AccessAbility
THE NEWSLETTER FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
THE NEWSLETTER FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
Volume 14, Issue 3
September 2011
Contact Information
Another year draws to an end …
Disability Support Service
The University of Waikato
Private Bag 3105
Hamilton
New Zealand
Telephone 07 838 4711
Facsimile 07 838 4282
[email protected]
www.waikato.ac.nz/disability
Well as we near the end of another
academic year I hope you’re all enjoying
your courses and I want to wish you all the
very best in your final assessments and
examinations with only 5 weeks of classes
left.
Margaret Dobson
Disability Coordinator
Debra Tanfield
Student Advisor
If you are getting stressed or are having trouble studying, don’t forget that
there is support available on campus through the Counselling Service and
study skills support through Student Learning Support. Equally, feel free to
drop by for a chat with any of us here at Disability Support.
For those of you who haven’t met us yet the Disability Service is located in the
Student Services Building Adjacent to the Gate One (Knighton Road) Carpark
and Lake.
Shirley O’Sullivan
Administration Officer
Summer School
2011
Summer
School 2
If you are
Enrolling
in
papers
for
Summer School 2 and need
support you will need to let
Disability Support know about this
now.
2012 Summer School 1.
Equally if you are enrolling in 2012
Summer School 1 commencing
early January and require support,
you will need to contact, the
Disability Support Service staff
prior to the Christmas break as the
Office is closed from Friday 16
December 2011 until Summer
School begins on 9 January 2012.
If you are returning to study in the
A semester 2012, please make
contact with us as early as possible,
so that any arrangements you need
can be made prior to you starting.
Tests & Examinations
With B Semester underway we want to wish you all the very best in your up
coming tests and assignments. If you have any exams you need support with
(additional time, reader, writer or use of computers) please contact Els Brown
at the Assessment Office in the Gateway Building or speak with one of us at
the Disability Support Service right away as the deadline for making
applications has now passed.
So, if you haven’t submitted your application
yet ... do it right away!
If you need to check whether these have been received please call Els at the
Assessment Office 856-2889 extension 8018 or by email:
[email protected].
The B Semester examination period will extend from Tuesday 25th October to
Saturday 5th November 2011 (including all Saturdays in this period). Please be
aware of the details of the exams especially if you have special arrangements
such as an early start (8:30am or 1:00pm etc), and remember to take your
student ID card to each examination. It’s a good idea to double and triple
check you have the day time and location are correct as there is no re-sit for
missing your exam by mistake.
The Examinations Timetable is online: http://timetable.waikato.ac.nz/exams/
Newsletter Mailing
List
This newsletter is emailed to all
students who have identified at
enrolment that they have a
disability or received support
services from the Disability
Support Service. If you have
received this newsletter and
don’t have a disability you can
change this information in
iWaikato. You can also update
your contact details online at
iWaikato if these have changed.
Financial
hardship?
Student
Financial
Advisor
This service
is based in
the Accommodation &
Conference Services Office and is
available to meet students for
individual appointments for
emergency assistance, financial
information and assistance,
confidential budget advice and
applications to the Special
Assistance Fund. The Student
Financial Advisor can be
contacted on (07) 838 4910 or
through the ACSO Receptionist
on (07) 838 4084
Student Contributions
Wanted
This is YOUR space… a chance for
you to have your say… share your
talents…build networks…
whatever. If you have
contributions you would like to
share please drop/post/email
them into DSS.
Special Consideration for
Application for
a Missed Examination or Impaired Examination
Performance
As you know, exams are fast approaching. In addition to any special
arrangements you may have made, it is important to know that if you are
experiencing a physical or personal crisis at this time you can see a Doctor or
Counsellor.
Examples of a personal crisis may be the death of a family member, or
experience of a traumatic event. There are obviously 'grey areas' where it may
not be clear whether a person's situation makes them eligible for any Special
Consideration.
If you think you may be eligible it is necessary that you see the Doctor or
Counsellor on the day of, or within 24 hours of your examination. If you don’t
think you are going to be able to sit your exam, you must check this out with a
Doctor or Counsellor before the exam. The Doctor or Counsellor will assist you in
filling out the form and answer any questions you may have about it. They are
not able to tell you whether your application will be accepted, as all applications
go to the Examination Board for approval.
