PASSHE

As the last academic term of 2024 comes to a close, PASSHE is taking a break and will return on 6th January 2025. We would like to take this opportunity to wish you and yours all the very best of the season. Thank you for your support in 2024 and we look forward to working with you in 2025. 🎉

Neurodiversity-affirming education is key to supporting students into the creative industries. Creative art & design courses and institutions have significant numbers of neurodivergent students, with autistic representation, as a proportion, almost 3 times higher than that of non disabled students. Hannah Breslin ∞, an educational developer at the University of the Arts London, shares three shifts in teaching for neuro-affirming teaching which go beyond the accepted focus on tools and practical adjustments like extra time. · Moving beyond assumptions - This involves reflecting on our own assumptions which are often from a neurotypical viewpoint and viewing individuals through a more inclusive lens. · Considering the bodily experience of learning -  Being aware that many neurodivergent people experience sensory input differently and, for example, building in breaks which would allow students to regulate their nervous systems by moving around and leaving the room. · Embedding a focus on social justice, activism and advocacy - Continually having to self-advocate can be exhausting.  Highlighting the systemic barriers neurodivergent students are likely to encounter can help them contextualise their continuing need to advocate for themselves. Understanding that the challenges they might face are symptoms of a dysfunctional system, rather than personal failings, can be transformative. When empowered and supported, neurodivergent students are well placed to advocate for social justice, question the status quo and shape equitable practice. https://lnkd.in/gggFb6KC

We hit the road again in the Spring, attending Habitat Learn UK's innovATe in Southampton, CENMAC events in both the north and south of the country, the TechEdology AT Brunch in Southampton, PASSHE in Birmingham and the iDiversity event at Edinburgh Zoo. If all of those events weren't enough to keep us busy, we also added myCopilot.ai to our portfolio, expanded our global presence by becoming the distributor for ReadSpeaker TextAid in North America and Spain, and launched Lightkey Medical. #AventidoWrapped #RoundUpOfTheYear #AssistiveTech #Inclusion #Accessibility

We had outstanding feedback from our recent workshop "See me as One: Holistic approach to supporting neurodivergent students". The training was praised for its excellent content and inclusion of learning theories and examples of activities used in tutorials. Presenters, Nicola Mawer and Emily Adams (University of Hull) had a lovely style of delivery - very easy to listen to and follow, using a good mix of presentation and participation. Check out our website for our upcoming member events. https://lnkd.in/gvK8cWQd

Last Friday, James O'Brien on LBC spent a whole hour on #Dyscalculia raising awareness and highlighting the difficulties and barriers faced by people. The hour can be rewatched on YouTube, and if anyone is looking for support for #Dyscalculia, #Dyslexia or any other specific learning differences we are here to help. https://lnkd.in/gBZFHXi8

Reminder that you only have until the end of this month to access this module at no cost. In 2025 it will be a chargeable module.

It appears that Capita's issue have been resolved, and so can start booking students in again. We expect this will result in a delay in student appointments, and we will be raising this with SLC. Original message below: Dear colleagues,   Further to our update (9 December), we are writing to confirm that the issue affecting Capita’s online needs assessment booking platform has been resolved.   Capita are beginning to contact customers who, due to this issue, have had their DSA eligibility confirmed, but have not yet received an invitation to book a needs assessment. This is a priority for Capita, and we are working closely with them to ensure customers receive their DSA support as soon as possible.   Once again, thank you for your patience while this was investigated and resolved.

I have to say how proud of Sainsbury's I am. We popped into store and was looking at the stationary, when we came across coloured overlays. The colour overlays are sold in a pack of six and can be used as reading aid for visual stress, supporting people with dyslexia or ADHD and just to take off the edge of that white paper. I could not believe how much of a good idea this was and in a supermarket which makes it accessible for people to buy and at £3 a good way to see which colour works for you. If you feel this could help. The lay overs are in: Red, Orange, Blue, Green, Pink and Yellow. And you can take them off the ring very easily. PS the book I have started to read is: Black Brilliant and Dyslexis by Marcia Brissett-Bailey BSc, PG Dip (QCG), MA,IPSEA and the book comes in Dyslexia friendly text and layout.

Are you a study skills tutor and a member of PASSHE? Looking for PASSHE accredited training your QA portfolio? Supporting learners who have Dyspraxia for Specialist Study Skills tutors (Introduction) PASSHE accredited for 1.5 hours.   There are 3 opportunities to attend: Dates: Tuesday 21 January 2025 – 10am-11.30am Wednesday 30 April 2025 – 7pm – 8.30pm Friday 19 September 2025 – 2:30pm – 4pm Special discounted price for PASSHE members of £60 + VAT (£72) Linked to PASSHE’s 7 principles with a study skills focus covering: Confidence and Self Esteem Transition to University Social Interaction Fatigue and pacing The importance of metacognition Lived experiences and real-life examples Application to the 7 principles to a study skills task Post training reading and resources links To attend any of the 3 dates please book via: https://lnkd.in/ezKvn3NV If you are a university or organisation interested in training your team please contact me directly on [email protected]

Capita DSA Update from the Student Loans Company: "Dear colleagues  We are writing to provide an update in respect of the technical issue that is currently affecting Capita’s Needs Assessment online booking platform. Unfortunately, this issue remains unresolved, and customers are currently unable to book a needs assessment. We continue to liaise closely with Capita who are working urgently to resolve this matter.  We will provide a further written update as soon as possible. We would like to thank you for your patience while Capita work to resolve this matter. If you have any questions, please do contact us."