Inclusion for disabled students and students with a learning difference

As tutors we are required to use reasonable adjustments to make learning accessible for all disabled students and students with a disability or learning differences. 

Students with a disability, or a specific learning difference (such as dyslexia), may disclose this at enrolment, at interview, or on their Individual Record of Learning at the start of the course. 

However, many students don’t disclose a disability, particularly hidden disabilities or learning differences, as they don’t want to ‘stand out’ or don’t realise how supportive City Lit tutors can be. Their disability or learning difference may only emerge during the course. 

Tutors may feel anxious if they have a learner who has disclosed a disability or learning difference in their class in case they can’t help, or get something wrong. This is natural. We may not get everything right first time, but the student will value the fact that we are listening to their needs.  

If a student has disclosed their disability or learning difference at enrolment, and met with Access, Inclusion and Support (AIS), you will find their RAP (Reasonable Adjustment Plan) on EBS Ontrack. The RAP will provide you with some information about the student including classroom recommendations and reasonable adjustments for you to explore to make learning more accessible. for the individual. Support the AIS team may provide an additional support worker in class, or 1:1 out of class support sessions for accredited provision. 

Some students may indicate that they want their tutor to know but don’t request support. These names are also listed below the register.

If a RAP is not available on EBS:

§ talk to the student in confidence about what would help them. Don’t assume you know what they need! 

§ avoid making the student feel ‘different’. E.g. if you adapt handouts for them, make the adapted handout available to everyone and not just the student concerned.

§ visit the Access, Inclusion and Support hub for ideas on how to support students with particular learning differences or disabilities. 

§ suggest an  advice session with Access, Inclusion and Support.   AIS offer bookable advice sessions for all students with a learning difference or disability who require advice to access their course.  Please find the booking details below alongside further information about the department's services.

If you teach an accredited courses at Level 1 or above, please contact the SpLD Specialist who will provide a brief powerpoint presentation to show your class as part of your student induction, explaining the support  offer with a short online neurodiversity screening questionnaire. There are always some students who will not be identified through this screening process, so please do refer these students for support when appropriate.

The AIS team are available to offer you advice and support if these aren’t covered on the support hub.

Access, Inclusion and Support: support@citylit.ac.uk        
tel: 020 4534 0459

Deaf support:  support4deaf@citylit.ac.uk
tel: 020 4534 0459;    SMS: 07624  818 558