Sammy Saunders, Learning Development Manager at the Trust, shares an insight into his role and how the Trust supports students and staff who have additional needs and considerations.
I was diagnosed with dyslexia as a teenager, I’m a mental health nurse by professional background, currently studying an Advanced Diploma in transformative coaching, and recently stepped into the role of Learning Development Manager at the Trust.
An important part of my role involves supporting individuals who, like me, may have hidden disabilities and who inevitably have a great many more hidden abilities. This isn’t just a professional responsibility but also a personal passion.
As an organisation, we’re committed to diversity, equity and inclusion. We want to support a wide range of applicants, including those with additional needs. So please let us know if you have any questions about this.
You’ll notice our training application forms ask if you have any additional considerations or educational needs. To name just a few, these may include one or more of the following:
- Neuro and learning considerations e.g. ADHD, autism, dyslexia, epilepsy
- Physical considerations e.g. HIV, diabetes, mobility or sensory impairment
- Psychological considerations e.g. PTSD, anxiety, depression
- Other considerations e.g. pregnancy/maternity, English as second language, etc.
The information you share at application and interview is not used to assess your academic suitability for the programme but rather to inform us of your potential needs so we can then discuss what support currently helps and may future help you too.
Although it’s useful to see any written diagnosis or confirmation from a specialist/professional, we do not require evidence of a diagnosis for you to receive additional support. The most important thing is to have a human conversation – to discuss your goals, realities, options and will (GROW).
In addition to the Trust’s standard support already provided, for students with additional needs, I can offer up to a total of four 1-hour individual sessions per year, at no charge. I tend to employ the aforementioned GROW coaching model and aim to help enhance these particular skills:
- Making the most of assistive technology
- Time management
- Organising materials
- Structuring writing
- Proof reading
- Processing and applying feedback
If you have any questions about any of the above or related matters, you can contact me via email projects@ptrust.org.uk.