based systems for people with severe disabilities. Index
Our Commitment to Students with DisabilitiesThe School is fully committed to the University’s Disability Policy. Our aim is to provide disabled students with access to a learning experience comparable to that of their peers. Top of pageHow do we do this?In general, teaching staff aim to meet the needs of the different learning styles of all students. However, some students may require more specific support. For example, a student with dyslexia or poor hand function may need assistance with taking lecture notes. What we might do in this situation is to provide the student with an outline of the lecture (or a hard copy of the PowerPoint slides) before class. Asking a fellow student to carbon copy their notes is also a very effective (and instant) way of getting notes ‘hot off the press’. Although students may have already informed the University Disability Coordinator of their needs, students are encouraged to contact Annalu as well. This allows staff in the School to meet the needs of students at the beginning of each academic year. It is also important that students remain in contact with Annalu throughout the year in order to meet any changing needs. The major barrier to supporting you effectively is not knowing that you need specific support! So, if you think you need support, speak to Annalu. If you do have a disability and require support, you will need to register with the University Disability Service at the beginning of each academic year. Reregistration is important in terms of ensuring that issues such as special examination arrangements are formalised. Top of pageOur Responsibility as StaffOur responsibility is to make your learning environment accessible to you by:
Your Responsibility as a StudentEach student is unique and the challenges you face due to your disability are also unique. You are therefore the only person who knows which strategies will work for you and which will not. Your responsibility is to help us to make your learning environment accessible to you by:
You may also wish to familiarise yourself with some of the specialist services offered by the university:
You may also find Skill, The National Bureau for Students with Disabilities a helpful resource. Top of pagePersonal SafetyPersonal safety in the event of emergencies, such as leaving the building quickly when there is a fire alarm, can pose problems to some people with disabilities. Derek Brankin, the School's safety officer will discuss with staff and students with disabilities what procedures should be followed in the event of an evacuation. For example, students with a visual impairment might identify a fellow student to ensure that suitable assistance is given in cases of fire. A similar arrangement may be instituted if a student is unable to hear the alarm. Staff and students are also reminded not to move furniture around if a fellow student has a visual impairment. Students with certain disabilities may also need specific help if they become unwell. In these circumstances, students are encouraged to inform staff of ways in which we can be of assistance. Top of pageExtended AbsencesStudents who are absent for extended periods due to disability related reasons are encouraged to speak to staff. If you are unable to attend classes for any reason, please contact the school or your Module Coordinator(s) directly. This will allow us to help you to keep abreast of course requirements. For example, your course co-ordinator may discuss a modified hand-in timetable for assignments. It is important to note the requirement that you notify the faculty of any absences. Please look at the Student Handbook to see what you should do on returning to the university. If you have any concerns or queries about recording your absence, please speak to Louisa Cross, the Divisional Administrator, or to Annalu. Top of pageConfidentialityAny information shared with Annalu will remain confidential. It will be necessary, however, for staff to be informed of any recommendations which would affect how they teach you. If specific information regarding your disability needs to be shared with staff, Annalu will ask you for permission to do so. Top of pageFeedback and Ideas for ImprovementIf you have any comments about the information on these pages, or have any suggestions for improvement, please contact Annalu. More detailed information relating to departmental procedures, e.g. can be found in the Student Handbook. Top of pageA Final Word or TwoOur research has also shown that striving to provide an accessible environment for students with disabilities will benefit all students. For example our policy of making teaching materials available electronically will benefit the whole student body, as well as making our teaching material easily accessible by students with disabilities. A large part of the research undertaken by staff in the school focuses on the development of computer systems for people with disabilities. Have a look at our research interests, that is, what we do when we’re not teaching! Top of page | |||
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