Learning Support at University
What can universities do to better support disabled and neurodivergent students? In this panel discussion, we invite specialists from the University of Manchester and Heriot-Watt University to share how they're working to enhance student support. Plus, we'll be joined by a Student Ambassador for the University of Greenwich's innovative STAART initiative.
Discover effective approaches your FE/HE institution can take towards inclusion, from school transition programmes to assistive technology. Learn how you can raise awareness of the available resources at every stage of the student’s journey, from application to graduation.
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Who should attend
Ideal for educators (secondary and post-secondary), students, learning/disability support staff, DSA assessors, AT specialists and anyone interested in learning support in university or college.
Accessibility information
- Automated captions: We are committed to inclusivity. This webinar will feature automated captions for enhanced accessibility
Having trouble viewing the registration form on this page? Email Gemma at ukevents@texthelp.com to secure your spot.
Meet the speakers
Arran Brown
Assistive Technology Advisor
Arran Brown has been the Assistive Technology Advisor at Heriot-Watt University for the past 2 years, working directly with students and advising on assistive technology tools such as Read&Write. He has worked in various roles at Heriot-Watt since 2018, and gained a good knowledge of the Higher Education sector as a whole.
His love of technology spills over into his spare time, when he creates videos about tech and camera gear for his YouTube channel.
Jessica Tuominen
Student Ambassador
Jessica is a BA Sociology student and STAART Ambassador (Support Through *AccessAbility Retention and Transition) at the University of Greenwich. STAART is a disability-focused peer support initiative. She is also a Special Educational Needs and Disability Progression Partnership Liaison Ambassador.
Jessica co-hosts the One in Five Podcast which offers guidance for prospective and current disabled students. She focuses on supporting disabled students by sharing her experience navigating life as a student with ADHD and developing resources for students, parents, carers and professionals.
Wendy Timperley
DASS Manager
Wendy Timperley is a Manager at the Disability Advisory and Support Service (DASS) at the University of Manchester, where she has worked for over 10 years.
Prior to her current role, Wendy was a Lead Disability Advisor within the DASS team, working with students to arrange additional support and putting adjustments in place to ensure disabled students have full access to their course of study, such as additional academic support and exam support arrangements.
Nicole Michael
Head of DSA, Texthelp
Nicole has been working for Texthelp for over 8 years and is passionate about helping students across the UK unlock their potential through assistive technology. She leads the DSA strategy within the company, working with the team to determine a product roadmap that continues to provide world-class tools across literacy and STEM.
She is also the Director of the British Assistive Technology Association (BATA), where she leads the DSA special interest group in campaigns which impact the wider DSA community.
Compelling insights
We surveyed neurodivergent students at universities around the UK about their awareness of the Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA). Here's what we found:
- 32% of students surveyed had not heard of the DSA
- 55% had not applied for the DSA
- 29% feared that by receiving support, they would be viewed as less smart