University staff are warmly invited to attend the next series of brief, informal lunchtime bitesize talks given by specialist staff from Student Services on ‘Understanding and Supporting Student Needs: Student Disability’.

Have you ever come into contact with a student with a particular need that you were unsure how to deal with such as a mental health issue, a physical disability, an autism spectrum disorder or dyslexia? Many of us feel we could increase our understanding of these areas and thankfully we have many trained experts amongst us who are willing to share what they know. Even if you deal regularly with these sorts of issues, it may be a useful refresher and we would welcome your input in sharing your experiences with other staff.

The sessions will take place from 13.15 to 13.55 on the dates listed below and will be video linked to Medway campus. Talks will start at 13.15.

Tuesday 9 February 2016
Autism Spectrum Conditions
Tom Sharp (Disability Team Manager)

Canterbury KS17
Medway M1-16

Tuesday 16 February 2016
Mental Health
Kate Pitchforth (Senior Wellbeing Advisor)

Canterbury KS17
Medway M1-16

Tuesday 23 February
Physical Difficulties and Disability Support for Home Students
Tom Sharp (Disability Team Manager)

Canterbury KS17
Medway M1-16

Room information KS17: http://www.kent.ac.uk/timetabling/rooms/room.html?room=KS17
Room information M1-16: https://www.kent.ac.uk/timetabling/rooms/room.html?room=M1-16

You are welcome to bring your lunch along and listen to a talk of 10-15 minutes which outlines the background to the issue, the types of support we can offer at Kent, and some tips for recognising and dealing sensitively and effectively with students who are experiencing these conditions. The rest of the hour will be left open for Q&A and discussion – so please bring along your questions and your examples of good practice to share with others.