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University of Hull students

Specific learning differences

We believe everyone can become a confident, independent and successful student.

We know that you have strengths as well as challenges and we're here to make sure that your specific learning differences don't stand in the way of your success.

We work with students who have specific learning differences, including:

  • Dyslexia
  • Dyspraxia
  • Dyscalculia
  • Dysgraphia
  • AD(H)D

University of Hull students

Our highly qualified and experienced teachers provide specialist study skills tuition.

We'd recommend that you share information about your specific learning difference when you apply to the University. All applications are considered fairly and disclosing a difference won't affect your chances of receiving an offer.  We'll send you a questionnaire so that we can understand your needs. If you haven't disclosed a difference on your application, don't worry - you can talk to us about it at any time.

What can we do for you?

  • We offer DSA funded specialist one-to-one study support
  • You'll have access to a designated virtual learning site with lots of resources to help you in your studies
  • Our dedicated tutors work closely with your department to promote an inclusive learning environment
  • We provide assistive software to help you read and write for university
  • You'll have access to an online screener to identify dyslexia, dyspraxia and visual difficulties
  • Screening for Attention and Concentration Issues.
  • Reasonable adjustments for teaching and learning, such as the provision of lecture materials in advance, and recording of lectures

Information for DSA assessors

Non-medical helper rates

Our students do not have to pay for support, and our team help students apply for DSA for your specialist support needs. The University of Hull provides specialist 1:1 study skills support (SpLD) tutorials at a cost of £50.36 per hour. Non-Medical Help is funded by Disabled Students Allowance (DSA). See the DSA price list for more information.

SpLD students: Preparing for study at the University of Hull

When you first apply for a place on a University of Hull programme, we will send you information about our team and the support available to you. When you accept the offer of a place, we will then ask you to send us any documentary evidence you have regarding your SpLD.

Typical examples include the following:

  • Educational Psychologist Report (e.g. for Dyslexia)
  • Occupational Therapy Report (e.g. for Dyspraxia)
  • Clinical Report (e.g. for ADHD)
  • Initial Screening Report
  • Exam arrangement form

Once we have received your evidence, we will inform you of the immediate support package we have put in place for you, such as an exam contract which typically includes extra time for exams, use of a PC, and use of assistive software.

We also arrange reasonable adjustments to help you study on your course, e.g. lecture materials made available in advance of your lecture, recorded lectures, and a flexible approach for completing assessment deadlines

We can also advise you about accessing an excellent package of free support to assist you with your studies, including specialist tuition, hardware/equipment and software, funded by the Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA). It is possible to apply for DSAs once applications for funding through Student Finance England are open, and you are able to apply for DSA regardless of which UK University your final place will be at. UCAS has some useful information about the process and we can talk you through the steps if that would be helpful too.

Organising a diagnostic assessment for SpLDs

Many students want to organise a new and suitable diagnostic report so they access the Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) funded support package of specialist tuition, equipment and assistive technology software. We can help you can obtain a new and suitable diagnostic assessment before you start the course and we will help refund the cost of your new report!

You must however use our preferred assessor, ToHealth, in order to be eligible for a refund. Please contact ToHealth and state that you intend to study at the University of Hull in your email.

Please keep the receipt safe to arrange for a refund (up to a maximum of £294 outside of London, and £300 inside London) Refunds are processed at the end of October). Once you have completed enrolment we will advise you on how to claim back your expenses.

Your exam experience – independent learning: using assistive software

We understand your exam support needs. We know exams can be particularly challenging for students with SpLD, if they do not get the right arrangements.

We put in place exam arrangements that reflect recommendations in your documentary evidence. Typically, we offer 25% extra time in an alternative exam room.

We also offer more specialist exam contracts to meet your individual needs, such as a separate room in the department.

We also want your exam experience to be as independent as possible, so we encourage students to use assistive technology, rather than human support, such as readers and scribes.

  • Read&Write software is a text reader that reads text aloud, perfect for reading exam questions or even reading back your answers!
  • Dragon Naturally Speaking is voice recognition software, allowing you to speak into a microphone or headset attached to your computer to type what you are saying. This software is recommended to students who have specific difficulties transferring their thoughts and ideas into writing.

Of course, if you have specific needs that mean you cannot use the recommended alternative assistive software, we will consider human exam support.

What if I think I might have a SpLD but have never been formally assessed?

Many students come to university and have had limited support offered in the form of an exam contract, but in many cases have not had the opportunity to have a full assessment for SpLD such as Dyslexia or Dyspraxia.

We make it a priority to offer all applicants the opportunity to do an online screening for Dyslexia, Dyspraxia and Visual Sensitivity. We offer this screening as part of your online induction in your first year, to make sure you receive specific support, early in your course. The screener is also available for you at whatever stage you are in your course programme, but the earlier you engage the better.

If your screening results indicate a SpLD, we can arrange for you to have a full diagnostic assessment carried out by a suitably qualified assessor, paid for by the University of Hull.

    

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