For further information on the Special Consideration process click this link
http://www.waikato.ac.nz/sasd/examinations/exams3.shtml.
Compassionate Withdrawal
If you are unable to complete a paper because of exceptional circumstances
beyond your control after the deadline for deletion or withdrawal, you may apply
in writing to the Director of Student and Academic Services for withdrawal on
compassionate grounds.
The application must include an account, with appropriate evidence if available,
of the exceptional circumstances that prompted the withdrawal. If the
application is approved, the Director of Student and Academic Services may also
approve, at his or her discretion, a credit of some or all of the student’s fees.
If you are considering withdrawal from papers you are encouraged to seek advice
first from your School of Studies or Faculty, Disability Support Service or from the
Assessment Office in the Gateway, about whether you might be entitled to
special consideration under the Assessment Regulations.
Hearing Aid Batteries
We offer a free battery service on
campus for students that use
hearing aids. The following
batteries (13, 312, 675 & 10) are in
stock and available from the
Disability Support Service office in
the Student Services Building.
Graduation
It is wonderful to see so many
students with disability finishing
their studies this year. If you are
graduating in October we want to
wish you congratulations and
farewell. Good luck in your chosen
careers and future endevours.
Learning Support
What learning skills will Student Learning help me develop?
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Understanding assignment instructions;
Planning/writing assignments;
Preparing for tests and exams;
Using your time effectively;
Taking notes in lectures;
Reading academic articles/books;
And much more!!
How can Student Learning help me?
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Individual appointments;
Learning Skills workshops;
Drop-in sessions;
Learning Skills handouts;
On-line resources
How can I make appointment to use the Student Learning
services?
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How to Crack
Procrastination
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Plan to work and plan to play.
Remember you will need
breaks.
Don't wait for conditions to be
perfect before you start. Pride
yourself on being able to work
in the midst of a muddle.
Break the task down into
smaller and smaller parts
(each 15 minutes or less).
Write the parts on a list and
give yourself a big tick each
time you complete a task.
Plod along like a tortoise while
you're waiting for motivation
to spur you ahead like a hare.
TECHNOLOGY TIP
Adaptech Research Network have
updated and redesigned their
library of free and inexpensive
adaptive and "adaptable" software
titles. Visit the library by selecting
the downloads link from the
http://www.adaptech.org/
webpage.
In person: At the Student Learning reception, ITS building, accessible
from the Gate 1 parking area
By phone: (07) 838 4657
By email: [email protected]
Or online using the consultation booking form.
Study Skills Workshops
In these workshops students will discover how they can develop the skills needed
for successful learning at university. There is an emphasis on 'learning by doing'
and each workshop will include activities that allow students to practice their
learning skills in a friendly and supportive environment. You can enroll online by
clicking here: Workshops
Learning Support Drop-ins
You don’t need an appointment for drop-ins, these are short (10-15 mins) one-toone sessions where you can work with a learning tutor on a specific problem. Just
bring your piece of writing or task and wait your turn.
Do you need someone to proofread your essay?
We have a list of individuals who have self identified that they proofread
assignments. If you would like a copy email us [email protected]
Student Learning also provides some advice if you submit your assignment to a
tutor via Moodle http://elearn.waikato.ac.nz/course/view.php?id=2663
When submitting an assignment (they suggest submitting your 2nd draft) and
while they do not proof read they will review the assignment for elements such
as focus, structure, style and presentation. Please note that Student Learning
tutors will not grammar check an entire assignment.
Student Learning also provides maths help but will not answer assignment or
tutorial questions.
Managing anxiety NOTICES… What’s New ?
and increasing
Access Room Revamp
your academic
The Access Room has undergone a major change during the semester
success.
break. With 2 offices sectioned off for utilization as test rooms and a
Student Support Services are holding a
number of workshops aimed at
providing you with practical skills in
managing feelings of anxiety that
many students experience particularly
throughout the examination period.
Understanding and knowing how to
manage such feelings could enable
you to focus more clearly on your
study and to successfully complete
your exams.
All students are welcome to attend
one of the workshops. As places are
limited please ensure you register
your attendance by emailing
[email protected] with your
name, email address and cell phone
number.
