TCD Model of Support for
students with AS
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
Number of Students
with AS
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1,375 students currently registered with Disability Service
72 students (5%) have Asperger’s Syndrome
62 Undergraduate
10 postgraduate
Disability
Service
Tutor
Unilink
Student
Student
Union
Counselling
Health
Service
Pathway’s Model of Support for
Students with disabilities
Phase 1
Phase 2
Phase 3
• Phase 1: Pathway to College
• Pre-entry, admission and the first year experience
• Phase 2: Pathway through College
• Building and maintaining a college career
• Phase 3: Pathway to employment
• Transition to further study or employment
Pathway’s Model taking account of the total ‘Student
Journey’ from pre-entry to employment or further
education
Phase 1: Pathway to College
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 Groupslectures, talks
Dedicated
Transition
Website
Transition
Planning Tool
AS Website
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•
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•
Transitioning
into college
Parent/Student Event
Orientation Programme
Needs Assessment
Referral to Reasonable Accommodationse.g. Unilink
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??
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.”
Phase 2: Pathway through College
College Life: Building and
maintaining a college career…the
bigger picture
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
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
Weekly Social
Leisure Group
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.
Phase 3: Pathway to Employment
Career Pathways Service
• 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
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 excellencewhich opens up challenges
• Parental Input / Engagement
Any Questions?
Thank you for listening!