Looking and thinking ahead - the wider view



Pathways to TrinityThe Disabled Student Journey - a new transition strategy & service model is emergingDisability Service, Trinity College Dublin27th June 2012IntroductionThe Disability Service in Trinity College Dublin launched its Outreach, Transition, Retention and Progression Plan 2011 – 2014 in September 2011. This strategic plan aims to develop clear and effective support systems at all stages of the disabled students’ Higher Education journey. This strategy aims to supports disabled students across their college career, from pre-entry, through College and into employment. It takes a strategic approach to enhancing the student experience by engaging prospective students, current students, and staff, with the intention of improving practice and implementing change across the whole institution. It is an example of evidence-based practice using on-going data collection and evaluation to improve the student journey, which is delivered in three stages: Stage 1:Pre-entry, admission and the first year experience. Stage 2:Building and maintaining a college career. Stage 3:Progressing through College to employment.Each stage of the student journey is aligned to the Strategic Objectives of Trinity College Dublin (TCD, 2009-2013) and to national targets for disabled students set by the Higher Education Authority (HEA, 2008-2013) in Ireland. In 2010, the Disability Service (DS) was asked by the HEA to participate in an OECD study ‘Pathways for Disabled Students to Tertiary education and Employment’. The resulting report ‘Inclusion of Students with Disabilities in Tertiary Education and Employment’ (OECD, 2011) provided significant new knowledge and insight into effective policies and practice to support people with disabilities, as they move from school into post-secondary education or employment. At each stage, activities are linked to recommendations from the OECD report. This document, together with changes in the economic climate, prompted the development of a three stage approach to the Student Journey, resulting in a clear strategy for assisting disabled students and graduates to determine their needs in the employment arena.A central focus of this strategy is to assist the student in developing self-awareness, self-determination and self-advocacy skills as an enabling strategy throughout their College career. This new model of service delivery can also support in the acquisition of transferable skills that can be developed across all three stages and aims to encourage the student to work independently from the beginning of their College career, whilst providing guidance in the achievement of such independence. This model works most effectively as it puts the student at the centre of the decision making process as they travel through each stage with constant feedback mechanisms central to the development of this model. The focus is not on rehabilitating the disabled individual but in making the College environment accessible and creating inclusion for the disabled person as a consumer rather than as a charity case. It is recognised that the real experts, when it comes to designing services, are those with the closest possible experiences of the issues - disabled people themselves.As a result of national and HE strategies, the number of disabled students participating in third level education has grown significantly. The last decade has seen student numbers rise from 450 in 2000, to over 6,000 in 2010. According to the unpublished AHEAD survey of participation rates of disabled students (2009, 2010, 2011) TCD has the highest numbers of disabled students in third level education. Consequently, the number of disabled graduates entering the labour market is at unprecedented levels. There are few studies relating to the transition, progression through college and the status of graduates with disabilities in the Irish labour market, and there is no national data through the HEA First Destination Survey (HEA 2010) that provides an indication of the employment levels of disabled graduates.Disabled students are graduating successfully with their peers, albeit with some discrepancies between grades. Further research is required to ascertain the reasons for the marked differences in achievement identified in Stage II of this paper. Previous ‘reactive’ strategies adopted by the Disability Service did not focus on the transitional nature of the student, but primarily worked on retention and adding retro-fit supports to ensure that students stayed within the system. Inclusive design and future destinations of disabled students were not part of the agenda. New service model emerging in Disability ServicesThe DS philosophy in TCD has evolved over the last ten years and now firmly belongs within a 'social model' of disability - with the premise that disabled people have a right to actively participate in, and contribute to College, as equals. The social model recognises that disabled people are prevented from achieving their full potential by the attitude of society, as well as environmental obstacles such as restrictions in their access to public transport, entertainment and public places, and in education and employment. Even the language we use is disabling, the social model recognizes people are disabled by society so disabled people rather people with disabilities as the preferred languageService delivery is now clearly aligned to the three strategic stages and follows a multi-disciplinary approach. The team is made up of professional team of Disability Officers, an educational psychologist, Occupational Therapists and an Assistive Technologist who aim to offer a full service based on individual needs as identified by the student/staff member in a needs assessment process. In order to implement this new transition model of service delivery the service is building capacity and supporting good practice. Investment in staff is key to the development of this new model, and College has implemented a professional development programme (PMDS) for all staff. DS staff have clearly defined strategic and service objectives and have identified continued professional development activities as key to the provision of quality supports to disabled students. Examples of CPD include research at Masters and PhD level (stage 1 and stage 2 activities) and an academic journal club in which all staff actively participate. The three stages of the Student Journey model will be reviewed each year via the Disability Service Annual report, available from the DS web pages at: Key performance indicators will measure success towards increasing the numbers of students progressing through each stage. KPIs are benchmarked against University College Cork and work is on-going in identifying other strategic partners nationally and internationally. Additionally strong academic alliances are being developed with Schools and departments in Trinity and elsewhere. These include Occupational Therapy, Psychology, Education, Engineering, Computer Science and physiotherapy etc.Engaging students across the student journey requires an individualised approach. Bronfenbrenner’s bioecological model (1989) argues that the development of the individual is impacted by the systems within which that individual functions: the microsystem, the mesosystem, the exosystem, the macrosystem and the chronosystem (Figure 1). Each system interacts with the other with varying degrees of impact at different times in the student journey. This is an appropriate model within which to develop service strategy as it provides a framework that examines the interaction between systems that affect the educational experience of disabled students. Figure 1 Bronfenbrenner: ecological theory of child developmentSource: Santrock, 2007Society and the education system in particular, tend to view disabled people as homogenous members of specific disability groups. For example, all Deaf students are alike; therefore a strategy / practice / policy for Deaf students can be universally applied. However this top-down, generic ‘fix’ fails to take into account the bioecology of the Deaf individual. By contrast, using an ecological framework to research the impact of environmental systems for a Deaf student, permits a wider exploration of competing factors affecting educational progression. This also allows disability services to move away from the historic medical ‘reactive’ model of service