Information for applicants with disabilities
The DClinPsy course welcomes applications from people who have disabilities or chronic health conditions and have this year implemented the "double tick" procedure in line with the DDA (2005) to ensure that applicants who meet our essential criteria and who also have a disability will automatically be offered an interview and be considered for training based upon all their abilities. This is in recognition of the barriers that people have faced in accessing employment and training opportunities.
For further information, please see the following page, and follow the links to the disability equality scheme:
www.shsc.nhs.uk/disability-221.asp
www.shef.ac.uk/hr/policies/recruitment/legislation/keylegislation.html
We wish to ensure that people are well supported and that we make the necessary reasonable adjustments to make sure this happens, at the interview stage and throughout training. We would encourage people to advise us of any special requirements to enable us to respond to your needs effectively.
We have in place procedures that aim to make this process begin prior to people starting on training to ensure that you have an appropriate training plan in place, as well as if you become in need of support around a disability or health issue whilst in training. This will be regularly reviewed and updated in partnership with you as your needs change over time.
We have close relationships with the Student Support Service for students with Disabilities and Dyslexia. They have advisors with a wealth of experience and knowledge who can support you through the process of further assessment or in applying for funding around support needs whilst you are studying. This could be through the Disabled Students Allowance or other organisations such as the Shaw Trust. Trainees have gained support from, for example, proof readers or in the provision of voice recognition computer software.
As you have dual status as an employee and a student, you are also able to access funding through the JobCentre Plus initiatives, such as Access to Work, or to gain advice from their Disability Employment Advisors. This support can be provided at the application stage, interviews, as well as gaining any necessary funding before you even start on the course.Current and previous trainees have gained funding for placement related needs, such as, for example, transport, or the provision of a personal computer.
jobcentrePlus.gov.uk/JCP/index.html
It can be a nerve wracking experience applying and gaining a place on the Clinical training course, so if you think it would be useful we´d be happy to facilitate you linking up with a current trainee who has been through some of the above processes to support you, if that is possible. There is also a Disability Liasion Officer for the unit, Katherine Hildyard who would be happy to answer any queries you have, tel: 0114 222 6609
email : k.hildyard@sheffield.ac.uk