Welcome to TU Dublin Blanchardstown - National Learning Network Student Handbook TU Dublin Blanchardstown 2020/2021
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National Learning Network
Student Handbook
TU Dublin Blanchardstown
2020/2021
Welcome to TU Dublin Blanchardstown
Contents
Who are we?.............................................................................................................................. 3
NLN Support Service – Confidentiality ..................................................................................... 4
How to Contact us ..................................................................................................................... 5
Overview of Supports we Offer ................................................................................................ 7
Types of Individual Support Sessions Available ....................................................................... 8
Workshops ................................................................................................................................. 9
Specialised Supports ............................................................................................................... 11
Am I eligible for a Needs Assessment? ............................................................................... 11
Needs Assessment ............................................................................................................... 14
Learning Recommendation ................................................................................................. 15
Exam Accommodations ....................................................................................................... 16
Additional Supports ............................................................................................................. 18
Assistive Technology ........................................................................................................... 18
Preparing for College Work Placements ............................................................................. 19
NLN Assessment Service ......................................................................................................... 20
Other Resources ...................................................................................................................... 24
Peer Mentoring Programme ................................................................................................... 25
Additional Information ........................................................................................................... 26
2
Who are we?
The National Learning Network (NLN) Educational Psychological Support Service
provides support to all students in TU Dublin Blanchardstown Campus including
those with learning, developmental, neurological and mental health difficulties.
Students are supported with goal-orientated sessions targeting areas the
student wishes to improve based on their individual needs.
The service adopts a holistic approach and recognises that student well-being is
intertwined with their academic experiences.
The service strives to promote students' independence and encourage them to
develop the skills that will help them to flourish during their time in college.
The NLN Educational Psychological Support Service team includes educational
psychologists and assistant psychologists to support all college students with
their academic needs, throughout the year.
3
NLN Support Service – Confidentiality
TU Dublin Blanchardstown encourages students with disabilities to disclose
information regarding their disability/specific learning difficulty to the NLN or
Student Services before they apply to college or at any point during their studies.
Such disclosure is encouraged so that NLN and the Student Support Service can
work with the student in ensuring that any reasonable accommodation required
is identified and facilitated in conjunction with the student.
Every student who attends the NLN for a support session or Needs Assessment
will be asked to complete a consent form, which the assistant psychologist will
go through with the individual.
Any documentation or information presented in disclosing a disability is held by
the Student Services Office and the NLN and specific medical or other
documentation will not be disclosed to any third party.
Where a student requests and is granted any form of reasonable
accommodation such as extra time in exams, printed lecture notes etc. the NLN,
with the student’s consent, will forward relevant information to Student
Services who will communicate this to the student’s course coordinator and
lecturers.
In such instances, only information relevant to the particular situation will be
disclosed.
4
How to Contact us
How to book an appointment
To book an appointment search SimplyBook NLN.
https://nlntudublinbc.simplybook.it/v2/ or scan in the QR code below. Here
you can pick who you want to see and select a time that suits you.
If you are having difficulty booking, check out the NLN page on the TU Dublin
college website https://www.itb.ie/CampusStudentLife/nln.html to watch our
video on how to book here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDl8xYUTpvc
or send us as email at studentsupport@nln.ie.
Drop in hours for quick queries: Tuesday and Thursdays 12pm-1pm (no
appointment necessary)
Where to find us: We are located in the A Block
5
How to Prepare for an Appointment
1. Book an appointment with us using our online booking system
2. Include what type of support you are looking for in this session (e.g.
study support- help with structuring my assignment).
3. Bring along your assignment brief/ pieces of work/ essay plan or other
information from your lectures that may be helpful to the session.
4. Come prepared and bring a notebook, pen, highlighters, laptop etc.
5. Appointments will usually last around 45 minutes
Note: The NLN is not a proofreading service. We offer support to students to
learn strategies that will help them with academic success.
6
Overview of Supports we Offer
7
Types of Individual Support Sessions Available
8
Workshops
The NLN run workshops throughout the year which are available to all students.
Keep an eye on our Instagram page and the NLN section on the college website
for details about time and locations. If there are any workshops you would like
us to run, please contact your class rep.
Workshops usually consist of small groups or can be done for a whole class. A
workshop lasts approximately 40 minutes.
Below is a list of workshops we will be running throughout the year
Study Smart Workshops
• Essay planning & writing
• Avoiding procrastination
• Referencing
• Proof reading
• Study skills
Transitioning into College Workshops Series
• How to use Moodle – find lecture notes, submit assignment, use Turnitin
• How to use Outlook – send an email, use calendar, set reminders
• How to join a club/society on campus
• How to join the gym
• How to book appointments – NLN, nurse, counsellor, careers guidance
• How to use the library
9
Registering with the National Learning Network
Who needs to register?
Students with learning, mental health, neurological, physical, or sensory
difficulties that wish to avail of extra supports such as exam accommodations,
assistive technology, in class supports, academic tuition
Who does not need to register?
Students who just wish to attend academic, wellness or organisational support
sessions or students who have previously registered and have not left college
since registration.
Step 1
Book an appointment through our online booking system or email
studentsupport@nln.ie
Step 2
You will meet with a member of staff in the National Learning Network office
for a Needs Assessment. This is to discuss supports that you previously
received in school and supports you may find helpful while in college. They
will also look over your supporting documents e.g. psychological reports etc.
Step 3
You will then work together to come up with a Learning Recommendation.
This is a document which includes your exam accommodations, ongoing
supports and assistive technology if required.
Step 4
Once you have signed the Needs Assessment and Learning
Recommendation. The Learning Recommendation will be sent to Student
Services to set up supports such as exam accommodations and to your
course co-ordinator to be distributed to your lecturers to inform them of
your support needs, if you are happy to do so.
10Specialised Supports
NLN recognises individual differences in learning and provides specialized
supports to students with disabilities.
Am I eligible for a Needs Assessment?
Students with disabilities should set up an appointment with the NLN for a
Needs Assessment.
Below are the types of disabilities that qualify for a Needs Assessment and types
of documents that are required.
Eligible Categories of Disability for the Fund for Students with Disabilities: (HEA,
2019)
Disability Evidence & Eligibility Criteria Age of Report
Autistic Spectrum A report from a Consultant Psychiatrist No age limit
Disorder OR Psychologist OR Neurologist OR
Paediatrician providing a diagnosis of
autism
Attention Deficit A report from an appropriately qualified No age limit
Disorder Consultant Psychiatrist OR Psychologist
OR Neurologist OR
Attention Deficit Paediatrician providing a diagnosis of
Hyperactivity Disorder ADD/ADHD
Blind/Vision Impaired A report from one or more of the No age limit
following:
• Ophthalmologist/Ophthalmic Surgeon
providing a diagnosis of severe
reduction in vision that cannot be
corrected with standard glasses or
contact lenses. The diagnosis must be
in relation to Best Corrected Visual
Acuity or Field of Vision
• A letter from the National Council for
the Blind Ireland confirming
registration
11• A letter from the principal from a
school for the Blind confirming
attendance
Deaf/Hard of Hearing A report from one or more of the No age limit
following:
• An audiogram from a professionally
qualified Audiologist and/or ENT
Consultant, indicating moderate to
profound bilateral hearing loss (i.e.
above 40dB)
• A letter from the principal from a
school for the Deaf confirming
attendance
Developmental A report from a Psychologist OR an No age limit
Co-ordination Disorder Occupational
(Dyspraxia/Dysgraphia) Therapist OR Neurologist diagnosing
Developmental
Co-ordination Disorder (Dyspraxia)
The CAO/DARE Evidence of Disability
Form is not acceptable evidence of
disability for this category of disability
Mental Health A report from a Consultant Psychiatrist or Less than five
Condition Specialist Registrar years
(For example, Bipolar
Disorder,
Schizophrenia,
Clinical Depression,
Severe Anxiety, Severe
Phobias, OCD, Severe
Eating Disorders and
Psychosis).