delivery to a this new way of working which is proactive and takes many factors and indicators in to account allowing evidence based research to be the basis of delivery that also meet the new economic climate in which we work today.The dominant model of provision at play in the DS is the occupational P-E-O model as outlined below: Law et, al. (1996) proposed a Person-Environment-Occupation (PEO) model which allows one to understand the dynamic nature of occupational performance. A Venn diagram is used to depict the PEO model as three interrelated elements of person, environment and occupation.? These three elements are seen as dynamic and ever changing and influencing each other across the lifespan. This model examines the complexity and interaction of factors related to tasks or outcomes to be achieved by an individual as:?1.????? Person: The person is deemed to be a unique being who assumes a variety of ever changing and concurrent roles. The roles vary across time and context in the meaning and importance attributed to them. Each person is viewed as a whole made up of body mind and spirit, which includes physical, cognitive and affective attributes.2.????? Environment: Environment is viewed as the context in which behaviour takes place and provides cues to individuals as to what is expected and what they are to do. Elements in the environment can be viewed as supports or barriers. Environment includes social, intuitional or organisational, physical contexts and cultural contexts.3.????? Occupation: Occupation encapsulates all the tasks and activities that individuals and want to do on a day to day basis, such as self-care activities, leisure and work / productivity. (Stewart et, al. 2003)Thus the process of transition from School to Further / Higher Education and progression through the student journey, can be supported by using a PEO model that sits within the microsystem of the disabled individual. Given the highly competitive, points-based system of application to third level education in the Republic of Ireland, juxtaposed with the unique difficulties that may be encountered by a disabled student, such an approach facilitates the acquisition of skills such as self-awareness, self-determination and self-advocacy, which are transferable across the entire student lifecycle. This paper describes each of the three stages of the student journey and the work that DS has undertaken to facilitate the student journey model in its first year, 2011-12. The first part of this paper ‘Stage 1 - Pre-entry activities and the First Year Experience’ discusses strategies that: provide transparency around college application and supports, and encourage and provide opportunities for the development of skills required in third level, in a way that enhances the first year experience of disabled students. Section two focuses on ‘Stage 2 - Principles for transition through higher education ‘, and in particular looks at the various outcome measures and risk factors that can be used to monitor the effectiveness of the supports for students with disabilities. Finally, Stage 3, Transition to employment – a new model is emerging that will allow disabled students and graduates, employers and Universities to be assured in the employment of confident, self-aware graduates with disabilities who are empowered to work as effectively as their non-disabled peers.Stage 1 - Pre-entry activities and the First Year ExperienceObjectives for Stage 1 of the student journey are identified as:1.Increase the number of students with sensory, physical and multiple disabilities in Higher Education as stated in the National Plan for Equity of Access to Higher Education 2008 - 2013.2.Engage students and their families, expert bodies, community agencies and practitioners in in pre-and-post entry activities in preparation for the transition to College.3.Identify factors that function as either promoters or barriers for students with disabilities applying to Higher Education. Stage 1 uses the PEO model, described earlier, as a framework for pre-entry activities and the first year experience, which is delivered via three strands: the Pathways to Trinity web strategy, the Pathways Outreach Project, and the Pathways Transition Tool. This model is included in the Compendium of Effective Practice (HEA, 2012), which presents a wide range of contributions all focused on improving the student experience. The compendium offers evidence of good practice that will enable change to take place in institutions with respect to: Pre-entry and inductionLearning and teachingFriendship and peer supportParticipation and belongingUsing data to enhance the student experienceStrategic change Admissions schemesThere are significant educational targets that must be achieved in order to qualify for post-secondary opportunities, which may also constitute an additional hurdle for disabled students who have experienced disadvantage during their school career. Such disadvantage is recognized by the Disability Access Route to Education (DARE). DARE is a third level admissions scheme for secondary school students who have the ability to benefit from and succeed in HE, but who may not be able to meet the points for a third level course due to the impact of their disability. In 2010, the scheme was formally absorbed into the CAO application process as the DARE scheme accesscollege.ie. Fourteen third‐level institutions currently participate in the scheme, which identifies Leaving Certificate students who are eligible to compete for an offer of a college place on reduced points. The rationale for this scheme is an acknowledgement that disability can have a negative effect on school and examination performance, and that this will determine opportunities to access HE. Despite the DARE initiative, students with sensory and physical disabilities, and students on the autistic spectrum, continue to be significantly under-represented in HE. In addition, the total number of students applying through DARE is not increasing year on year. Whilst it is possible for HEIs and Disability Services in particular to make reasonable assumptions or guesses as to barriers to, or reasons for, progression and non-progression, evidence-based practice is crucial to maintaining and improving access routes. Pre-entry information and activities for disabled applicantsStudents and their transition partners require access to relevant information in an accessible format presented in an uncomplicated, jargon free context. Felsinger and Byford (2010) identify pre-entry activities as a reasonable adjustment for disabled students and argue that ‘students can have a smoother transition to higher education, subsequently influencing their retention and progression’. This study also recommended that strategic actions for HEIs should include public dissemination of information on reasonable accommodations, entitlements and supports. New undergraduate entrants to Trinity College Dublin are surveyed at the point of registration in College, with 77% indicating that they used the College’s main website as a means of extracting or sourcing information. Converging these two ideas suggests that a dedicated transition website providing comprehensive information to disabled students would be an effective initiative. Making decisions on what that information might include requires consultation with stakeholders in post-secondary transition. The Irish Universities Quality Board (IUQB) Public Information project (2011) surveyed second level students (n = 266) and Career Guidance Counsellors (n = 264) throughout Ireland, to ascertain what types of information should be available on university and other websites, in a format that is clear and accessible. Students indicated a need for information on course content and entry routes, clearer and simpler use of language, explanation of higher education jargon or key words, and provision of a site specific search engine. Guidance Counsellors indicated a need for course specific information, a glossary of key terms, realistic accounts of programmes, entry routes, and student supports. The IUQB recommended inclusion of feedback on the experiences of students in college with regard to specific courses and campus life. Therefore a clear communication strategy with prospective students and other stakeholders such as parents and practitioners, is a fundamental requirement of the transition process.The Pathways to Trinity websiteThe website is a dedicated pre-entry and transition site for second level students, parents, professionals, and other stakeholders that assists with transition planning. The purpose of the site is to:1.Act as a repository for information relevant to all aspects of the application and admissions process for disabled students. This includes demystification of the jargon usually associated with these processes, and provision of course and college life advice from current students and academic staff, which is relevant to applying to any HEI in Ireland.2.Provide access to study skills and assistive technology resources which can assist with Leaving Certificate study and facilitate a level of academic competency and confidence which contributes to successful transition into the first year of college. 