Here at Wakefield College we have a policy of equal opportunities and every effort will be made to provide the appropriate support for any student with a disability, sensory impairment or learning difficulty, who wishes to access a course.

Each learner will be assessed before they start their course so that appropriate support can be arranged.

We strongly urge you to disclose any disability or other additional support need so that we can make reasonable adjustments to support you with your studies whilst you are at College.

We have specialist tutors with expertise in supporting learners with Autistic Spectrum Disorders, ADHD, medical conditions, visual impairment, dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia or who are Deaf or hard of hearing, have learning difficulties, mobility difficulties or English as a second language. Support may be in the form of support staff in or out of class, assistive technology or adjustments by your curriculum tutors.

The College has a Disability Statement, which outlines the access and support we are able to offer to learners. Copies are available from College Receptions, the Learning Centres and the Additional Support Office and can be produced in alternative formats - for example, large print, Braille etc - by request.

The College also recognises its responsibilities under the Disability Discrimination Act. If you haven’t been in touch with the Additional Support team, please contact them before you enrol to ensure that adjustments are in place at the start of your course. Phone 01924 789262 (V) 01924 789158 (T) 01924 789262 (F).

The Support Service for Deaf Learners is part of the Additional Support Service. We have a policy of choice of communication for all deaf students, this gives them the right to;

- Learn and develop according to their individual needs
- Make the maximum use of their potential
- Express themself in a spontaneous way
- Self respect and identity through successful communication

We believe that the communication should;

- Be flexible
- Use a variety of means in order to understand and be understood
- Create a successful and equal communication

Learners will receive differing amounts of support depending on their needs and the programmes they are following. The service works closely with programme tutors to make sure that the support provided is appropriate for the student to have full access to their course. Each learner will have their own support plan mapping out the support they can expect to receive.

The Service for Deaf Learners can provide;

- Manual communication support
- Note takers
- Bilingual Deaf Tutor Support
- 1 to 1 general tutorials
- 1 to 1 subject tutorials with a programme tutor
- Technical equipment
- Deaf awareness sessions for staff and learners
- Induction sessions for deaf learners
- Regular meetings of deaf learners and staff
- 1 to 1 out of class support

For more information contact Joselyn Taylor, Bilingual Deaf Tutor and Co-ordinator on 01924 789158 text or Sue Hinchcliffe, Programme Manager on 01924 789164.

Alternatively, call Services to Business on 01924 789715 or email servtobusiness@wakefield.ac.uk