Support Worker Service (SWS)
The Support Worker Service has been established in accordance with the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) Part IV, to ensure equal access for disabled students. It is provided by Northumbria University in partnership with Randstad HR Solutions and provides educational support for D/deaf, disabled and dyslexic students.
Educational support available includes: Notetaking in taught sessions, Educational Personal Assistance, Guiding and Exam Reading /Scribing.
How does a student arrange Support Worker Service support?
Students are referred to the Support Worker Service by a Disabilities Adviser/Mental Health Practitioner. The student has a Working Agreement meeting with the Support Worker Service Co-ordinator and support is arranged and put in place.
Educational Personal Assistance
Support may include reading text aloud, recorded reading, locating texts in the library, typing assignments, internet assistance, photocopying and transcription.
Notetaking
In some cases, the Notetaker may attend the session and the student will be absent. However in most cases the Notetaker will attend with the student, who may decide whether or not to sit next to the Notetaker.
Support Worker timesheets
The student receives an emailed timesheet after each session of support and
is requested to validate the support worker’s claim for payment as soon as
possible
Academic Staff - please be aware that:
- A Notetaker may need a printout of any PowerPoint presentation that is used, as he/she does not have access to the eLearning Portal
- The Notetaker may take a copy of handouts produced, depending on the student being supported
- The Notetaker may have to leave very promptly at the end of the session as he/she may have a consecutive lecture to attend
- The Notetaker will be wearing SWS ID
The Notetaker will not:
- Be on the register
- Do any assignments
- Ask any questions
- Participate in any group work or discussion
- Have specific knowledge about the subject being taught
- Discuss the student’s identity or any details regarding his/her disability