3.Identify issues related to transition in order to inform future practices within senior cycle and third level education. This data is collated from web-based surveys, interviews and a discussion forum. Pathways functions as a ‘one stop shop’ where students can identify information on admissions, courses, student stories, supports, finance and real time assistance with study and examinations, without having to traverse multiple websites from multiple providers. Feedback and suggestions in relation to content are collated via interviews, web surveys, a discussion forum and email correspondence on an on-going basis, and in this respect the website is organic. The site includes pre-entry information on admissions, access routes, course choices, advice from students and lecturers, and college supports relevant to students with a disability. It also provides access to online resources. A ‘First Year Registration’ section permits incoming students to pre-identify supports and accommodation requirements prior to arrival in college, functioning as a first point of contact, enabling a smoother and less stressful transition. Pathways host longitudinal surveys for completion by students, parents and practitioners, which provides quantitative and qualitative data on the transition experience. Additionally, feedback on the website has been collected via semi-structured interviews with students, parents and practitioners.Analysis of visitors since launch of the website in April 2011 is facilitated by embedding Google Analytics in each of the web pages, an enterprise class analytic tool. Data to 1st June 2012 indicates encouraging trends: 8,931 visitors from 174 countries have accessed the website of which 63.6% were new visits Of the 6,871 site visits from 58 locations in Ireland, as expected, the majority were from within the Dublin region, with otherwise a reasonable national spread - with the exception of the north-western region of the country, with only 229 visits across the 15 month period. The top ten landing pages indicated that stakeholders identified college application, study skills, the DARE admissions scheme, course choice and college supports as prime information factors. The use of ‘pathways’ as a keyword suggested that visitors had pre-identified this as a relevant term. The most popular page views were identified as ‘successful transition’, ‘advice in choosing a course’, ‘help with Leaving Certificate study’, ‘provision of supports in college’, and a page describing the ‘transition planning tool’. DS also engages directly with students, parents and practitioners via the Pathways Blogspot Feedback provided through the blog is used to appraise website and programme content.Pathways Outreach ProjectThe initial remit of the Pathways Transition Workshops was to engage disabled students during their final two years of school by providing college-based workshops across the academic year. The programme provided students with the opportunity to explore topics such as assistive technology, academic skills, sleep hygiene and stress management, planning a college career, and college application process. Parents and practitioners were encouraged to engage in workshops which provide advice on the college application process, supporting students through state examinations, managing student stress and setting up a study environment. Sessions were designed and delivered by Disability Service staff and Occupational Therapists from the Unilink service, together with sessional input from current students with disabilities in the university. The Workshops began in October 2011 with 11 students and 13 parents in attendance. Quantitative and qualitative data was gathered from a feedback survey which examined parent and student perceptions of the usefulness of workshops, overall experience, Feedback from participants was gathered in April 2012 in order to re-evaluate / adjust programme format and content, prior to a formal launch in October 2012. Students and parents expressed improved confidence and engagement with the transition process. These observations will be used to adjust the 2012 programme, for example more consideration of school calendar limitations between January and March. Pathways Transition ToolDisabled students should be assisted with planning and recording the steps in the transition process, adapting their goals and needs as they progress through their school career, and reviewing such goals collaboratively with a transition ‘partner’, be that a parent, teacher, Guidance Counsellor or other practitioner. The Pathways Transition Tool is a web-based assessment and planning resource structured into five modules: Preparing Myself for the Future, Independent Living, Academic Skills, College Application and Course Choices, and Identifying and Using Reasonable Accommodations. Access to the Pathways Transition Tool is password protected but is provided to enquirers who submit an online request form, the purpose of which is to collate geo-demographic data from prospective users of the tool (student, parent, practitioner, institution, school year, disability). To date, requests have been submitted from practitioners such as learning support teachers and Guidance Counsellors, in particular from designated disadvantaged schools. This indicates that targeted supports that are freely available to second level staff are an important transition resource.The Transition Tool is currently available as separate Word documents. This has been piloted with workshop participants and feedback indicates that revisions are required to content prior to the next programme. This includes removal of repetitive questions, addition of concrete tasks and a smoother interface that would incorporate more of a sense of a ‘road map’ to progress. To facilitate this enhancement the DS is developing a web-based version of the planning tool. The First Year ExperienceTCD entrants who accepted a place via the DARE scheme and who were approaching the conclusion of their first year in college (n = 74) were surveyed to capture quantitative data about ease of transition from school to college, registration and orientation process, quality of human support provided pre and post-transition, access to disability supports, and experience of the DARE process. Students were also invited to interview on the themes of knowledge of College structure and organization, pre-registration / pre-entry initiatives, registration and orientation, connecting with other students, provision of advice and support, campus ethos and environment, level of academic ‘readiness’ and skills, assistance with the transition process, diversity and inclusiveness of college population, and the overall First Year Experience. Response rates were as follows: survey n = 30 (40.5%), interviews n = 40 (54%). More than 70% of students surveyed were confident about accessing supports and understanding how to go about this and linking in with a key individual. Of concern are the 20% of students who reportedly had no idea who they could contact for assistance or where to locate helpful information, including an identifiable individual responsible for providing support. 