An orientation event hosted by the Disability Service
Monday 24 th of August 2015
Edmund Burke Theatre, Arts Building, Trinity College
Dublin.

Welcome everyone
Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin

Outline of the Afternoon
1:30pm- 1:40pm: Student Story- Jack Kavanagh
1:40pm-1:55pm: Welcome from the Director of the
Disability Service- Declan Treanor
1:55pm- 2:55pm: Disability Service Supports: What to expect?
2:55pm- 3:15pm: Coffee Break
3:15pm- 4.00pm: Students- Campus Tour / Parents Q & A
4:00pm- 4.30pm: Student Ambassador Q&A
Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin

rd

Disability Service Staff
Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin

The Disability Service (DS)
Some facts and figures…
2000 - The year since the DS has been in operation in Trinity
361 – The number of students whom registered with the Disability
Service in 2014-2015.
80% - The amount of overall registrations that took place in the first term for 2014-2015.
3,929 - The number of appointments students had with staff in the DS was that’s an average of 3 appointments per student
18,342 – The number of enquires made to the DS by phone, email and walk-In enquiries in 2014-2015.
Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin

Students registered in 2014-15
Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin

Breakdown of Students from 2014-15
Total
ADHD and ADD 75
Autistic Spectrum Disorder 68
Dyslexia/Dyscalculia/
Dysgraphia 399
Dyspraxia
HOH/Deaf
Intellectual disability
Medical/SOI
Mental Health
75
38
13
161
294
Neurological
Physical
Speech Language
Visual Impairment
Total
49
107
3
31
1313
Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin
Arts, Hum. &
S.Science
Eng, Maths
& Science
Health
Sciences
15
17
15
14
16
3
16
46
1
10
409
118
16
18
13
48
91
7
15
1
2
175
60
8
2
0
19
32
10
20
1
3
263
99
9
8
0
46
48
Multi Faculty
Multi School includes TSM
29
34
122
42
10
0
48
123
16
26
0
16
466

CAO Offers 2015
Disability categories
Disability
ADD
Autism
Blind
Deaf
Dyspraxia
Mental
Health
Neurological
Ongoing
Medical
Physical
Disability
Specific
Learning
Unknown
4
12
Total(s) 62
Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin
8
9
1
Merit
0
3
6
1
4
14
4
22
7
42
0
157
DARE
10
14
1
5
19
33
8
34
15
51
1
0
219
Merit +
DARE
16
15
1
8
23
47
4
16
7
23
0
0
100
%
0
4
7
7
11
21

2015 DARE entrants by course choice
Ancient and Medieval History and Culture
Business Studies with Lang
Clinical Speech and Language Studies
Chemistry with Molecular Modelling
Computer Science and Business
Dental Nursing
Dental Science
Drama and Theatre Studies
Earth Sciences
Economic and Social Studies
Engineering/with Management
English Studies
European Studies
History and Political Science
Human Genetics
Human Health and Disease
Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin
1
3
4
1
1
20
5
3
3
1
2
3
3
1
1
2

2015 DARE entrants by course choice
Law Combinations
Management Science and Information Systems Studies
Maths
Medicine
Midwifery
Nanoscience, Physics & Chemistry of Advanced Mats.
Nursing -Gen/Psych/ID
OT
Pharmacy
Philosophy, Political Sci, Economics & Sociology
Physio
Political Science and Geography
Psychology
Radiation Therapy
Science
Social Studies
Sociology and Social Policy
Theoretical Physics
TSM
Philosophy
Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin
13
2
2
2
3
7
1
3
3
1
17
6
3
9
5
1
20
2
2
1

The Student Journey
Aim
The Disability Service aims to develop clear and effective support systems at all stages in the student journey from university entrance to graduation to employment.
Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin

The Student Journey a university
Pre-entry, admission and career.
the first year experience.
Building and maintaining
Progressing through university to employment.
Pathway’s Model taking account of the total ‘Student Journey’ from pre-entry to employment or further education
Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin

Supports and Services for Students
Disability
Service
Peer
Mentor
Unilink
Student
Union
Tutor
Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin
Services &
Supports for students
Parents/
Guardians
Trinity
Health
Centre
Counselling
Service

Disability Service Website
Link: http://www.tcd.ie/disability/
Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin

The Disability Service
Who we are…
• The service employs ten full-time staff, two part-time staff and over sixty casual educational support workers, who provide direct support to over four hundred students with disabilities, some of these include:
• Disability Officers for students - Declan Reilly
• Disability Officer for students/staff – Declan Treanor
• Assistive Technology Officer/Disability Officer – Andrew
Costello (ATIC)
• Administrative staff – Caroline Morgan, Carol Barry
Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin

