Individual needs assessments will determine the level of support that students require based on information obtained by the student and reports supporting their disability.
The Assistant Psychologist will identify supports designed to meet the student’s support needs with concise, informative learning recommendations.
The Needs Assessment process allows for the application for funding for the Higher Education Authority fund for Students with disabilities.
The needs assessment forms the basis of a support action plan for each student.
NLN has carried out several hundred needs assessments over the past 10 academic years and include a very broad range of different diagnoses including the following:
- Dyslexia
- Dyscalculia
- Dyspraxia / DCD
- ADHD
- ASD
- Borderline Mild General Learning Difficulty
- Mild General Learning Difficulty
- Bipolar Disorder, Depression
- Anxiety
- OCD
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Borderline Personality Disorder
- Epilepsy
- Narcolepsy
- Visual Impairment
- Hearing Impairment
- Diabetes
What is involved in a Needs Assessment?
Part of the process of a needs assessment includes gathering professional and consultants’ reports, medical backup, educational and employment history, any previous exam accommodations in state or certificate exams, and student signatures. When all the information is compiled a decision on suitable supports will be made (the student being involved at all stages) and a funding application will be made to the HEA.
NLN Needs Assessments are conducted to the highest standard to ensure that the student is receiving the most appropriate supports. A person-centered model of assessment is utilised. This requires that a rationale that supports the application is processed for each student.
