Diverse Learning Needs services

A student with Diverse Learning Needs means a student of an institution of higher education with a temporary or permanent impairment that may be attributed to a medical condition (e.g. epilepsy, asthma), a psychological condition, sensory, physical, cognitive impairment, learning disabilities, Asperger syndrome and the giftedness. It may result in:

a)     a reduced ability to access educational services provided by the institution of higher education; and

b)     a need for support services to overcome these barriers. 

• Providing both current and prospective students with diverse learning needs the opportunity to realize their individual capabilities for physical, emotional, social and intellectual development through full participation in UBD.
• Providing special services to students with diverse learning needs. Such services will result in the attainment of quality experience while in UBD.
• Ensuring the delivery of services to students with diverse learning needs in a manner which respects and promotes their dignity, rights and opportunities.
• Improving support programs for students and prospective students with diverse needs, UBD aims to respect their rights to privacy and confidentiality.
• Offering a safe environment in which students with diverse learning needs can undertake their studies.
• Raising awareness regarding the needs and rights of people with diverse needs.
• Providing an appropriate level of resources.

The Centre is responsible for:

• Ensuring the welfare of students with diverse learning needs is taken care of. These include teaching and learning issues, allowances, accommodation, physically disabled, mentally disabled and medical needs.
• Coordinating the academic and non-academic service provisions for such students.
• Establishing and clarifying records on the students
• Advising and monitoring services to enhance the inclusion of students within the institution.
• Giving support to administrative officers in implementing and monitoring relevant projects.
• Referring students with diverse needs to other agencies or institutions as appropriate.

Services provided:

• Help identifying students with diverse learning needs in the university.
• Provide assistance and support to students with special needs.
• Support lecturers in teaching students with diverse learning needs.
• Provide relevant resource materials for students with special needs.
• Help prepare and maintain relevant teaching materials for lecturers who have students with special needs.
• Provide a supportive environment which facilitates consultation with students who have special needs.
• Provide a bridge between students with diverse learning needs and their lecturers. 

Resources and Facilities 

• Production of Braille and other embossed materials for students with visual impairment.
• Recording equipment of learning and teaching material.
• Enlargement of learning and teaching materials.
• E-mail services for students with diverse learning needs.
• Support for students with special needs during lectures and examinations.
• Provision of computers, softwares for visually impaired and computer services.
• Provision of modified writing desks, chairs and tables.
• Other assistive technologies. 

Information for Staff  

Lecturers are encouraged to refer students who they believe may require assistance. This may include students who are constantly absent from lectures due to health problems, learning difficulties, visual and hearing impairments, physical disorders, psychological problems, dyslexia (reading and writing problems), head injury, depression, stress or any other difficulties. 

Information for Students  

UBD welcomes a diverse population of students, these include students with a variety of special needs. They should visit the Unit and declare their needs to the coordinator of the Centre either before or during their study at UBD. Any information provided will be treated as confidential and will only be shared with the university authorities providing support to the students. 

Students are advised to come to CDLearN Unit if they are having or experiencing any of the following:

• Health problems
• Learning difficulties
• Sensory disorders (visual or hearing impairment)
• Psychological problems
• Special gifts or talents
• Physical disorders
• Dyslexia (reading and writing problem)
• Post Road Traffic Accidents e.g. Head injuries, lost of limbs, hospitalization,
• Or any other reasons that might affect students’ academic performance. 

Please contact the unit for assistance at office.cdlearn@ubd.edu.bn