TCD Model of Support for students with AS

1. TCD Model of Support for students with AS

2. Presentation Aims • Explore the model of support for students with AS at TCD from entering college to graduation • Challenges faced by students with AS & Trinity

3. Number of Students with AS • 1,375 students currently registered with Disability Service • 72 students (5%) have Asperger’s Syndrome • 62 Undergraduate • 10 postgraduate

7. Pathway’s Model of Support for Students with disabilities

8. Pathway’s Model taking account of the total ‘Student Journey’ from pre-entry to employment or further education

9. Phase 1: Pathway to College

10. Thinking about College • Open Days/Evenings • Individualised meetings with DOs/OTs in supporting transition to college • Students with AS encouraged to connect with College well in advance • Working with ASD Support Groups- lectures, talks

11. Dedicated Transition Website

12. Transition Planning Tool

13. AS Website

14. Transitioning into college • Parent/Student Event • Orientation Programme • Needs Assessment • Referral to Reasonable Accommodations-e.g. Unilink

15. Welcome Day - Getting to know Trinity • Two Day Orientation/Welcome for students with ASD • Day Schedule • Getting to know Trinity-Being a Fresher Student • Campus Tour/Scavenger Hunt • Meeting the DS and SU • Being a student learner • Getting to know TCD Computers/Library • Tour of BLU Library • Managing living in Halls • Questions and Answers??

16. Students Comments about the Day “Everything seems clearer now as a result of the Welcome Day” “I feel better prepared for college & I enjoyed myself.” “I learned about college, I met new people and help was given to all my problems” “I came to learn names and find my way around” “Between meeting important staff and being shown around I found I gained the information I wanted.”

17. Phase 2: Pathway through College College Life: Building and maintaining a college career…the bigger picture

18. Phase 2 Supports • Students with AS can avail of a number of supports in college: • Meeting with DO-advocate; Needs assessment, disclosure, LENS etc. • Weekly appointments with OT in Unilink • Weekly Social Leisure Group • Placement planning • Mock exams • Low Distraction Exam Venues • AT quiet study Space

19. Unilink Service • Occupational Therapy Support Service • 1:1 support • Focuses on supporting the student to develop practical strategies to manage their student role and their health and well-being at college • PEO and Recovery Model (Quinn et al, 2014) • Connection with Health Centre

20. Weekly Social Leisure Group

21. Mock Exams & LDV • Mock Exams: Students have the opportunity to experience exams scenarios; reduce anxiety, familiarity • TCD also provide Low Distraction Venues for students with sensory difficulties.

22. Phase 3: Pathway to Employment Career Pathways Service

23. Individualised transition planning service • Exploring career options • Build career related skills and experiences • Ways to manage disability in the workplace • Access to suite of resources and supports; OT, CA, ATO, Workshops • Transition to employment planning tool

25. Challenges within TCD • Transition to college- need for longer lead in • More complex academic and personal issues arising • Managing anti-social behaviour • Seen as place of expertise and excellence- which opens up challenges • Parental Input / Engagement

26. Any Questions? Thank you for listening!