Types of Support
 

There are different kinds of support that are available for learners. Any support will be adapted to your specific needs.

 

 

This can include (click on any of the links to find out more):

 

 

Alternative Assessment Arrangements

Assistive Technology Training

Communication Support Workers

Disabled Students Allowance

Equipment

Learning Mentors

Reading, Writing & Numeracy Support

 

Alternative Assessment Arrangements

 

Many learners require alternative arrangements for their assessments. This may include things like:

 

 
  • A reader
  • A scribe
  • A separate room
  • Materials in alternative format e.g. A3, large font, coloured paper
  • Use of a PC
  • Extra time
  • Use of assistive technology
 

The arrangements that are best for you will be discussed between you, your lecturers and the Learning Development team.

 

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Assistive Technology Training

 

As part of our ongoing support for learners, we are able to offer various software packages that can assist you in acquiring a positive outcome to your studies.

 

 

At present these software packages, are available across the 3 campuses, and can be accessed within the Learning Zones on each campus.

 

 

Listed below are the software packages which are available:

 

Inspiration:
This is a mind-mapping software package, which can be used for organizing your thoughts, producing a study plan and can also help to enhance your memory skills. Another useful tool is being able to transfer your mind-map onto a Word or Apple document. This can be very useful as it shows your headings and sub-topics in an organized fashion, and makes it easier to read.

 

Mind-Genius:

This is very similar to Inspiration, and can be used in the same way. The main differences between these two packages are: Inspiration offers images and text, which you can add to your mind-map. Mind-Genius however, is mostly text based.
 

Mind-Manager

This software is also for creating mind-maps and can be used in many ways. It can enhance your organisational skills and improve your short-term memory. This in turn can be used to create detailed reports and interesting essays.

 

Read & Write Gold:

This software is an ideal tool to enhance your reading, writing & spelling skills. With the use of an extra toolbar, which can sit anywhere on your desktop, you can produce a higher standard of work. You can also use this software to proof-read your work, by use of a narrator, within the software package. Read & Write Gold can also be used for reading information on the Internet, emails and all Microsoft Office packages.

 

Wordswork:
This package delivers support in the form of an oral presentation, and includes visual imagery and graphics. This software can help to enhance language skills, which in turn can improve the contents of a report, essay or critical evaluation. It also has a Learners Questionnaire which helps to evaluate what kind of learner you are. This can be extremely useful when doing any course work as it lets you see the best way for you to process the information.

 

Supernova:

This software is helpful for learners with a visual impairment. It provides accessibility for these learners in accessing their e-mails, Internet & other Windows applications. The main function of this software is to magnify the screen whilst adapting to the learners individual needs. There is also a narrator available to help you navigate whilst using Supernova.

 

Jaws  

This software again is mainly used for learners with a visual impairment. This too allows the user to access Internet, email and other applications such as Microsoft Office, within the college. This can be done by use of an inbuilt voice facility, or by the user hitting certain keystrokes.

 

Dragon Naturally Speaking

This is voice recognition software for learners who find it difficult to operate a keyboard or mouse. This is done by way of dictating through headphones and a microphone. As you speak the text will automatically appear on screen in your word document.
  
 
Spelling Disk:

This software can be used to improve your spelling. You can complete spelling tests which includes questions on all dynamics of spelling e.g. suffixes, prefixes, silent letters etc. It also includes a Learners questionnaire, which can show you what kind of learner you are.

 

Brain Builder

This software has proved to be a useful tool in improving one’s short-term memory skills. It has been proven in studies carried out that, if we improve our sequential processing i.e. our ability to take in more of what there is to see and hear, this in turn determines how effectively we can express ourselves to others. In using this software you can improve your ability to memorize coursework, or any other relevant information.

 

Kurzweil

This software enables you to convert print to electronic text, which can then be read to the user in a chosen voice. This program also offers a variety of study skills to make learning easy.

 

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Communication Support Workers

 
A Communication Support Worker (CSW) provides support to Deaf, deaf, hard of hearing, blind and partially sighted learners. 
 

Supporting Deaf learners who use British Sign Language

 
CSWs aid the communication between Deaf and hearing people e.g. between a Deaf learner and their hearing lecturer. CSWs provide educational as well as communication support such as:
 
    • Offering help to understand and produce written material
    • Adapting the language of learning materials to make them easier to understand
    • Suggesting ways that the learning environment could be improved to assist the Deaf learner
 

Supporting deaf, hard of hearing or learners with a hearing loss

 
CSWs act as a further contact point for deaf and hard of hearing learners. They are available to discuss any learning, and provide any necessary support e.g. giving training to lecturers to improve their classes for the benefit of a deaf learner.
 

 

Blind and partially sighted learners

 

CSWs offer support to blind and partially sighted learners in a number of ways. These could include producing materials in accessible formats, one-to-one support in the classroom, or mentor support.

 

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Disabled Students Allowance

 
If you are on a HN or more advanced course and your fees are paid by SAAS, you may be eligible for Disabled Students Allowance.
 

Help is available to assist you to complete all the forms, and a referral will be made to an Assessment Centre, where your needs will be formally assessed and then recommendations will be made for the DSA award payment, which can be used to buy equipment, pay for personal support etc.

 

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Equipment

 
FVC has a wide range of equipment and resources that are available for learners with additional support needs to use. Some items are returnable and others are for learners to keep. You will be asked to sign a form to say you have been given any equipment.

  These include;

 

  • Ergonomic chairs
  • Digital dictaphones
  • Tape dictaphones
  • Photocopy cards
  • Spellcheckers
  • Alpha smart keyboards
  • Foot rests
  • Adjustable tables
  • Coloured overlays
  • Tracking rulers
  • Wanchiks writer and other writing aids
  • Ergonomic keyboard
  • Wrist rests
  • Alternative mice
  • Copy holders

 

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Learning Mentors (help with study skills)

 
There is a team of Learning Mentors who work on a one to one basis with learners. Their role is to give learners assistive technology training and to help with study skills. Study skills can include:

  

      • Essay/Report writing
      • Revision
      • Proofreading
      • Time Management & planning
      • Improving memory
      • Organisational skills
 

You can receive support all throughout your course or you can dip in and out of support as and when you need it e.g. coming up to exam time!!

 

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Reading, writing and numeracy support

 

Learning Mentors can help you improve these skills too, but we can also make referrals to specialist staff that can offer one-to-one support to improve your core skills.

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