Information for Staff
Examinations and assessment
Special arrangements for students with dyslexia and other
neuro-diverse conditions
The role of the note-taker/support worker
Confidentiality and disclosure
Additional Information and Resources
Referral Flowchart
for Dyslexia Screening
Guidance on
providing lecture notes
Guidance notes: Marking work with consideration of spelling,
grammar and structure
Guidance
notes for staff regarding digital recorders
Examinations and assessment
Disabled students, including those with dyslexia, are eligible to apply for special arrangements in examinations and assessment. Evidence of disability must be provided, which originates from a person with professional standing in the area of disability concerned. Full details of the policy and procedures may be obtained from the Academic Registrar or the Disability
Team.
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Special arrangements for students with dyslexia and other neuro-diverse conditions
Students may need to have their dyslexia, or other condition within the spectrum, taken into account when marking their assignments. This is indicated via a “cover sheet” which students obtain from the Student Adviser (Dyslexia & Neuro-Diversity) or the Secretary to the Disability team.
After a student has applied to the Examination Office for special arrangements in examinations and assessment, they receive a letter from them stating if their request has been granted. This letter informs them that they are entitled to the coversheet and also how to obtain it. A copy of the letter is also sent to the relevant Programme Director and to the Disability Team. It is then the student’s responsibility to attach the coversheet.
Tutors are advised to ensure that they apply all considerations listed on the cover sheet and to refer students to the Disability Team if the student is unable to provide one.
The role of the note-taker/support worker
Some disabled students require an assistant to work with them on those tasks that they are unable to do on their own, such as note taking in lectures, scribing in examinations, practical assistance in the Library or photocopying. These assistants are not employees of the University, but are self-employed workers, funded by the student’s Disabled Students Allowances. This support is arranged and administered by the Disability Team.
Some physically disabled students may also employ a care assistant for their personal needs. This is the responsibility of the student’s Social Services Department.
Confidentiality and disclosure
Access to information about a student’s disability or personal circumstances is regulated by the Data Protection Act. Higher Education Institutions have a responsibility under the Special Educational Needs and Disability Act (2001) to ensure that students are given sufficient opportunity to disclose a disability in order to avoid discriminating against them. Please familiarise yourself with the following guidelines document:
Additional information and resources
Helping students with mental health and emotional difficulties a guide for staff (.pdf file Local Access only)
Accessibility of University Teaching and Learning (LTEU)
Briefing Notes re Accessibility issues (LTEU)
Accessibility Research website (Department of Computing)
Students with Dyslexia
Useful information may be found on the British Dyslexia Association web site.