2018/ 2019

Support for International and EU students with Specific Learning Difficulties at the University of Plymouth.

Dear Applicant

Application to study at the University of Plymouth

You will recall that when you completed your application form you indicated that you had a Specific Learning Difficulty – SpLD (e.g.: dyslexia, dyspraxia (DCD), ADHD) which may warrant examination provisions and/or support for your study during your time at University.

In relation to this I am writing to introduce the work of Disability Services; and let you know how to go about organising support for your condition, and to arrange exam provisions (e.g. extra time, word processor etc).

Who are Disability Services?

Disability Services aims to support disabled students, including those with SpLD, during the application process and whilst at University. Please note, all applications are judged on the grounds of academic suitability.

To ensure everything is in place for your studies, we would suggest you book an appointment with a Disability Advisor when you arrive. You can do this by visiting the Learning Gateway in Roland Levinsky Building in person, or by telephoning 01752 587676. We can then discuss support and exam provisions.

Arranging your exam provisions

We need evidence of your Specific Learning Difficulty (SpLD) in order to process your exam provisions in time for your first university assessments (which are likely to take place in the first month of your studies).

If you choose Plymouth University as your firm or insurance choice, prior to your arrival, please send us either:

a)  A full diagnostic report by an appropriate professional from the age of 14 years upwards, indicating a SpLD. We will not accept reports relating to an assessment before the age of 14 years to determine exam provisions.

Or

b)  A letter or document from school or college indicating that you have had examination provisions from the age of 14 upwards because of an SpLD (dyslexia/dyspraxia etc). Reference to a diagnosis must be made on this document.

If neither the documents in a) or b) above are available we can let your Faculty know you have a SpLD but we cannot put exam provisions in place.

Please send your document to the following address together with the disclosure, which is part of this pack.

FREEPOST RTHY-YEKH-ZTGJ

Disability Services

Plymouth University

3 Portland Mews

Drake Circus

Plymouth

PL4 8AA

Tel: 01752 587676 Email –

We will have a look at your documents and see if they are suitable for arranging exam provisions. If you feel you require different exam provisions to those on the document, please contact us as soon as possible to discuss this.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

If you have a diagnosis of ADHD please contact us direct so that we can consider specific support – please contact .

Other Services

There is support from the University of Plymouth’s Learning Development team for all students whether or not they have a disability. You can contact Learning Development by emailing and the website is www.plymouth.ac.uk/learn. More information can be found at https://exchange.plymouth.ac.uk/intranet/learndev/Public/Tutorialswhattoexpect.html.

Maths support is provided by Sum-Up who are based on the ground floor of the library from 10am to 4pm Monday to Friday. There is also the Writing Café based on the 4th floor of Babbage where you drop in for literacy support.

Dyslexia –friendly group study skills sessions are also available to all students whether or not they have a diagnosis. You can contact either Jo Rowland or Kassandra Clemens for further details about group support, ,

All international students can also have support from the English Language Centre https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/student-life/services/international-students/english-language-centre

Sincerely

The Disability Services Team

Disability Disclosure

Full name: ……………………………………………………………

YES - I agree to an exchange of relevant information about my disability and/or support requirements being disclosed to those teaching and administrative staff who have a need to know, and to relevant external providers of support (e.g. suppliers who provide enablers/support workers i.e. note takers, mentors, study skills tutors etc).
In the event that I do not take up a place I understand that this information will be shredded within a reasonable period.
Signature:……………………………………. Date:………………………………………..
NO - I do not agree to disclosure about my disability and understand that this may limit the support I receive.
I agree to inform Disability Services if I reconsider this decision.
Signature:……………………………………. Date:………………………………………..