The Disability Team supports students with a wide range of disabilities, including but by no means restricted to:

• specific learning difficulties, such as dyslexia or dyspraxia
• mental health difficulties, such as depression, bi-polar disorder and schizophrenia
• chronic fatigue syndrome
• long term medical conditions, such as heart conditions, cancer and muscular dystrophy
• unseen disabilities e.g. epilepsy
• autistic spectrum disorders including Asperger Syndrome
• ADHD
• visual impairments
• hearing impairments
• speech impairments
• mobility or physical impairments.

We provide:

• advice and information on disability support and reasonable adjustments at the college
• individual support plans
• access arrangements in exams
• specialist equipment
• support workers e.g. note-takers, communication support workers for deaf students, mentors
• liaison with academic department staff
• assistance with diagnostic and needs assessment and Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) applications.

Inclusion

This is a drop in and referral service open to all Reading College students who have/are having difficulties with regard to their learning and understanding. Some students will already have been receiving help at school and will need extra support to be able to cope with coming to College. Some people may feel very anxious/nervous and unsure about joining a large setting and will need someone to help them settle in.

There will be a quiet room dedicated to supporting students who are struggling with the noise, hustle and bustle of College and need somewhere to either sit or study in a ‘chilled out’ area. The quiet room is located in A65.

We welcome a chat about your support requirements at any stage, but it's always best to let us know what we can do for you before your start college.

For a discussion about your particular circumstances, please contact:

Beth Webster, the Disability and Inclusion Manager:

• by telephone: 0118 955 4583
• through Learning Skills on 0118 955 4300.
• E-mail disabilityteam@reading-college.ac.uk.

The College works closely with Total Communication  to provide support for students who are deaf or have impaired hearing.