Step Up case study - Disability (DARE) – From feeling left behind to believing she belongs
Focus on people who have a disability, are aged 16 years or over and are unemployed or economically inactive. The stories highlight the impact of support provided to enhance opportunities to gain qualifications and progress into work or stay in work.
Participant is a 17-year-old female who left school with no Maths or English qualifications and has ongoing challenges related to confidence and self-esteem. These difficulties have previously impacted her engagement within the college environment and her overall motivation toward learning and progression.
In addition to above barriers, participant struggled with numeracy skills. This affected her independence in key everyday areas such as money management and timekeeping and impacted on her daily routines.
From outset of Step-Up programme, Mentor worked 1.1 with participant to access services which would enable her to meet her learning targets. Appointments were made for participant to meet with Learning Support team to discuss individual support needs. From this, participant attended Learning Support Hubs, where she received extra support for both Literacy and Numeracy coursework. This greatly benefited participant, who was also enrolled in Essential Skills.
During group Mentor sessions, participant began to gradually communicate more. Mentor set group tasks which enabled participant to contribute, even if it was only briefly. This allowed participant to feel included alongside her peers.
Participant completed ‘Step Up to Restart’ programme and is now working toward achieving a Level 2 qualification, with intention to apply for Access course. She also due to complete Essential Skills qualifications which will enable more opportunities for progression.
Participants comments at end of the course:
‘I have been more comfortable being in class. I like the coursework and the people in the class.’