The only workshop left with spaces
available is being held on: Wednesday
12th October 1-2 pm in I.G.02
revamp of the kitchen area. Come and check out the new look and test out
the newly plumbed coffee machine which is proving popular with
everyone, especially the frothy hot chocolate, a must as a before or after
class treat. Come on by and try it out.
The Computers in the Access Room have been upgraded to Windows 7 and the
new printer can provide double sided printing to help conserve Unicash funds. 1
sided printing costs 10 cents and 2 sided printing costs 12 cents… so good
for the environment and your pocket.
Wireless has finally made its way to the room so feel free to bring your
own machines in and enjoy a bit of couch study as well.
We still have lockers available for single day use. Just ask the DSS staff if
you need to leave your bags behind.
Workbridge
Better Writing Skills
Student Learning is offering access to
an online resource to test and
improve writing skills. This program is
designed to help you with grammar,
punctuation, and sentences. This
version is available only to University
of Waikato students and staff, so you
will need your username and
password to get access.
You can start with a pre-test to find
out what your writing problems are. If
you are interested it is available here:
Better Writing Skills
Workbridge is a professional employment agency for people with all types
of disability, injury or illness, where the effects are likely to last more than
six months. There is no charge for using Workbridge’s services.
We work with you to:
•
find out what you want to do
•
set work goals and plan how to reach them
•
find relevant work experience
•
prepare a Curriculum Vitae (CV) and learn how to use it
•
learn job search skills, including how to apply for jobs, and
interview skills.
Once you are in a job, we will keep in contact with you to make sure that
everything is going well. We may be able to help you access government
support funding that will assist you achieve your work goals.
To contact your nearest Workbridge Centre, call free 0508 858-858, fax
free 0800 080-715 or visit our website: www.workbridge.co.nz
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Break-up Pizza Party
The DSS staff would like to
invite you all along to the final
Lunchtime meet and greet for
the year. Come along to share
some food and chat with
other DSS students and staff.
Free Careers Workshops
Leaving university and finding employment can be daunting. If you are going
to be completing your degree in the near future it is a good idea to make
contact with the Careers Service. The Careers Advisor, Sharon Jefferies, is
available by appointment on Monday and Tuesday's to assist students with
CV Preparation, Covering Letters, Interview Techniques, Career Pathway
Planning and all things career related. For more information see the Careers
Service website: www.waikato.ac.nz/careers/
Workshops are also available on a regular basis in all these areas for enrolled
students. Workshops include:
 CV Workshops
 Interviewing Skills
 Exam Fear Busting
 Career Pathway Planning Workshop
A full list of upcoming workshops is available here: Careers Events
The lids will be lifted at 12:00
midday on Friday 14 October
in the Access Room adjacent
our offices. Hope to see you
here.
Career Planning & Preparation for Students with Disability
Any students interested in attending a workshop specifically targeted at
issues relating to disability (eg disability disclosure) should register their
interest with Disability Support phone 838-4719 or email
[email protected] Alternatively you may be interested in reading the
online resource Career and Job Finding Handbook for Students with Disability
which is available for download:
http://www.waikato.ac.nz/sasd/health/disability/careers_info.shtml
Please help us out … and complete the 2011
Special thanks this issue
to
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All the lecturers and departmental
contact staff who have helped us
organise test arrangements this
semester.
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You students - It’s been a great
year working with you! GOOD
LUCK with the final bits of
Assessment in the lead up to your
exams.
Online Disability Support Survey and you
could Win an iPod Touch
As part of our commitment to make our communication with you more
accessible we have re-run the online survey again this year. The survey can
be accessed by clicking on the following link or pasting it into your web
browser:
http://www.waikato.ac.nz/sasd/health/disability/disability_survey2011.shtml
We hope that you will take the time to
complete the survey as this is an important and
integral part of developing our services to
students. The purpose of this survey is to get
feedback on your experiences of the support
provided on campus. The survey closes at
noon on Friday 14 October 2011, so we
encourage you to enter now so that you are
entered into the draw to win the iPod Touch.
Please let us know if you require this survey in
an alternative format.
Feedback on the overall results of the survey will be posted on the DSS Web
Page early next year. If you would like to discuss anything about our service,
please contact the Disability Coordinator, phone 07-838-4719
email: [email protected] – www.waikato.ac.nz/disability