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Assessments in Higher and Further Education ½ or whole day
We have carried out Disabled Student Allowance (DSA) assessments for a number of universities including York and Herriot Watt as well as student assessments in several Further Education colleges both for the Communications Aid Project and on
An ICT assessment investigates suitable software, hardware and strategies to support the student’s learning as well as making sure they are using the technology in the most comfortable way.
Individual assessments
An AbilityNet assessment will include of a number of stages designed to find the best possible solution for the individual and the environment. The level of preparation needed will vary with the level of disability:
- information gathering before the assessment
- drawing together the support team (this might include support staff, a tutor, a carer etc.)
- discussion and evaluation with the support staff and the user
- observation of the user at the workstation
- demonstration: try out a variety of possible hardware and software solutions, using equipment that we bring with us
- agreement on solutions (including target setting. strategies and support required for successful implementation)
Further details are available from our Advice and Information Service.
Clinic Day for students and staff
We can bring a range of the latest assistive software and hardware to your organisation for your staff and students to try and find out about. This can take the form of mini assessments or advice sessions.
Further details are available from our Advice and Information Service.
Expert support with remote technology
We are now using the internet to offer expert assistance to people teaching and supporting disabled people where appropriate, without the need for a personal visit. It’s an extremely flexible approach with can provide excellent learning opportunities for teachers and specialist staff who work with the student during the process.
How a remote assessment works:
- the student’s computer must have a broadband connection and they need to be supported by an adult with a phone link to AbilityNet
- permission to use online streaming allows us to make adjustments to the student’s computer settings
- a web camera, which can be adjusted to focus on hands, seating position etc., shows the workstation, and we can observe any difficulties there are with mouse, keyboard or other controls
- practical solutions and observation, together with a phone link to the supporting adult, ensures we can give appropriate advice on possible adaptive and assistive solutions
- equipment or software may be available on loan so that it’s suitability can be tried out before it’s bought, minimising the risk of an unsuitable purchase
- further support is available from the AbilityNet consultant if required
Remote Assessment and Expert Support is charged at an hourly rate, and will vary depending on the number of sessions organised. Many people prefer two or three short sessions to absorb changes in their technology in their own time. Without travel time and costs, this doesn’t increase the overall cost. Further details are available from our Advice and Information Service.