Students with special needs

The Department for Educations and Skills defines additional support needs as “any activity that provides direct support for learning to individual learners, over and above that which is normally provided in a standard learning programme which leads to their primary learning goal. The additional support is required to help learner’s gain access to, progress towards and successfully achieve their learning goals. The need for additional support may arise from a learning difficulty or disability, or from numeracy or language support requirements.” (Department for Education and Skills).

The Scottish Executive have, over the last decade, made a commitment to putting measures in place to support learners with additional support needs. There has been movement towards the attitude that “everyone should have the opportunity to learn irrespective of their background or personal circumstances.” (Scottish Executive).

All academic organisations welcome students with special needs into its learning environment and aim to provide high quality training for all who seek access to its courses. The goal is to avoid unnecessary barriers for disabled people by making anticipatory adjustments to its provisions and increase accessibility for all. Most colleges and universities are able to provide support, advice and guidance for students with a wide range of additional support needs and are committed to providing inclusive education in a safe and positive environment.

To this end, there are a variety of offerings with respect to special arrangements which you must be familiar with and relay that important information to potential students in need of such support. This ensures that an early identification of needs can take place and both parties can be assured that all required reasonable adjustments can be made.

Further information

• Local information
• LEAD Scotland
• Scottish Executive Funding – disabled students
• Scottish executive Funding – domiciled students
• Learn Direct – students with disabilities

Students with special needs PDF

To be aware of how to involve students with special needs and promote equality in learning.

Info pack PDF

General information about students support services in your organisation.