60% of students stated that it was the positive message of ‘can do’ that made a distinct difference to success and engagement, and this is very closely tied to the aspiration to transition to third level and the various processes linked to that aspiration, including DARE application. The overwhelming perception of College being an open, inclusive and welcoming place is very encouraging. The majority of students stated appropriate course choices as a reason for ease of transition, and this was also a major feature of their advice to future DARE students. Conclusion Stage I year oneIn June 2012, the DS reviewed the first year of Stage 1 pre-entry and admission activities, and the first year experience. Student and parent surveys from the Pathways website, in-depth interviews with stakeholders, and responses from the DARE First Year Experience survey, and the Take My Advice survey to all TCD students, indicate continuing concern around course information and making the right course choice. This is an area of pre-entry which requires thoughtful development as it is closely tied to retention and progression. Similarly, students also identified a lack of appropriate academic skills and a sense of academic preparedness, as major factors in successful transition. The Pathways website provides resources that can assist students with academic skills, together with assistive technology and subject specific website links. These resources need to be further developed in a multi-media format, which are more accessible and more engaging for second level students. Both the Pathways workshops and the transition planning tool address such skills in a way that will promote confidence and the kind of ‘can do’ attitude identified by students, and need to broadcast to a wider audience. Such confidence and positivity can be developed by encouraging students to become self-aware, self-determining and act as self-advocates from the moment they begin their college career. This is essentially the function of outreach, recruitment and pre-entry activities, and can also be fostered through appropriate skills development through services such as Unilink. In addition, promoters and barriers to participation need to be carefully monitored, and this can be done most effectively by reviewing the first year experience on an annual basis. Consequently the following objectives have been set for 2012 – 2013:?Continue research into the First Year Experience and extend this to all incoming first year students registering with the Disability Service.?Provide online study skills resource - Skills4studycampus - and introduce the module ‘Getting ready for academic study’ prior to college registration.?Academic Skills Development to be provided through the Unilink service on a referral basis only to high needs students. Engagement with ASD will require completion of an Individual Development Plan pro forma with an Occupational Therapist. ?Re-design the Pathways Transition website with separate sections for parents / practitioners and students. Increase social media opportunities and engagement via the blogspot.?Develop an interactive web version of the Transition Planning Tool, currently available as an electronic document. ?Continue the Pathways Leaving Certificate workshops to students with sensory, physical and multiple disabilities who are under-represented in HE. Continue to develop links with schools in the local community to progress this initiative.Stage 2 - Principles for transition through higher educationObjectives for Stage II of the student journey are identified as:Identify & promote transferable skills across the college experience which will promote and encourage independence, self-determination and self-advocacy. Ensure support systems in College are fit for purpose by conducting evidence based research to determine needs and supports, and to monitor performance and delivery of those supports.Identify factors that function as either promoters or barriers to student retention; enable and enhance the student experience through academic and social interactionThe focus of the second stage of the student journey is on building and maintaining a College career. This means continuing to provide reasonable accommodations that are appropriate to the student, their disability type and their course requirements. Examples of reasonable accommodations are widely available; Ahead (2008), NAIRTL (2008), Disability Service (2010) and at tcd.ie/disability . But in addition, it also means that the Disability Service seeks to create; a balance in the provision of support, the facilitation of independence and the retention and progression of students through College until graduation. Support is defined as policies and practices of reasonable accommodations at individual, course and College levels. Independence is defined as greater self-autonomy in decisions which affect a student. Striking a balance between ‘providing support’ and ‘encouraging independence’ need not be a conflict of interests if the supports offered adjust to the student’s needs as they proceed through College. Retention of students in TCD Retention and progression are recognised as important outcome measures of higher education internationally (Tinto, 1993), (Yorke, 1999), (HESA, 2011), (Seidman, 2012). To understand more about how disabled students progress in TCD, it is useful to look first at the retention rates of the general student population in TCD. In the academic year 2010/11, a total of 530 undergraduate students withdrew from courses in TCD. Almost half of these were 1st year students 260 (49%). But it is useful to note that 117 (45%) of these 1st year students were repeating the year. This is significant because it indicates that students are either attempting to persist on their course or that they are not officially recorded as withdrawn until several months into the next academic year. How many students are in each category is not known at present. This data deficit has implications for the College retention rates and HEA funding and represents an opportunity for College to retain more students through better intervention strategies. Of the remaining students who withdrew in 2010/11; 145 (27%) were 2nd years, 59 (11%) 3rd years and 64 (12%) were in their final year. Another significant point is that the number of repeating 1st years who withdraw can accumulate over 3 to 4 years. For example, in the 2006/07 cohort the combined total of repeating 1st years who withdrew over 3 subsequent years (131) actually outnumbered the total of 1st years who withdrew as first time 1st years (125), see table below. These trends are a useful benchmark when considering how disabled students progress and persist in TCD.YearJFSFJSSSTotal2006/071250001252007/089340001332008/093139110812009/107219138Total256100201377%67.9%26.5%5.30%0.3%100%(Senior Lecturer’s Report: Table H2 – 2006/07 cohort - Standing and Year of Withdrawal)Disabled Students in TCD The Pathways to Education report (UCC, 2010), tracked the progress of disabled students who entered 9 higher education institutions in 2005. In general, they found that students with disabilities who leave higher education are (similarly to their non-disabled peers) most likely to leave in their first year. However, they also found that disabled students compared to their non-disabled peers, are more likely to graduate and more likely to take longer doing so. The retention rate of disabled students in TCD is 93% (Pathways to Education, 2010). This contrasts with the retention rate of undergraduate students in TCD, which is 85% annually (Senior Lecturer’s Report, 2012). Persistence and disability type Students with mental health difficulties or who are Deaf or hard of hearing in TCD have shown much higher rates of withdrawal compared to students with other disabilities. Students with Asperger’s Syndrome (AS), a significant ongoing illness (SOI), a Specific Learning Difficulty (SpLD) or physical disability have withdrawn at a rate proportionate to their numbers in College. Finally, students with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Developmental Co-ordination Disorder (DCD) or who are blind or visually impaired are least likely to withdraw. The table below breaks this down by percentages looking at disability type for 820 current students, 193 students who withdrew and 744 graduates since 2007. DisabilityCurrent DS (820) (A)WD DS (193) (B)Grads DS (744) (C)WD Risk(B/A)% WD of B + CMental Health131 (15%)66 (34%)94 (12%)2.2641%Deaf/HOH40 (5%)18 (9.3%)35 (7%)1.8634%ASD31 (4%)8 (4%)16 (2%)133%SPLD327 (38%)64 (32%)404 (54%)0.8414%SOI117 (13%)18 (9.3%)99 (13%)0.7115%Physical71 (8%)11 (5.5%)57 (7%)0.6816%DCD41 (5%)4 (2%)00.4N/AADHD41 (5%)4 (2%)16 (2%)0.420%Blind/VI21 (2%)1 (0.5%)23 (3%)0.254%Home origin Among Irish disabled students there is no significant difference in the rates of withdrawal for students from Dublin compared to those who come