Unilink
Link: http://www.tcd.ie/disability/services/Unilink/index.php
• Claire Gleeson
• Kieran Lewis
• Fiona Gilmore
• Charlotte O’Connor
• Maria Clince
Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin

Getting to know the Disability Service (DS)
Where is the Disability Service located in Trinity?
DS Main Office
Room 2054
The Arts Building
Staff: Carol & Caroline
Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin

Supports provided by the Disability Service
• When you are registered with the Disability Service (DS) you will have access to a range of supports that will help you reach your potential while studying.
• General supports provided by the DS include: Academic Support;
Assistive Technology; Communicating with your School; Exam
Accommodations; Library Supports.
• Additional Supports: Unilink, Assistive Technology, Library Assistant
Meet;
Group or 1:1
Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin
Assess
Supports put in place

Getting to know the Disability Service (DS)
So what happens now…
1.
Students will be prioritised based on DARE evidence
2.
You will receive contact via email to meet with a Disability Adviser for a Needs Assessment appointment or to attend a Group Session
3.
Explore your needs in transitioning into university during session
4.
Exploration of reasonable accommodations
5.
Sign a Code of Practice and ESF Form
6.
You will make a decision whether to disclose to your department;
List or A Learning Education Needs Summary (LENS)
Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin

The Code of Practice
Link: http://www.tcd.ie/disability/current/Code-of-practice.php
What is the Code of Practice?
- The Disability Service Code of Practice aims to provide a high standard of service to students with disabilities.
- The Code of Practice has two main purposes to outline for students with disabilities their rights and responsibilities in receiving reasonable accommodations while studying at Trinity; to define Trinity's rights and responsibilities to students with disabilities and the College community
Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin

Your role as a student
5 things we expect you to do…
1.
Attend a registration / needs assessment appointment/session.
2.
Check your Trinity email account regularly for messages/updates from the Disability Service (DS).
3.
Let us know immediately if your course or circumstances change.
4.
Request exam accommodations or changes to exam accommodations by the official deadline.
5.
Communicate with us directly and not through a third party .
Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin

Communication between Students and Parents
Communication Policy- Communication Consent
Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin

Being a university student
Learner stage…
Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin

Being a University Student
Some questions
- What are the differences between secondary school and university?
- What types of learning are required in university?
- Skills to be a university student?
Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin

Demands of Secondary School
Where you may have come from…
- Wide range of subjects: at least 7
- Prescribed learning usually guided by teachers
- Rote learning/ Group projects with defined boundaries
- 9am to 4pm daily routine; managed learning environment with familiar routines, set break times and class periods
- Very clear rules of behaviour and consequences- Institutional environment
- Obligatory clothes (uniforms); all individuals similar
- Very familiar physical, social & cultural environment– classrooms, labs, break rooms, people, ethos.
Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin

Third Level Education (university)
Where you heading for…
- It’s big and new/ Different environment
- Attendance at lectures not compulsory – more freedom!
- Large groups of strangers
- Norms rather than rules
- Different teaching methods
- Few practice-runs
- No daily routine/ Student driven
- May never get to know lecturer
- Lots of extracurricular options
- No hand-holding for the student/ Live away from home- self-care
Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin

Third Level Education (university)
Tools that will assist in being a university student
- Self-Directed
- Motivated
- Self-aware
- Manage yourself and time
- Academic Skills
- Social Skills
- Manage health and well being
- Organised
- Responsible
- Obey college rules
- IT Skills
- Seek support if needed
Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin

Getting to know Trinity
Being a fresher student
Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin

Being a fresher student
What is a Fresher?
- A first-year student at a university, college, or high school.
- Junior Freshman, Senior Freshman = First two years of university.
Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin

What happens on Trinity Fresher’s week?
First week-
Orientation
Library
Tour/
Sports Tour
Fresher’s
Week
Explore
Societies/C lubs
Moving into
Accommodation
Collect ID
Course
Information
Meeting
Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin

Trinity Fresher’s Week
Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin

Be sure to check out the orientation website
Link: https://www.tcd.ie/orientation/
Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin

Registration & Student Card
What documents do I need for ID card collection?
You need your confirmation slip from your online registration and proof of ID (Passport/ Birth Certificate/ Driver's Licence). If you have been to this University before, please bring your old student card.
What do I need my Student card for?
Library access; buildings; computer rooms; exams; printing
Collect card from Exam Hall in Front Square
Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin

What do I need to do before I arrive?
- Did you register and print out your confirmation slip?
- Do you know when & where to go to collect your ID card?
- Do you know the time, date and venue for your orientation meetings
Freshers’ Week?
Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin

During your first week in Trinity
• Register with Trinity
- Find university Tutor and arrange to meet.
- Attend ‘Meet your Mentors’ meeting and Library Tour
- Go on Sports Centre Tour
- Find out how to get a locker if you want one.
- Print out your timetable
- Get your course handbook from my.tcd.ie
- Find out where the computer rooms are.
- Add your laptop to the Trinity computer network.
- Find out where to go for help with your laptop.
Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin

Freshers week timetable
Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin

The Library
So where are they located?
Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin

The Library
Link: https://www.tcd.ie/Library/
Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin

The Library
- You can take out books with your Student Card.
- If you have Special Borrowing Privileges
- ATIC Spaces in the library-quieter places to study: BLU &
Hamilton .
Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin

Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin

Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin

College Societies and Clubs http://www.trinitysocieties.ie/ http://www.tcd.ie/Sport/ducac/
Societies:
Sci-FI
Gamers
SVDP
Internet
The Hist
The Phil
Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin
Clubs:
Athletics Club
Rowing Club
Swimming
American Football
Cricket
Rugby

Trinity Jargon
So what does all of this mean…
• Michaelmas Term
• Hilary Term
• The Pav
• Front Square
• Cricket Pitch
• The Ramp
• Arts Block
• GMB
Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin

College Terms in TCD
What dates are important?
The academic year at TCD:
– Freshers Week- 21 st September 2015
Terms: Three terms:
– Term 1: Michaelmas Term: 28 th September- 14 th December 2015 (12 weeks includes 1 reading week)
– Term 2: Hilary Term: 18 th January 2015 - 4 th April 2016 (12 weeks includes 1 reading week)
– Term 3: Trinity Term: Exams – 2 nd May 2016
Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin

First Year Experience Survey
Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin

Advice from some first year students…
Try to take part in as much as possible as it is the easiest way of making friends and settling in
College Life - get involved in as many non-academic activities as possible.
Don’t let your disability hold you back.
Ask for support if you need it as the services are never ending!
Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin
Join societies that let you shine!
Do as much as you can, enjoy it, open your eyes and join different societies to broaden your experiences

Advice from some first year students…
Use all the help they can get even if you feel they don't fully need it.
Enjoy socialising while also keeping on top of your course work and assignments.
College life can be overwhelming but it is for everyone so don't stress out and think it's not for you. Give it a chance, you never know what you're capable of.
Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin

Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin

Orientation information for new students
Link: https://www.tcd.ie/orientation/
Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin

The Library
Link: https://www.tcd.ie/Library/
Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin

Societies & Clubs
Link: http://www.trinitysocieties.ie/
Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin

Information Systems Services (ISS)
Link: https://isservices.tcd.ie/

Student Supports: Student Counselling
Link: http://www.tcd.ie/Student_Counselling/student-learning/
Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin

Trinity College Dublin Student Union
Link: http://www.tcdsu.org/
Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin

My.tcd.ie
Link: https://my.tcd.ie/urd/sits.urd/run/siw_lgn
Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin

Blackboard
Link:https://tcd.blackboard.com/webapps/portal/execute/tabs/tabActio n?tab_tab_group_id=_26_1
Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin

Student Homepage
Link: http://www.tcd.ie/students/
Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin

Week
Freshers
Date
21 st Sept
Events
Fresher’s Week
Michaelmas Term
Week 1 of teaching 1
6
7
4
5
2
3
8
9
10
11
12
28th Sept
9 th Nov Reading Week
14 th Dec Michaelmas Term Ends
Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin
Assignments/Reports to hand in
Maybe lots!!!
Maybe lots!!

The Next Steps….
For students
- Two day orientation event
Monthly support workshop
Needs Assessments
Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin

Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin

Disability Service
Disability Handbook for Parents
Available on the Disability Service website.
Link: https://www.tcd.ie/disability/prospective/teacherinfo/info-parents.php
Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin

Engaging with your student
Some guidance for parents /guardians…
-
Half way through Michaelmas and Hilary Term- lots of assignments due
- Second week of December & beginning of April -assignments due
- Exams take place in May!
- Check out the Parent Guide for the academic calendar and demands!
- If you are concerned about your student, speak with them and advise them to contact a support in college.
Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin