disabled learners in vet – the uk situation martin steinmuller 28 september 2011
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Disabled learners in VET – the UK situation
Martin Steinmuller
28 September 2011
About LSIS
• The Learning and Skills Improvement Service (LSIS) is the national
improvement body for further education and skills in England and Wales. We are
sector-owned.
• We work on Quality Improvement, Governance, E&D, Community Development,
Teaching and Learning, Curriculum design, Sustainable Development,
innovation and new ways of working and more…
• Our services include:
• Leadership and management courses
• Virtual learning environments
• Toolkits
• Workshops and conferences
→ Two links: www.lsis.org.uk and www.excellencegateway.org.uk
The UK VET system
• 414 General Further Education and Sixth Form Colleges with over
3 million learners aged 16+
• 72 National Specialist Colleges
• 40% of 16-18 year olds studying at a college; 13.3% from
disadvantaged background
• 20% of Black and Ethnic minority students in colleges, compared
to 13% in the population → diverse mix of students
• 4000-5000 Work-based Learning and Adult and Community
Learning providers
Disabled learners (age 16-24) in UK VET
• 56% not in employment, education or training compared to 23% of
non-disabled population → problem to access course
• Disproportionate number on low level course (Level1 or entry
courses) → inadequate assessment of skills
• Risk of potential cuts to lower level courses
• No dedicated financial support for disabled learners as compared
to Higher Education
• 48% employment rate compared to 78% of general population
Experience of disabled learners
“I’ve had to fight for reasonable adjustments, handouts in large print on coloured paper and a large screen monitor, and am seriously considering quitting because of the way I’ve been treated and them generally acting as though they know more about my needs than what I or my consultant do.’
(National Union of Students focus group participant, 2008)
The support of Q4S
• One-stop shop for learners
• Informs them on available guidance
• Raises their confidence to self-promote their agenda
• Helps them assess and understand their requirements
• Provides valuable disclosure advice etc.
→ Learners are empowered!
• Useful for teacher training
Contact details
Martin Steinmuller
Community Development Manager
Mobile: +44 (0) 78 2593 4750
Telephone: +44 (0) 24 7662 7717