from outside of Dublin. However, students from Kildare, Wicklow and Meath show statistically higher rates of persistence compared to their Dublin peers. International students with disabilities make up 9.5% of the student in the service compared to 21.5% of the general student population in TCD. Disabled students from the US have withdrawn from courses in TCD at a much higher rate than students with disabilities from the UK. The tables below provide details of the areas most represented. The percentages are of the totals given in the first row. DS Irish CountiesAll DS 1809DS Current 871DS WD 197DS Grad 741Dublin 937 (52%)446 (51%)98 (50%393 (53%)Kildare97 (5%)53 (6%)7 (3.5%)37 (5%)Wicklow80 (4%)36 (4%)5 (2.5%)39 (5%)Meath55 (3%)35 (4%)3 (1.5%)17 (2%)DS Int.All DS Int. 186DS Int. Current 83DS Int. WD 13DS Int. Grad 90UK96 (5%)47 (5.4%)2 (1%)47 (6%)US32 (2%)12 (1.4%)5 (2.5%)15 (2%)Progression ratesDisabled students progress at a slower rate than their non-disabled peers. Of 80 disabled students (not including a SpLD) in their final year in 2011/12, just 44 (55%) had progressed each year since their 1st year. The College average for progression is 91% (Appendix D Senior Lecturer’s Report 2010/11).Grade comparisonDisabled students in TCD are on par with non-disabled students on achieving 1 class honors but are less likely to achieve a 2.1 or 2.2 in exam result and they are more likely to achieve a 2.2 or pass.Final Grade1st2.12.2Pass/3TCD%15532210DS%14403017There are two possible reasons for this; supports are more sought after by students at risk of failing and the facility to repeat on medical grounds or off books is more likely to be taken up by disabled students.Conclusion Stage II year oneThe vast majority of disabled students make the transition into and through higher education successfully. However, a significant minority struggle and withdraw at some point after registration. The outcome measures highlighted above indicate that students registered with the Disability Service; overall have a higher rate of retention and course completion than their peers. Among the disability types, students with a mental health difficulty have the highest risk of withdrawing. Disabled students are more likely to withdraw after attempting to repeat 1st year as opposed to withdrawing during their first attempt at 1st year. They are more likely, as a group, to take longer to complete their degree and are more likely to attain grades of 1 and 2.1 in proportionately lower numbers than their peers. This overview of the areas where the Disability Service is establishing an evidence base for students during their time in College is only a beginning. Most of the areas covered here, particularly that of entry route need to be further developed. The main problem is that over 50% of students have registered with the Disability Service post entry and thus far, insufficient data has been available to differentiate entry route, beyond a basic level, as a variable in comparison to the other measures covered here. Another data insufficiency is that of the general student population in TCD. Further data is needed so that meaningful comparisons can be made in areas such as prior educational attainment, home origin and socio-economic status. Stage 3 - Transition to employment: a new model is emergingObjectives for Stage III of the student journey are identified as:To investigate the experiences of disabled students transitioning into employment. To evaluate the transition to employment tool within a university to employment setting.To critique issues around the employment of disabled graduands.To determine national policy issues that promote employment opportunities for disabled studentsA key element of the Service’s Strategic Outreach, Transition, Retention and Progression Plan 2011-2014 is progression into employment and key objectives and actions have been identified for this phase in conjunction with the College’s Careers Advisory Service and other internal and external stakeholders such as UCC and the EU Leonardo project outlined below.The transition from education to employment is the most daunting for disabled students. Apart from the fact that it is a very competitive market (and will remain so for the foreseeable future), the disabled student has an even greater persuasion job on their hands than their able bodied colleagues to ensure the employer sees them as the best candidate for the job.? Accordingly, the higher level education institution will have to go beyond the existing level of careers support for such a student and the transition to employment for disabled graduates will require specialist support from early in their progress through College that will ensure these students will have an equal chance with their non-disabled peers.The focus of this research strand is an investigation into the experiences of disabled students as they transition into employment. It examines the personal, occupational and environmental issues that disabled students deal with as they prepare for participation in the labour market. Ultimately the objective is to pilot and evaluate the final stage of the TCD transition tool, developed within the DS to assist disabled students through each stage of transition, pre-entry, within College, and into the world of work. Finally it will identify issues from the perspective of employers and employees that arise in the employment of disabled students.Lack of dataThe landscape is bare, there is a lack of information on the graduate status of disabled students is a significant issue for HEIs. The HEA require all HEIs to participate in an annual survey of graduates six to nine months after graduation, which is known as the First Destination Survey and leads to the First Destination Report (FDR). This survey presents a snapshot of entry into either the labour market or further study by students who graduated in the previous academic year, having completed a full-time course of study. This annual report examines the employment, further study, and training patterns of graduates on the 30th of April each year. Information is broken down by level of award received and area of study, information relating to the pattern of first destinations, composition of the graduate labour market, employment sector and occupational classification, national or international region of employment, and starting salary. Interestingly there is no non-traditional information available including a disability specific question.A number of HEIs have tried to gather disability specific data in a multitude of ways, typically by including an additional question. For example the University of Limerick (UL) and TCD ask ‘Were you a student with support requirements’? This requires a simple Yes / No response. University College Cork (UCC) provide the Careers Services with a list of ID numbers for final year students registered with a disability, and relevant data is extracted from the FDR. In 2012, UCC will use a tagging system on TCD records to extract those students with disabilities who responded to the FDR survey. A review of the FDR is being undertaken by the HEA which will include the destination of disabled graduates. Expected changes to FDR will take place in 2013-14 survey. An analysis of TCD data for the 2010 graduates provides some interesting information. The Careers’ Advisory Service coordinated a survey of the first destinations of TCD graduates from 09/10 (a full summary of results is found within the Graduate Statistics Report). The number of graduates (diplomas, primary degrees and postgraduates) surveyed that fall within the terms of the FDR, was 2,938. The total number responding was 1,743, a response rate of 59%. Of the 2,938 graduates targeted, 85 (2.9%) were identified as having been registered with the Disability Service while at TCD. Of these 85 disabled students:29% did not respond39% were in employment25% were in further study2% were not available for work5% were seeking employmentGraduates who had been registered with the Disability Service responded in greater numbers (71%) than the general graduate cohort (59%). Therefore, 3.4% of those who responded to the First Destination survey were registered with the Disability Service while at College. ResultsGenerally, students who had been registered with the Disability Service (DS) were more likely to go into employment than the general graduate population (GGP) - 55% DS, 42% GGP, and less likely to go into further study - 35% DS, 49% GGP. There is a slight difference in unemployment rate, 7% DS seeking employment against 5% GGP. Of those who had been registered with the Disability Service and went on to further study, at least 81% stayed in Ireland (2 students did not state where they were studying), compared to 78% of GGP remaining in Ireland.Implications for further researchThis paper has discussed a single graduate cohort and data from successive years is necessary before emerging patterns can be confidently identified. However, the fact that disabled students were more likely to choose employment over further study mirrors findings in the UCC report ‘Where Are They Now?’ (2005) and the UL report ‘Towards Equal Outcomes’ (2005). Further investigation is required into why disabled graduates are less likely to enter further education, and any associated consequences. Research conducted in Stage 2 indicates that disabled students can face greater challenges while pursuing their primary degree, and can take longer to progress through their undergraduate career. It may be that the time and energy necessary to meet these additional challenges leads to burn out, leaving graduates unlikely to pursue another demanding course. An analysis of the motivations for disabled graduate choices is worthwhile. The TCD Career Service (2011) noted that graduates with a higher degree had a higher starting salary in 2010 (43% of level 9/10 graduates earned €33,000 or more against 34% of level 8 graduates). This raises the possibility that if disabled graduates are less likely to pursue higher degrees, they face lower earning potential in the longer term. A deeper analysis of possible challenges facing disabled TCD graduates is essential.Leonardo Project - Univers’Emploi As a result of TCD involvement in the OECD project, Trinity College Dublin became a partner in the EU Leonardo project ‘Univers’Emploi’ in 2010, led by the INS HEA Institute (France) and partnered with the University of Aarhus (Denmark), the University of Rome “Foro Italico” (Italy) and University College Cork. This is an innovative employment transfer project that builds on the employment strategy developed by the University of Aarhus (Denmark). The aim of this project is that each partner country will create an employment tool to assist universities to embed employment elements into the needs assessment process. To achieve these goals, this project will compare practices of other partner countries, and thus build a scalable and transferable methodology linked to national contexts. The pilot study is based on a sample of 20 students per country, and mobilizes actors in the university, the world of work and transitional issues that arise for disabled graduates.Starting processA survey of students entering their final year of study in TCD and UCC was conducted to determine the level of interest in participating in this project, and issues and concerns about the transition to employment. High-level results include 48% (n44) of those surveyed in TCD were interested in full-time employment and participation in the pilot, compared with 82% (n28) of a smaller sample in UCC. Disclosure of disability was the most significant issue for respondents in both universities (55% TCD, 46% UCC). Lack of disability awareness in the workplace (43% TCD, 20% UCC), and negotiating reasonable accommodations (27% TCD, 20% UCC) were the next most important issues.Selection of students to participate in the project was agreed by each participating country, and graduates with physical, sensory, significant illness (SOI), mental health difficulties and Asperger’s Syndrome (AS) were the focus of this pilot. These students were identified as having significant difficulties in preparing and gaining employment. Although each country agreed to mentor 20 students, TCD and UCC opted to set no upper limit, however the final number of participants was 26 (15 TCD, 11 UCC).Dissemination of informationThe website was developed to disseminate information and to report on outcomes of each stage. Additionally, a guide for all stakeholders (student, university and employers/mentors) was produced to ensure all were aware of responsibilities in participating in this project. TCD Student DemographicsGenderCollegeMaleFemaleTCD69UCC83Primary Disability TypeTCDUCCAspergers’ Syndrome30Blind / Vision Impaired13Dyspraxia10Physical Disability33Significant Ongoing Illness20Deaf / Hard of Hearing21Mental Health34Total1511Area of studyTCD/ AHSS (Arts)FEMS (Eng. & Sc)HEALTH ScOther9420UCC/CASS (Arts)Business and LawSEFS (Eng. & Sc)Medicine and Health6401Level 8/9UG/8PG/9TCD132UCC65Employment transition processThe main activities were broken into three sections:Activities involving students, including student training and information events, individual one-on-one guidance, and online activities. Activities to engage employers. Both universities primarily focused on establishing and developing links with existing organisations that work with students and graduates with disabilities (i.e. GetAhead and Employability)Activities involving other University Services. The project is managed within both institutions from the Disability Service. Both institutions worked closely with other relevant services where this would benefit students in transition. A student-centred approach was taken from the outset, with the student setting the direction for employment guidance. For some students this meant identifying a mentor, for others it meant accessing guidance on disclosure and supports within the workplace. As all students were at a different point in their transition, they had diverse needs and a one-size fits all approach was unfeasible. Activities involving the studentStudents were invited to attend an introductory meeting to explain the purpose of the pilot and their responsibilities in participating in the project, as communicated in the guide . A report of this meeting was sent to all students, outlining next steps to be taken in the employment process. This action plan approach allowed the student to work on tasks such as dealing with disclosure, attending the Careers Service for specific supports, for example engaging in a mock interview, CV preparation or exploring employment options. Follow-up meetings were arranged with all students together with referral to mentors, with an average of three meetings per student. The main issues identified by students for discussion were disclosure of disability, negotiation of reasonable accommodations, iinterviewing skills, balancing transition planning with academic responsibilities, job hunting resources, self-advocacy skills (e.g. approaching potential employers), postgraduate applications and managing disability in the workplace.Once the first set of meetings took place with all participants, students in both universities were invited to avail of a number of specialist supports, these included attending disability focused career events such as ‘Bridging the Future’, and an Employment Preparation Day, both organized in association with WAM/AHEAD.Activities to engage employers Unlike our European partners, a decision was taken to focus on employer engagement via the student. Where students expressed an interest in a specific area or employer, research was conducted with the student to determine issues they might need to address, and whether the employer was known to be a strong equality employer. Research involved reviewing website information and contacting the Careers Service. In addition, contacts were made with Employability, an agency set up to assist disabled people in the employment journey in Dublin and Cork. Strong links were developed, with the universities making a group of disabled students available to this agency. WAM and Ahead also proved an effective support service for students, as they offer advice and support along with internships.Activities involving the universityHistorically the Disability Services have primarily functioned as supporting students once the entered and progressed through college. Little thought was given to transition to employment. With the development of the three-stage approach within the Disability Service in TCD, and development of synergies with other stakeholders internally and externally, a re-focus of resources has allowed mainstream services such as Careers and specialist supports such as the Disability Service and Unlink, to integrate employment transitioning