Neurological Condition Neurological Conditions: Neurologist OR No age limit
another relevant Consultant
Speech & Language Disabilities: Speech
and Language Therapist
12Disability Evidence & Eligibility Criteria Age of Report
Significant Ongoing A report, diagnosing a significant ongoing Less than five
Illness illness such as: years
Diabetes Type 1: Endocrinologist or
paediatrician Cystic Fibrosis: Consultant
respiratory physician or paediatrician
Gastroenterology condition:
Gastroenterologist
Other: Consultant/Consultant Registrar
Physical/mobility A report from an Orthopaedic Consultant No age limit
or other relevant specialist diagnosing a
significant physical or mobility difficulty
Specific Learning The report of a psycho-educational No age limit
Difficulties assessment by a Psychologist OR by an
(Dyslexia or assessor (PATOSS accredited) diagnosing
Dyscalculia) a Specific Learning Difficulty
Applicants to the Fund may be
asked for their latest assessment
scores/educational reports to
assist institutions in determining
the appropriate level of support
All tests used in the assessment must be
valid, reliable and age appropriate.
The CAO/DARE Evidence of Disability
Form is not acceptable evidence of
disability for this category of disability
13Needs Assessment
What is a Needs Assessment?
- The Needs Assessment is a questionnaire designed to explore the types
of support that a student with a diagnosed disability may require.
- The student is required to provide evidence of disability during the
assessment process.
- It enables the college to apply for HEA funding on behalf of the student
and allows the college to arrange necessary supports.
- It takes approximately 1 hour to complete and is completed
collaboratively with the student and an Assistant Psychologist.
The Needs Assessment has three sections:
1. Student details
2. Background - information will be gathered on the impact of the student’s
disability on their academic experience as well as details of previous
supports.
3. Available Supports in college.
What supports are available?
If a student is eligible for HEA funding they may be able to access additional
supports including: note-takers, sign-language interpreters, laptops with
assistive technology and various exam accommodations including readers and
scribes. At your Needs Assessment appointment you will agree on a plan for your
classroom accommodations. Examples of classroom accommodations used
include:
In Class Supports Continuous Supports
Note taker Assistive Technology
Hard copy of notes Attending the NLN
Communication instructions Use of a laptop
Use of a Laptop Spelling and Grammar waiver
Sign Language interpreter
What should I bring to my appointment?
If the student has not already given Student Services a copy of their relevant
report (Medical, Psychological etc.) which states their diagnosis please bring it
along to your appointment.
14Learning Recommendation
What is a Learning Recommendation?
- The Learning recommendations is a brief synopsis of the student’s
difficulties and the supports they require.
- Typically, the form is completed in conjunction with the Need Assessment
and usually takes about 30 minutes to complete.
- The Learning Recommendations are circulated by Student Services to the
student’s academic coordinator and to the exam office to make academic
staff aware of the supports required.
There are four sections which include:
1. The impact of the student’s disability/difficulty
2. Supports required in lectures
3. Supports required in continuous assessments/assignments
4. Supports for Exams
Learning Recommendations are circulated to the Course-Co-Ordinator and the
Year Tutor. The Examinations Office are only notified of specific examination
requirements for each student.
15Exam Accommodations
How do I set up Exam Accommodations?
Students who require exam accommodations are advised to book a Needs
Assessment appointment by week 6 of the current semester. Students who
contact us after this date cannot be guaranteed their exam accommodations in
the end of semester exams.
Important: Students who have registered with the NLN and have been granted
accommodations for their Semester 1 or 2 exams do not have to re-apply for
exam accommodations each year. Returning students who have been absent for
one year or more should re-register with the NLN in order to be granted exam
accommodations
Types of Exam Support
• Shared or separate venue
• Extra time
• Rest breaks
• Use of a computer
• Spelling and Grammar waiver
• Reader
• Scribe
• Sign Language Interpreter
How do I find out about my exam accommodations?
If you have exam accommodations already set up, Student Services will send an
email to your college email address to inform you of your exam
accommodations prior to your exam e.g. if it is in a separate centre what room
to go to etc.
