Queen’s University Belfast

Grainne McGoldrick, Disability Officer

Disability Services

Current Students

1,964 students currently registered with Disability Services• 123 students have Asperger’s Syndrome

Support Model

Taster Day

• Held in April.• Tour of campus, Library.• Input from Disability Officer, Lecturer, Student,

Accommodation Office, Students’ Union. • Limited to 60-70 attendees.

‘I found this day very useful and motivational’

‘Has helped my son make his final decision regarding his University choice. Very enjoyable and informative event’

Induction Event

• Held in September before Freshers’ Week

• Students and parents/guardians invited

• What to expect at University (positive and negative)

• In-course support and funded support (Disabled Students’ Allowance)

• Important contacts

Asperger’s Social Group

• Established academic year 2006/07

• Queen’s University, National Autistic Society, Jo Douglas from Northern Ireland Spectrum Centre

Aims of Social Group

Aims• A chance to meet other students• Stress management• Social skills• Chance to talk/receive support for student issues• Safe and comfortable outlet• Useful points of contact• Enjoyable activities!

• Aims to meet 1-2 times per month during term time, during the day, around the Queen’s campus

• Guest speakers and workshops – depends on interests of the group e.g. employability, managing stress, exam preparation, clubs and societies

• Meet for lunch in the Queen’s area once/twice per semester

• No need to attend all meetings – depends on students’ interests and other commitments

Other

• One-to-one meetings for prospective students with Schools

• One-to-one Library Induction• Priority appointments for needs assessment• Support during Freshers’ Week• Quiet areas in Student Accommodation and en-suite

rooms

Students’ Comments

‘When I started out at University I was surprised at the level of support I was offered. During the second year of my undergraduate degree, the QUB Social Group started, and since then I’ve had many a great time and met some great people’

‘ I am richer for the experience as I never ventured out. The group gives me comfort to know that I am not alone in having trouble communicating with people’

‘The Christmas and end of year lunches were very good. I had lots of fun at them. I also found the Degree Plus was beneficial. The movies were good fun too as was the board game day’.

Challenges

• Isolation

• Group work

• Not-attendance at lectures

• Disruptive behaviour during lectures

• Non-engagement with Support Providers

• Difficulties getting placement/during placement