issues into the student journey from earlier in the progression stage. This will allow specialists to work with students as they progress, improving their confidence, and making their CVs more employment-focused. As part of the pilot an audit of the Careers Service in TCD was completed using the Trinity Inclusive Curriculum Tool (tictool.ie) to determine inclusive practices. A report of good practice and some outstanding issues was forwarded to the Careers Service, and these will be addressed over the next six months.Analysing the PilotThe experience of those involved in the Transition to Education pilot was collated in April / May 2012 through a series of semi structured interviews with both staff and students. As the pilot was part of a larger European project, questions were agreed with all member universities. Questions covered all aspects of the project including:Motivation for involvement the pilot,Expectations and hopes for the pilot,The processes involved in the pilot,Outcomes of the pilot.Of the fifteen students originally contacted for the pilot, ten attended interviews. Interviews were also held with mentors who had worked closely with the students throughout the year (see appendix 4 for interview responses) . Key themes emerging from the feedback included:Level of Careers Support for students with DisabilitiesStudents reported that they participated in the pilot in order to obtain a greater level of support in the transition to employment than is currently available in TCD. To date, there are no additional services for students with disabilities negotiating the transition to employment though these students often face additional challenges when seeking and starting employment. Challenges include:Building work experience and developing skill sets while managing a degree and a disability,Communication difficulties in interviews,Dealing with disclosure,Requesting additional supports.Students reported that they appreciated the opportunity to discuss their transition from the perspective of their disabilities with people who understood the possible impact of their disabilities in the work place.The need for additional supports is echoed by TCD staff who drafted a proposal following the pilot for a careers advisor who would go beyond the existing level of careers support for students with disabilities, who would act as advocate and advisor and provide tailored, personal support for the first year after graduation as students settle into the workplace.Feedback on pilotStudents reported positively on the pilot overall. All students reported that they felt they had ownership of the pilot process, with action plans drafted based on their interests and needs. All students reported that they felt listened to within the process. The pilot took a practical stance to employment transition and following each meeting, students were given a written set of actions to complete based on the discussion (e.g. websites to visit, mailing lists to join, e-mails of introduction to write). Students reported that these practical steps helped to keep them on track with regards transition planning. It ensured that they had small, manageable activities to complete that would progress their transition planning when it would have been easy to focus all energy on study and to avoid transition planning until after the final year of study.GoalsWhile the pilot students were following a variety of career options, the career goals reported by students were very similar. Job satisfaction, to do something that was interesting and significant was more important that salary or status. DisclosureStudents reported that the issue of disclosure caused significant concern. Students were often apprehensive about disclosing their disability to an employer and it was an area where they needed substantial advice and support. Students also needed advice regarding reasonable accommodations, both what they may need and how to request them.By the end of the pilot students reported that they had a greater awareness of their rights in terms of disclosure and reasonable accommodations in the work place. They also had a greater understanding of how and when to disclose. However, students felts that disclosure would be an ongoing issue within their career, with the decision of if and when to disclose being context specific. Students with hidden disabilities reported that disclosure would depend on current health status, the job description involved and the personalities of employers and co-workers. Time ManagementDue to the level of academic commitments that final year and post-graduate students have, it was difficult for them to commit to the transition to employment process. Students had to prioritise the completion of their degree programme. A high level of flexibility was needed to ensure that the process could fit around students’ academic requirements. One student withdrew from the process and various students postponed aspects of the mentoring phase until after the completion of their examinations. ProactivityDue to the demands of the final year of a degree programme, many students found fatigue and stress to be issues during the course of the pilot. Some students reported experiencing a slump mid-year, where academic demands led to little time or energy for anything else. Students reported that the proactivity of the pilot team helped keep them on track at this time, as students were tasked with small, manageable, transition tasks that helped keep their minds focused on the transition to employment process. Tasks could include researching a company, drafting a letter of introduction, updating a CV or joining a mailing list for example. Students were triggered to complete actions by reminders from the pilot team.Ethics and CultureStudents were asked if they would like information on the ethics and culture of the work environment (e.g. meeting deadlines, rules and expectations etc.). Students generally felt that this information was unnecessary as they already understood these issues through previous work experience and through the skills acquired at third level. There were two exceptions to this however: Students appreciated advice where it was likely that their disability may impact on expectations and culture (e.g. where disability could lead to absences, missed deadlines, inability to perform overtime etc.). One student with Asperger Syndrome felt that students on the Austisic specrum could benefit from this type of guidance.A number of students who experienced fatigue or pain reported concern that their disability meant they could not perform overtime and that this would not be acceptable in many organisations.When should it startStudents and staff involved in the pilot reported that they would like to see planning for the transition to employment begun earlier. The workload in the final year meant that students had less time to commit to transition planning. Furthermore, students would have appreciated the opportunity to seek relevant internships or work over the summer months from their Freshman years. Conclusion Stage III year oneDuring the course of the pilot it was apparent that students with disabilities face specific difficulties entering the work place that can make this move particularly daunting. Apart from the fact that it is a very competitive market (and will remain so for the foreseeable future), the disabled student has an even greater persuasion job on their hands than their able bodied colleagues to ensure the employer sees them as the best candidate for the job.? Accordingly, students with disabilities can benefit from career related supports that go beyond the existing level offered in College. The Disability Service therefore decided that the supports offered to students though this year’s pilot ought to be mainstreamed and extended, and has developed a proposal in collaboration with the Careers’ Advisory Service to employ a Careers’ Advisor who will focus on career planning, and obtaining work experience placements and full-time employment for students with disabilities. This proposal is currently before the HEA.The role of this adviser would include the following:Meeting with students at all stages of their College career to provide career guidance and employability skills. Developing, arranging and monitoring work experience placements and job opportunities.Providing support to the student in the first year after graduation as they settle into employmentStudents