If you are unsure if your exam accommodations are in place or would like to
change them contact the NLN via email (stutentsupport@nln.ie) or use our drop
in hours (12pm-1pm Tuesday and Thursday).
16Students using Readers
Students requiring a reader will sit their exam in a smaller shared venue. You
will be informed by Student Services of your examination venue through your
college email. The exam invigilator will act as the reader. To avail of this support
during the exam, students are required to raise their hand to request assistance.
The role of a reader in examinations is to read the examination question only.
Students using a Computer or Laptop
If you have been assigned the use of laptop for your examinations, it will be
provided for you at the examinations venue, along with the appropriate
software or equipment needed. You will be informed by Student Services of your
examination venue through your college email.
Students with Extra Time
Extra time is set at 15 minutes per hour.
Students with Rest Breaks
Rest breaks are set at 15 minutes per hour. (If a student has extra time and rest
breaks they still only get an additional 30 minutes in total for a 2 hour exam).
Students should tell the invigilator when they wish to have a rest break. They
may take as much or as little out of their allocation as they wish at any one time.
Students may not talk or work during their rest break, papers should be turned
over.
Students using a Scribe
Students requiring a scribe will sit their exam in a separate venue. You will be
informed by Student Services of your examination venue through your college
email. Students using a scribe will receive an additional 15 minutes per hour.
17Additional Supports
Assistive Technology
Assistive Technology (AT) is equipment or software that can be used to help
with a task and enhance user’s independence, as well as making learning more
accessible. Examples of AT include a laptop, an adapted keyboard, the Loop
System and various Literacy Software (e.g. Text to Speech).
Check out our YouTube channel here for videos on the following AT supports:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXy51wjawXyDxTBRjHNfssg
• Word and Grammarly
• Magnifying 2020
• Word Page Colour and Text Colour
PEER Personal Microsoft Edge
Step 1
Book an appointment through our online booking system
https://nlntudublinbc.simplybook.it/v2/ or email studentsupport@nln.ie
Step 2
Register with NLN, complete a Needs Assessment and Learning
Recommendation with us.
Step 3
If the Learning Recommendation states assistive technology supports, the
assistant psychologist will set up an assistive technology appointment with
you.
Step 4
Attend the assistive technology appointment to avail of information on
software and training.
18Preparing for College Work Placements
Some courses may require you to undertake placement as part of your
professional development. If you are unsure whether your course requires you
to complete work placement you can contact your Course Coordinator or check
your course handbook.
Some of the areas we can assist with include:
• Supporting you with changes to your daily routine.
• Communication skills, including how to communicate appropriately with
senior members of staff, colleagues and clients.
• Identifying supports which may need to be put in place during your
placement in order for you to reach your full potential.
• Guidance on how to liaise with your placement coordinator and
communicating your needs.
19NLN Assessment Service
If you feel you are experiencing significant difficulties with learning it may be a
good idea for you to attend an appointment with the NLN Service.
NLN can diagnose the following: NLN can screen for the following:
• Dyslexia (literacy difficulties) • Developmental Co-ordination
Disorder/DCD- Dyspraxia
• Dyscalculia (numeracy difficulties)
• Attention Deficit (Hyperactivity)
Disorder (ADD/ADHD)
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
The screening assessment aims to provide you with an indication of whether or
not it would be useful for you to get a full Educational Psychology Assessment
with NLN to diagnose a Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia/Dyscalculia).
The psychology team will meet to discuss the results of the screening
assessment and a decision will be made whether a full assessment is required in
NLN or onward referral to other professionals to further explore additional
difficulties.
Appointment times vary between one and three hours depending on the type
of screening or assessment. You will then be invited to come back for a one hour
feedback session to give you the results and advice about next steps.
If you would like to make an appointment for a screening assessment with NLN
please email studentsupport@nln.ie.
