Confidential Application - University College Falmouth

Information for students with disabilities
1 Introduction
The University College welcomes and supports students with disabilities. We
interview and assess all applicants to our courses on their individual merit.
Whilst we recognise that the hilly terrain of West Cornwall may present problems for
wheelchair users or those with mobility difficulties, students with a range of
disabilities have studied here successfully.
If you would like to view the campus, its facilities and the surrounding area, you are
welcome to arrange a meeting with an Accessibility Advisor before submitting an
application.
University College Falmouth students with disabilities are supported via the TCS
Accessibility Service at both the Woodlane and Tremough campuses. The
Accessibility Service links with local and national disability providers and is
committed to improving and extending access to its facilities.
2 Current policy
2.1 Equal opportunities
The University College has an Equal Opportunities Policy, and all reasonable effort
will be made to ensure that students with disabilities are able to enjoy the same
facilities as other students. Copies of the policy can be located under the Personnel
section on the University College intranet. The University College's policies and
procedures are regularly reviewed to ensure compliance with the Equal
Opportunities Policy. Any complaints relating to equal opportunities issues, in the first
instance, should be submitted to the Registrar, who will provide a written response
within ten working days.
2.2 Access and Admissions
All applications are dealt with through the University College's Admissions Office.
Applications for Higher Education (HE) Courses arrive via the Universities and
University Colleges Admissions Services (UCAS). The University College's Equal
Opportunities Policy ensures that all applications to its courses of study are dealt
with without prejudice.
The University College recognises the need, where possible, to identify students with
disabilities or specific learning difficulties prior to admission so that the fullest support
may be given at interview and throughout their course of study. Students who
disclose a disability on their application form will be contacted by an Accessibility
Advisor and offered an assessment of their support needs. Applicants who would
benefit from enabling or other support during their interview are invited to contact the
Accessibility Service in advance of their interview date so that appropriate support
can be put in place.
2.3 Examinations and assessments
The University College will aim to be as flexible as possible in terms of supporting
students to enable them to achieve course objectives. On the majority of the
University College's courses continuous assessment is in operation.
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2.4 Quality assurance, monitoring and evaluation
Services are reviewed by the submission of an annual report to senior management
in addition to the annual course of study monitoring which feeds back comments on
the operation of the support services that the University College provides. The
University College also employs internal auditors to monitor and evaluate its support
services.
2.5 Staff development and training courses
New staff members are required to attend Staff Induction which includes information
regarding Equality and Diversity and responsibilities under the Equality Act (2010).
This is presented by the Equality and Diversity Officer in collaboration with Human
Resources. In addition, the Human Resources team present on-going training
opportunities for staff which include elements of Equality and Diversity. This
supports the maintenance of staff awareness of individual responsibilities throughout
the University College.
University College Falmouth students are supported via the TCS Combined
Services’ Accessibility team, who can assist students with disabilities in making their
claims for Disabled Student's Allowance from the appropriate student finance body
(e.g. Student Finance England). Support will also be provided for students wishing to
approach statutory and charitable organisations for funding to meet their disabilityrelated
needs.
2.6 Funding for psychological reports
University College Falmouth students are routinely screened for Specific Learning
Difficulties [SpLD]. Those students requiring new or updated diagnostic assessment
of SpLD will be funded by University College Falmouth. The Accessibility Service is
able to book these diagnostic assessments either on-site or with a local partner
agency.
Second language English speakers are advised to obtain an updated diagnostic
assessment in their home language prior to engaging in University studies.
The TCS Specialist Academic Skills team are able to provide on-site SpLD support
for those students in receipt of Disabled Student’s Allowance. Alternatively, students
with more general learning difficulties are able to receive support via the TCS
Academic Skills team.
3 Current provision
The Accessibility Service arrange diagnostic assessments and technical needs
assessments and provide advice on claims for Disabled Students' Allowance or other
sources of funding (including Disability Living Allowance claims). The Accessibility
Specialist Mental Health advisor works closely with statutory and charitable provision
in supporting students with mental health difficulties.
Students with disabilities or Specific Learning Difficulties (or who suspect that they
may have a Specific Learning Difficulty) are welcome to contact:
The Accessibility Service
Accommodation and Welfare
Tremough Campus
Treliever Road
Penryn
TR10 9EZ
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Telephone: 01326 370460
http://www.falmouth.ac.uk/680/student-support-29/accessibility-service-234.html
Support can be arranged for students with disabilities or specific learning difficulties
that may include specialist tuition, note taking etc. Payment for this is usually made
through the Disabled Students' Allowance that is available from the student's
appropriate student finance body (Student Finance England, Student Finance NI,
Student Finance Wales, Student Awards Agency for Scotland).
Appointments for confidential counselling on any matters causing concern can be
made with the Counselling Service in Accommodation and Welfare.
University College Falmouth is within easy reach of four General Practices. Students
requiring appointments with a consultant physician may have to travel to the Royal
Cornwall Hospital, Treliske, Truro. Accommodation and Welfare publish a list of
current General Practitioners and dentists, although it is currently difficult to register
with a dental practice that provides NHS treatment. Emergency dental treatment is
available at the Health Centre in Falmouth and appointments have to be made
through the Dental Helpline: 01872 3543375
4 Accommodation
Our accommodation staff will be pleased to discuss your accommodation needs
throughout your time at the University College.
The University College's purpose-built student residence, Henry Scott Tuke House,
is located at the junction of The Moor and Quarry Hill in Falmouth town centre and
provides accommodation for 156 students. There are six rooms designated for
students with disabilities – three with full wheelchair access. At the Tremough
campus, Glasney Student Village also offers adapted rooms for students with
disabilities. You are most welcome to arrange to visit Tuke House or Glasney
Student Village with a member of the accommodation staff and an Accessibility
Advisor in order to assess whether the accommodation provided by the University
College meets your specific requirements. Priority is given to students with
disabilities who apply for University College accommodation.
University College Falmouth is committed to improving and extending access to its
facilities, and is aware of the need to provide high quality services, to abide by The
Charter for Higher Education and to comply with The Special Education Needs and
Disabilities Act (2001) and Equality Act (2010). We also have our own Student
Charter which is available on request.
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