SRC at Conference on Supporting Students with Learning Difficulties

Northern Ireland’s Colleges which include the SRC held a two-day workshop in Templepatrick on improving support for College students and prospective students with Learning Difficulties and/or Disabilities.

David Meade opened the 2-day conference with a presentation ‘Being Different In Further Education’

The workshop is part of the ‘Delivering Excellence’ Programme funded by the Department for Employment and Learning (DEL). The Special Learning Difficulties and Disabilities (SLDD) Project supports Colleges in working with key stakeholders, including the Middletown Centre for Autism, SHSCT, to advance the professional development of College staff and ensure appropriate support, training and specialist advice is available to College students and prospective students with Learning Difficulties and/or Disabilities.

The two day workshop was held at the Hilton Hotel, Templepatrick, on Monday 6th and Tuesday 7th  February 2012.

The workshop examined a range of issues, and the training and resources required to support the continued development of provision for students with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.  Key themes included:

·         Inclusive Curriculum for students with learning difficulties and or disabilities;

·         Transition to and from Further Education

·         Assistive technology;

·         Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults in Further Education

·         Mental Health Issues for Students with complex needs

·         Autistic Spectrum and Complex Issues

·         Increasing Life Opportunities for people with developmental disabilities

Colleges Northern Ireland Chief Executive Gerry Campbell said that the SLDD Project highlights the commitment of the Colleges to addressing the needs of students with learning difficulties or disabilities and ensuring that staff have the skills they need to provide that support.

Mr Campbell said “Colleges provide enormous opportunities for thousands of learners every year. This project is a vital part of their commitment to provide equal access and support for each and every student.

“This event will shape the development of best practice in our colleges and approaches to professional training for staff. It will also impact on future funding plans to improve Learning Support and Discrete Services at Colleges in line with the Department for Employment and Learning targets.”