Student Services

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Disability & Dyslexia

Information for Staff

Physical and Dexterity Difficulties

Physical and dexterity difficulties can be caused by a wide range of common illnesses and accidents. Difficulties include carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, stroke, cerebral palsy, MS, Parkinson's disease, RSI and spinal cord injuries.

This may result in pain, discomfort or even loss of feeling in parts of the body. Individuals may get tired more quickly because of the extra physical effort required to carry out ordinary tasks.

Teaching and learning

Every student's needs are different. Upon discussion with a Disability Advisor, a Learning Support Agreement (LSA) will be drawn up and disseminated to all relevant UEL staff. The LSA will inform you of the disabled student's particular teaching, learning and assessment requirements.

Below are points to consider when supporting students with physical and dexterity difficulties:

• Students may need additional time to rest, and allowance should be made for this, particularly in examinations or timed assignments.
• Some students may need reinforcement and extra support as associated discomfort may vary according to external conditions (i.e.weather and stress) and medication taken may affect concentration and memory.
• Students might miss sessions or have trouble keeping up with notetaking. Copies of lecture notes in advance would be very useful to students.
• Some students might want to record lectures; others might have a notetaker or personal assistant. If a student has a support worker of any kind with them you need to remember that this person is just the “arms and legs” of the person, and not the brain. Do not try to involve a support worker in a session, or expect them to participate.
• Timetabling might need to be considered if a student has difficulties getting from one class to another quickly, especially if classes are on opposite ends of the campus. It is helpful to let the student know in advance of any changes to timetable/lecture rooms.
• Wheelchairs take up more space than conventional chairs, and rooms will need to be chosen and set up with this in mind. Try to leave enough space for the wheelchair user to be able to decide where they want to sit. Time to get from class to class, for coffee and back, and for comfort breaks will need to be considered.
• Field work and study trips can pose particular difficulties that need to be considered in advance.

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Also of Interest

• Policies Related to Disabilities
• Disability and The Law
• Funding for Support
• Information for Staff Home

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