Learner and Disability Support

Dyslexia Support

Harper Adams University College provides a Dyslexia Assessment Service and a Learner Support Service for students. Some students arrive at College already knowing that they have dyslexia, whilst others may be assessed or re assessed after they have started their course.

Prior to arrival at the College students are invited to complete and return a Leaner Support Self Assessment indicating if they have dyslexia or think they may have dyslexia. They are also encouraged to contact the College prior to arrival to discuss their support needs and application for the Disabled Students’ Allowance (if appropriate).

On arrival students should contact Tricia Cox (the Learner Support Administrator) to arrange an appointment with the Learner Support Co-ordinator to discuss their support needs.

During induction all students will undertake a dyslexia screening test and on the basis of the test students will be invited for further screening and assessment.

Support available consists of:

• Meeting with the Learner Support Co-ordinator at start of the academic year to discuss support needs.
• Additional examination support including extra time and any other support recommend in the student’s Dyslexia Diagnostic report or the Assessment of Study Needs.
• Assistive software - Texthelp Read & Write and Mind Genius is available on all the networked computer in the library.
• Some assistive technology is available on loan from the Learner Support Office. This includes: laptops with assistive software (Dragon Dictate, Texthelp Read & Write and Mind Genius), digital dictaphones and Franklin spellcheckers.
• Dyslexic screening carried out in the College free of charge.
• Dyslexia assessments with a qualified dyslexia assessor, carried out in College. (NB. Students may be eligible to apply for funding for this assessment through the Dyslexia Scholarship Scheme).
• Arrangement for assessment of Study Needs.
• Assessment of Study Needs carried out in College (through The University of Derby Access Centre).
• Practical assistance in applying for the Disabled Students' Allowance.
• Individual study skills and dyslexia support with dyslexia qualified tutors.

Information on Financial Support

Students with dyslexia, may be eligible for support through the Disabled Students' Allowances (DSA). These allowances are intended to assist UK students with disabilities who are studying in Higher Education. The award is intended to help meet the extra costs of studying, that students may face as a direct result of a disability or specific learning difficulty, and also to help students study on an equal basis with other students. This allowance is not income dependant. If you think you might qualify then further details are available at:

• Short URL: tinyurl.com/2twex7
• Full web address: www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/EducationAndTraining/HigherEducation/DG_10034898

A booklet called Bridging the Gap can be downloaded which gives full details of the eligibility criteria and how to apply. It is beneficial to apply for these allowances before you arrive, so that any support required can be put in place at the start of your studies.

If you require any further information or guidance, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Enquiries contact

Dyslexia study skills tutors