We learn in many different ways.
We learn by ourselves.
We learn with others.
We learn at school or college.
We learn at work.
We learn on the internet.
We learn from experience.
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We learn in many different places.
We learn at home.
We learn at a day centre.
We learn at school or college.
We learn in libraries.
We learn with voluntary and community groups.
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We learn for different reasons.
We learn basic skills like reading and writing.
We learn to get a qualification.
We learn to find out more about something that interests
us.
We learn to get a job.
We learn just for fun.
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Learning is for everyone
People with learning difficulties have
just as much right to learn as anyone else. There
are lots of ways to learn.
Most colleges work with students with learning difficulties.
You can get extra support to help you on your course.
Many colleges offer learning support classes.
You can also learn from home or study on a flexible
basis.
Learning is a very good way to increase your independence,
experience and confidence.
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Thinking about what to learn.
You will need to think about what you want to learn.
You will need to think about how you'd like to study
it. Then you can look at your choices to see which
college or learning method is best for you.
If you're planning to attend courses, here are some
of the questions you may want to ask.
You might want to ask is there a disability advisor?
You might want to ask are all the buildings I need
to use accessible?
You might want to ask if there is a care attendance?
You might want to ask if methods of teaching
and assessment meet your needs?
You might want to ask if there is any special equipment
to help you?
You might want to ask if you need to take exams and
can special arrangements could be made?
You might want to ask if the college has worked
with students with learning difficulties before ?
You might want to ask if you can get help to pay
for your course?
You might want to ask if studying will affect my
benefits?
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Getting help to find the right way to learn
There are plenty of places that can help
you find out about learning.
South Gloucestershire Council and Connexions
have produced a booklet about planning how young people
want to live their lives when they become adults.
Download
the Transitions1.pdf
The booklet is called It's Your Future!
A Transition Guide to planning your future
Connexions (West of England) have produced
a booklet called Moving On. Moving on is to help young
people to find out about the choices they have at
the age of 16.
Download
the MovingOn.pdf
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Learndirect
Learndirect is an
online learning and information service.
Learndirect is on the internet and can be contacted
on the telephone.
It aims to give everyone the chance to learn anywhere,
at any time and at any pace.
Learndirect offers learning at a time, place and
pace to suit the individual. You choose what to learn,
when to learn - and you can learn as quickly or as
slowly as you like.
Learndirect courses are for anyone who wants to learn
for fun or work.
Learndirect courses are for anyone who wants to get
knowledge and skills so they can get a better job.
Learndirect courses are for anyone who wants to to
be in charge of their future.
Learndirect courses are for anyone who wants to improve
their business.
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Colleges and universities
Many colleges have learning support coordinators
or disability coordinators. They can give you advice
and information. They can carry out an assessment
with you to make sure they get you the support you
need.
It's a good idea to speak to the disability coordinator
before applying for a course.
The local university for South Gloucestershire
the University of the West of
England
The local colleges for South Gloucestershire are
City of Bristol College
- Soundwell Centre and
Filton College
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Specialist colleges
Some colleges run special courses for students with
disabilities. They have a lot of experience in teaching
students with one type of disability or a range of
different disabilities. They usually have a wide range
of helpful equipment. They usually provide support
in courses.
These colleges may be far away. You may have to travel
to get to them. Some are residential. This means that
you stay there.
The Association of National Specialist Colleges (NATSPEC)
works to make sure that young people with learning
difficulties have the biggest choice of education,
training and support.
The contact for general enquiries is
Janice Biggs
NATSPEC Administrative Officer
36 Gresham Road
East Ham
London
E6 6DS
Telephone and fax: 020 8471 3284
e-mail: janicefaldo.natspec@btinternet.com
Web: www.natspec.org.uk
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SKILL
SKILL provides an information service.
It has a huge range of useful leaflets and guides
about learning and work.
They have information on funding or paying for courses.
They have information on returning to learning.
They have information on examination arrangements.
They have information on opportunities in open and
distance learning. More information
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South Gloucestershire Council
If you have learning difficulties and need learning
support you can book a time to speak to a specialist
tutor by contacting reception on 01454 863305.
You can also talk to the Adult Basic Skills Coordinator
on 01454 864634.
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