tcd model of support for students with as. presentation aims explore the model of support for...
TRANSCRIPT
TCD Model of Support for students with AS
Presentation Aims
• Explore the model of support for students with AS at TCD from entering college to graduation
• Challenges faced by students with AS & Trinity
• 1,375 students currently registered with Disability Service• 72 students (5%) have Asperger’s Syndrome• 62 Undergraduate • 10 postgraduate
Number of Students with AS
Pathway’s Model of Support for Students with disabilities
Pathway’s Model taking account of the total ‘Student Journey’ from pre-entry to employment or further education
Phase 1: Pathway to College
Thinking about College
• Open Days/Evenings• Individualised meetings with DOs/OTs in
supporting transition to college• Students with AS encouraged to connect
with College well in advance• Working with ASD Support Groups-
lectures, talks
Dedicated Transition
Website
Transition Planning Tool
AS Website
Transitioning into college
• Parent/Student Event• Orientation Programme • Needs Assessment• Referral to Reasonable Accommodations-
e.g. Unilink
Welcome Day - Getting to know Trinity
• Two Day Orientation/Welcome for students with ASD • Day Schedule
– Getting to know Trinity-Being a Fresher Student– Campus Tour/Scavenger Hunt– Meeting the DS and SU– Being a student learner– Getting to know TCD Computers/Library – Tour of BLU Library– Managing living in Halls– Questions and Answers??
Students Comments about the Day
“Everything seems clearer now as a result of the Welcome Day”
“I feel better prepared for college & I enjoyed myself.”
“I learned about college, I met new people and help was given to all my problems”
“I came to learn names and find my way around”
“Between meeting important staff and being shown around I found I gained the information I wanted.”
Phase 2: Pathway through CollegeCollege Life: Building and
maintaining a college career…the bigger picture
Phase 2 Supports
• Students with AS can avail of a number of supports in college:– Meeting with DO-advocate; Needs assessment, disclosure, LENS etc.– Weekly appointments with OT in Unilink– Weekly Social Leisure Group – Placement planning– Mock exams – Low Distraction Exam Venues – AT quiet study Space
Unilink Service
• Occupational Therapy Support Service• 1:1 support • Focuses on supporting the student to develop
practical strategies to manage their student role and their health and well-being at college
• PEO and Recovery Model (Quinn et al, 2014) • Connection with Health Centre
Weekly Social Leisure Group
Mock Exams & LDV
• Mock Exams: Students have the opportunity to experience exams scenarios; reduce anxiety, familiarity
• TCD also provide Low Distraction Venues for students with sensory difficulties.
Phase 3: Pathway to EmploymentCareer Pathways Service
• Individualised transition planning service – Exploring career options– Build career related skills and experiences– Ways to manage disability in the workplace
• Access to suite of resources and supports; OT, CA, ATO, Workshops
• Transition to employment planning tool
Challenges within TCD
• Transition to college- need for longer lead in• More complex academic and personal
issues arising• Managing anti-social behaviour• Seen as place of expertise and excellence-
which opens up challenges • Parental Input / Engagement
Any Questions?Thank you for listening!