Association of Study Aids/Strategies Assessors.
How to prepare for the assessment session: A checklist.
When you get your appointment date:
If you haven't already spoken to the disability officer at the university, now would be a good time to get in get in touch. Tell him/her you've been referred for an assessment. They will probably give you some very good advice on what to ask about during the session. Remember, any information you provide to the disability officer will remain confidential if you want it to. Make a list of any ideas the Disability Officer comes up with, so you can refer to this during the session.
If you meet with specialists involved in treatment or management of your condition, tell them you've been referred for an assessment. They might have supported other students with similar problems and could have some suggestions for specialist equipment or support you could ask about during the session. Make a list!
If you need to park your car near to the centre because you have mobility problems, contact the centre to find out if they have any parking spaces you can use.
If you feel it would help to have a support worker or family member present during the session, make sure they are going to be available.
If you require a BSL Interpreter to be present, make sure the centre knows about this.
Have a look at information provided by any relevant organisations listed in the 'Sources of further advice' page.
Start to think about how your disability might affect you on your course. It might help to make a list of any problems you have already experienced.
If you have a good relationship with a tutor on your course, arrange to meet him or her so you can talk about possible strategies that might help you resolve any current or future problems.
A week before the appointment:
Make sure you know how to get to the centre on time. If the directions or map seem in any way confusing or unclear you should contact the centre and ask for advice to make sure youknow exactly how to get there.
If have realised you can't make the appointment for any reason, let the centre know so they can let another student use that appointment slot. The centre will try to arrange another date that is better for you.
Check you have a copy of the letter sent you from your funding body that told you to arrange the appointment and a copy of any medical evidence you sent to the funding body. If you can't find them, contact the assessment centre so they can try to get hold of copies of these important documents.
If you are prescribed lots of medication it could help to bring a copy of your prescription.
Check with anyone who's supposed to be coming with you that they know about the meeting.
The day before.
Make sure you've got all your paperwork together, such as important documents, lists you've prepared, etc. It's a good idea to get a folder and some A4 plastic wallets, so you can keep all this information organised.
Check you know how to get to the centre and you know what time your appointment is.
If you are worried you might not be able to make the appointment let the centre know.
On the day.
Remember, it's not you who is going to be 'assessed', it's the equipment and strategies you can use to participate in the course to the best of your ability. You aren't going to be tested or scrutinised.
Don't feel you have to get dressed up in formal clothes - just wear what you are comfortable in, you're not being interviewed for a job!
Remember that the session might take up to two hours.
Try not to arrive late, as the assessor will probably have other appointments after you and might not be able to see you if you get there more than half an hour after your appointment time. Contact the centre if you have any last minute problems that might end up in you arriving late. Don't get there too early either, as you might end up having to wait around until your appointment time.
Make sure you've got all your paperwork together.
If you're worried about anything related to the session, contact the centre staff for advice.