bring fresh, innovative ideas to an organisation. National data in the First Destination Survey produced annually by the HEA identifies the need to include specific disability questions. This data will allow Careers Services and HEIs to observe any discrepancies that require attention. The Leonardo Project will allow TCD to develop a model of transition to employment that previously did not exist for disabled students in college. An evaluation of the project in four countries will take place over the summer of 2012, and this will allow for the embedding of a transition tool at stage 3.Overall conclusionsAs outlined above each stage of the DS strategic plan includes detailed, evidence-based research to ensure that objectives are being measured and critiqued. It is intended that annual reporting will include presentations of on-going findings at relevant conferences and forums. This will allow us to be critiqued and allow the DS to respond to the everchanging education and economic climateIn general, the measures mentioned in Stage I, 2 and 3 provide evidence that supports have a positive impact. TCD is emerging as the number one choice for a ever changing disabled demographic shift from students with SpLD to those with complex needs such as students with mental health difficulties and Asperger’s Syndrome. Addionally, TCD has the highest number of students with disabilities of any HEI in Ireland (Ahead, 2011) and these students are more likely to pursue their course and graduate, compared with their non-disabled peers (TCD, 2012). However, with the use of detailed empirical data, it is possible to identify gaps and deficits among the outcomes that otherwise may be regarded as insignificant or acceptable. The value of such outcome measures are that they identify risk factors for student success, and provide an evidence base on which to initiate and trial further service development. In Stage I, recognition is given to the fact that the FSD has allowed a significant number of disabled students participate effectively in 3rd level education. Providing human, assistive technology supports and transport are essential for the continued participation of disabled students in 3rd level. There are disconnections with the different levels of education the student journeys through and the types of supports offered. At 1st and 2nd level due to cuts in funding a resource allocation model similar to that in operation in 3rd level is beginning to form. The problem is the three sectors do not communicate with each other or learn from good practice going on at any of these levels that could be adopted at the other levels of education. Who is responsible for over viewing all sectors and trying to get some agreement on good transferable practices that encourage self-determined independent learners? There is a need to focus on promoting the use of the pathways transition tool, including work with pilot schools and individuals who have identified TCD as a destination of choice. In Stage 2 identifying retention risk factors is essential in determining how to effectively support students with the greatest needs, and ensure that suitable resources follow this cohort throughout their college career. Stage 3 will focus on embedding employment indicators in the needs assessment process. Disclosure and information on how to communicate disability-related needs and rights-related issues with confidence, is an essential part in developing the self-determined, self-aware, self-advocating disabled student/graduate. This strategic plan will publish evidence-based information annually, on issues that require attention in order to fulfil the strategic plan outlined by DS.Overall, the first year of the implementation of the Disability Service Strategic Plan – Pathways to Trinity Outreach, Transition, Retention and Progression Plan 2011 – 2014 has allowed the TCD Disability Service to speak with confidence on the development of the model of service delivery that is moving the medical model firmly to the social model with the student at the center of the plan. Disability Services have been realigned to follow this shift in strategic development with clear outcomes, deliverables and key indicators emerging at each stage. This new model will allow the Disability Service to shift, be flexible and emerge from this economic downturn with disabled graduates, services and ways of working having been changed significantly. Making all fit for purpose in a new economy and an example of good practice that can be easily adopted by other service.References Stage 1 Baum, C. M. & Christiansen, C. H. (2005) ‘Person-environment-occupation-performance: An occupation-based framework for practice’ in Occupational Therapy: Performance, Participation and Well-being. 3rd edition. Thorofare NJ: Slack Incorporated.Bronfenbrenner, U. (1989)‘Ecological systems theory’. Annals of Child Development. 6, 187-249.Felsinger, A. & Byford, K. (2010) ‘Managing reasonable adjustments in higher education’. London: Equality Challenge Unit Higher Education Authority (2008) ‘National Plan for Equity of Access to Higher Education 2008 -2013’. Dublin: HEAHigher Education Academy (2012) Compendium of Effective Practice. Aston University: HEA. Available from Irish Universities Quality Board (2011) ‘Public Information Project: The types of information that prospective students require on university and other websites’. Dublin: IUQBLaw, M. , Cooper, B. Strong, S., Stewart, D., Rigby, P., Letts, L. (1996) ‘The Person-Environment-Occupation Model: A Transactive Approach to Occupational Performance’. Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy, v63 n1 p9-23 Apr 1996Available from . [Accessed 29 April 2012]OECD (2011) ‘Inclusion of Students with Disabilities in Tertiary Education and Employment.’ Education and Training Policy, OECD Publishing. Stewart, D., Letts, l., Law, M., Acheson Cooper, B., Strong, S., and Rigby, P.J., (2003). The Person-Environment-Occupation Model. Chapter18 Theories derived from Occupational Behaviour Perspectives. In Crepeau, E.B., Cohn, E.S., & Schell, B.A.B. (Eds), Willard and Spackman’s Occupational Therapy. (10th Edition.pp.227-231)? Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.Related Publications, Resources & Further Information:Pathways to Trinity Website tcd.ie/pathways-to-trinity Pathways Transition Planning Tool Pathways Transition Discussion Forum Disability Service strategic plan Asperger’s Syndrome Support Service Unilink Service Stage 2Ahead, (2008) Good Practice Guidelines for the providers of supports and services for students with disabilities in Higher Education. Dublin. Ahead. Disability Service, (2010) 10 Years of student experiences: TCD Disability Service 2000-2010. Dublin. TCD Disability Service. HEA, (2008) National Plan for Equity of Access to Higher Education 2008 to 2013. Dublin. HEA. Higher Education Statistics Agency (2011) Online (Accessed 13th April 2012) NAIRTL, (2008) DAWN Handbook: Teaching Students with Disabilities: Guidelines for Academic Staff. Cork. NAIRTL. National Audit Office (2007) Staying the Course: The retention of students in Higher Education. Online (Accessed 13th April 2012) Pathways to Education, (2010) Students with disabilities tracking report – 2005 intake. An analysis of their progression, retention and success through higher education institutions. Online (Accessed 13th April 2011) pathwayscork.ie/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/Students-with-Disabilities.pdf Seidman, A., (ed) (2012).College student retention 2nd Edition: Formula for student success. New York. ACE/Rowman & Littlefield.Tinto, V. (1993) Leaving College: Rethinking the causes and cures of student attrition (2nd edition). London: University of Chicago Press. Yorke, M. (1999) Leaving Early: Undergraduate Non-Completion in Higher Education, London, Taylor and Francis.Stage 3Ahead Participation Survey 2010, AheadTCD CAREERS' ADVISORY SERVICE 2011. First Destinations Statistics. Dublin: Trinity College Dublin.UCC DISABILITY SERVICE 2005. Where are They now? A Review of the First Destinations of UCC Graduates with Disabilities. Cork: University College Cork.UL CAREERS' SERVICE 2005. Towards Equal Outcomes: A Survey of the Career Experiences of Graduates with Disabilities and Employer Responses to Diversity, University of Limerick, 1997-2003. Limerick: University of Limerick ................
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