Screening for Specific Learning Difficulties
Students with Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLDs), such as dyslexia, dyspraxia and / or dyscalculia, make up about 60% of the total number of disabled students at the University of Bradford. Many are identified for the first time following our screening process. All new students are offered the opportunity to complete a questionnaire to see if any difficulties with learning might be associated with a SpLD such as dyslexia, dyspraxia and / or dyscalculia.
If you have queries about screening for Specific Learning Difficulties, contact the Disability Service at any time throughout your course. If you already have a diagnosis of a SpLD, please contact us as soon as possible so that we can discuss your support. We can also arrange for an update of a previous assessment, if required.
Step 1 - Screening Questionnaire
The Screening Questionnaire is part of the university’s pre-enrolment process you will be asked to complete it when you first enrol. If you choose not to complete at this stage or you are a continuing student you can complete the Screening Questionnaire at any time during your course. Once completed you will receive an email with your results and instructions on how to progress.
Step 2 - QuickScan
Based on the results of the screening questionnaire, you may be asked to log on to QuickScan. QuickScan will ask you a number of questions about your learning styles. It will produce a report advising if you need further investigation.
Step 3 - Further Screening
Following your QuickScan results you may be advised to meet with a of the Disability Service team who will undertake the next stage of the screening process called a Pre-Educational Psychologist Assesment (PEPA). During the PEPA you will be asked a number of questions and this will determine if you require a full diagnostic assessment with an Educational Psychologist.
Step 4 - Referral to Educational Psychologist
The Educational Psychologist will complete a full assessment which will determine if you have Specific Learning Difficulties. They will produce a report which states your main areas of difficulties and list any recommendations.
Please note: if you need to cancel your appointment with the Educational Psychologist, 24 working hours notice is required (e.g. if your appointment is at 9am Monday you must contact the Disability Service by 9am on Friday). If you are unable to give 24 working hours notice, you will be asked to pay a £60 non-attendance fee before another appointment is offered to you (unless medical evidence, to support your absence is submitted to our service).
What to expect from your appointment with the EP?
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Step 5 - Follow up
Once we have received the report from the Educational Psychologist, a Disability Adviser will meet you to go through it and produce a Learner Support Profile (LSP). The LSP outlines reasonable adjustments that the university needs to make to make sure that you are supported on your course. Support might include funding for equipment, educational support and adjustments for exams.