Learning and Teaching Support

The University of Sheffield strives to ensure that all aspects of learning and teaching are inclusive and accessible to all students. The DDSS works closely with all academic departments regarding the support needs of disabled students.

Once you are registered as a student and have met with a Disability Adviser, a number of support adjustments may be recommended for you on your chosen course(s) in conjunction with appropriate recommendations made during any full needs assessment. If you feel comfortable, you can discuss your support needs with your department or your adviser in DDSS can communicate with your department about your support needs usually via your Personal Tutor or departmental Disability Liaison Officer. Please be assured that this does not always mean disclosing information about your disability.

Examples of some of the support adjustments include:

• The use of a recording device to record your lectures and seminars. This can help free you to concentrate on participating in the lecture and work on developing your note-taking skills.
• As a student at the University, you will be able to access MOLE (My Online Learning Environment) which allows you flexible access to your course via the internet, including access to most of your course lecture notes and handouts. Having this information available electronically will enable you to produce materials in your format of choice. This may be particularly useful if you have a Specific Learning Difficulty and find note taking and listening at the same time difficult or have a physical disability or medical condition which makes handwriting difficult.
• DDSS can advise, work with and support your department to ensure your teaching environment is accessible, e.g. hearing loops, adequate lighting, access to power points for laptops, and wheelchair space.
• Specialist equipment, e.g. ergonomic chair, height adjustable desks, portable induction loops, CCTV.
• Support workers to assist you with your academic studies, e.g. note takers, library assistants, lab assistants, support and guidance mentors.
• If there is a placement element within your course, the DDSS will liaise with the department’s Placement Coordinator in order to make support recommendations to your placement provider.
• If you are required to participate in field trips, adjustments may include alternative accessible locations, support workers to assist in gathering data or carrying material for you.
• If you struggle with group work because of a mental health difficulty or autistic spectrum disorder, in conjunction with your department we may be able to negotiate an alternative form of assessment but this will depend upon individual circumstances. Alternatives could include smaller groups, i.e. 1:1 or another form of assessment which enables you to achieve the same learning outcomes.