20The Do-IT Profiler
The NLN carries out learner profiling using a tool called the Do-It Profiler. This
is offered to all incoming first-year students during orientation week. The Do-IT
profiling tool is designed to explore your competencies in a number of areas
across cognitive and learning domains, as well as study skills. You can use the
results of the report to determine areas you may need additional support in.
The Do-IT Profiler consists of two online tests:
1. Learner Profile
The Learner Profile identifies strengths and weaknesses of learners
across different cognitive, emotional and learning domains.
2. Study Skills
The Study Skills identifies students’ competencies in a number of key
study areas.
Examples of the areas each test explores are represented in the table below.
Learner Profile Study Skills
Reading Reading Critically
Spelling Taking Notes
Social Planning Writing
Maths Organisation
Attention Time Management
Coordination Abilities Exam Skills
21How to Access your Results from Home
Step 1.
Go to www.doitprofiler.net
Step 2.
Enter your Username and Password. If you can’t remember your password,
select the Forgotten Password option.
Step 3.
If you completed both the Learner Profile and Study Skills you will see a
green tick. When you have two green ticks you can continue to view your
report.
Step 4.
To view your report, click Reports and then click Individual Report. This
highlights your strengths and area’s you can develop on in your learning
and studies.
22Online Resources for Students
For academic, time management and wellness resources check out the NLN
page on the college website https://www.itb.ie/CampusStudentLife/nln.html
Current Resources on our Webpage
Study Support Organisation & Time
Management
Concentration 5 Ways to manage and make time
Essay Structuring Avoid Procrastinating
How to organise your argument How to study at home
Example of a good intro
Academic Writing
Exam Support Wellness Support
How to set up for exams at home Relaxation Strategies
Revision Strategies for MCQs Study-Life Balance
How to prepare for an open book exam Grounding Exercise
Tips to deal with exam stress
23Other Resources
YouTube
Our YouTube channel ‘National Learning Network Support Service’ also
has relevant videos to help students study at home.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXy51wjawXyDxTBRjHNfssg/videos?disable_polymer=1
Instagram
Follow us on Instagram @tudublinbc_nln for information and keep up-
to-date with NLN news and resources.
24Peer Mentoring Programme
TU Dublin Blanchardstown offer a Peer Mentoring Programme to all incoming
first year students. NLN is actively involved in this programme and the Peer
Mentor Coordinator is part of the NLN service.
The programme involves linking up first year students with a senior student
who is in the same course as them, these are known as Peer Mentors.
Why take part?
• New students meet with and learn from the experiences of senior
students who have once been in the same position and understand how
they are feeling.
• Mentors and first years alike benefit and learn new skills including
communication, leadership, academic study and social awareness.
How is it run?
This years’ Peer Mentoring Programme 2020-21 will run in a virtual format.
The programme will aim to support students in the following ways:
• Ongoing support throughtout academic year
• Managed by Peer Mentors and Acedmic contacts
Moodle • Hear tips from mentors, ask questions and keep up to date with
Discussion events.
Board
• Meet your Mentor and other first years
• Mentors share tips and get your questions answered
Weekly video
meetings
• Instagram Live Q&A’s, online quizzes and interactive activities to get
to know the group.
Peer
Mentoring
Live Events
25Additional Information
Quiet spaces
Quiet spaces are quiet rest areas on the campus where students can take time
out during the day to rest and recuperate. It benefits students who experience
fatigue, pain, or overstimulation as a result of their disability.
Room C106 is open throughout the day and offers a space for reflection or
prayer or just a quiet place to escape from the commotion of college for a while.
This is not a place for study. While this space is generally available to all, it can
be made available to groups for ceremonial occasions, special feast days or
religious festivals. Limited bookings may be possible for such events throughout
the year, once submitted and agreed in advance. Submissions must be made by
interested groups to the Students’ Union by 31st October.
Approach the Student Information Desk (SID), located in the Connect Building
for any general queries you may have including support with college forms,
funding, IT issues etc. Please see the following link for a full list of services.
https://www.itb.ie/CurrentStudents/sid.htmlues etc.
Connect Building
26Thank you
&
Best of Luck from NLN.
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