The Open University is the UK’s only university dedicated to distance learning. Most of its courses require no previous qualifications in order to study. It can be an ideal alternative to traditional learning for people with accessibility issues as the University’s teaching ethos is ‘supported open learning‘. This means that you will be learning in your own time, mostly within your own home but still having the support of a tutor and the student services staff at Regional Centres. You will also have support from centralised areas such as the Library or Open University Students Association. You have to be aged 16 or over when your course starts but there is no upper age limit.

The University has around 150,000 undergraduate students and more than 30,000 postgraduate students. 10,000 of their students have disabilities. The Open University’s mission is to promote educational opportunity and social justice by providing high-quality university education to all who wish to realise their ambitions and fulfil their potential.

You can see more about what the Open University offers, including courses at:

www.open.ac.uk

To see the services available for disabled students and the support you can expect go to:

http://library.open.ac.uk/help/access/

The Ability Media Centre

The Ability Media Centre is the first of its kind in Britain. A purpose built, state of the art hub of education, it provides a range of courses suitable for everyone from complete novices to students with various levels of experience.

From the centre, students can study for the formal qualifications needed for jobs such as Camera Operator, Vision Engineer, Motion Graphics Artist, Producer, Director, Researcher, or General Studio Operator.

The Centre also provides basic skills training, employment support, and work opportunities for graduates.

The Ability Media Centre is part of the Ability Media initiative from Leonard Cheshire Disability. Leonard Cheshire Disability believe that by helping more disabled people get a career in mainstream media, they will increase the positive influence people with a disability will have in deciding how disability is portrayed.

To learn more about the Ability Media project please click here: http://abilitymedia.org/

For further information on courses offered at the Ability Media Centre, click here: http://abilitymedia.org/amcourses

Centre for Disability Studies

CD S. is an interdisciplinary Centre for research and education in the field of disability studies at the University of Leeds.  The centre incorporates and develops the work of the former Disability Research Unit and aims to promote international excellence within the field.

Our approach to research and education is grounded in social model approaches, which recognise that disability is above all a form of institutional discrimination and social exclusion, rather than a product of physical difference between individuals.  CGS remains at the forefront in promoting this approach amongst the international research community.  Our taught courses draw directly on the experiences and issues raised by the Disabled People’s Movement and many of our staff and post-graduate students have been disabled people.

Centre for Disability Studies
University of Leeds
LS2 9JT

Tel: 113 343 4417
Fax: 113 343 4415

disability-studies@leeds.ac.uk
www.leeds.ac.uk/disability-studies
 

Hereward College

Hereward College is a national, specialist, residential college of further education. The College welcomes all learners including those with diverse and complex support requirements.  In addition to the 100+ residential learners, day disabled and non-disabled learners also attend the college.  Feedback from learners has shown that they like the inclusiveness of the college population.
Whatever your interests and needs, you can pick and mix from a wide range of courses and services to enable you to develop your skills and confidence.

Hereward College,
Bramston Crescent,
Tile Hill,
Coventry
CV4 9SW

Tel: 024 7646 1231 (minicom facility available)
For full-time applications all residential enquiries: 024 7642 6173/6104.
For part-time day/evening courses: 024 7642 6101.
Fax: 024 7669 4305

enquiries@hereward.ac.uk
www.hereward.ac.uk

Skill: National Bureau for Students with Disabilities

Skill is a national charity promoting opportunities for young people and adults with any kind of impairment in post-16 education, training and employment.

Skill: National Bureau for Students with Disabilities
Unit 3, Floor 3, Radisson Court
219 Long Lane
London
SE1 4PR

Tel: 020 7450 0620 (Tues11.30 am -1.30 pm and Thurs 1.30 pm - 3.30 pm)
Textphone: 020 7450 0620 (as above)

skill@skill.org.uk
www.skill.org.uk

The Association of National Specialist Colleges

Natspec is a membership association for independent specialist colleges that provide further education or training for learners with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. To request a Natspec directory please contact:

Queen Alexandra College

Tel: 0121 428 5050
allformats@)qac.ac.uk

Derwen College

Tel: 01691 661234
treasurer@natspec.org.uk

www.natspec.org.uk

National Extension College

With our high quality home study courses, you can gain valuable new skills, knowledge and qualifications without the disruption of having to attend a school or college. Instead, you are free to work toward your goals in your own time and at your own pace, with the help and support of our experienced tutors.

We have over 150 home study courses available, covering everything from traditional academic subjects to vocational skills training that leads to industry-recognised qualifications. Where do you want to pursue your ideal career or progressing your current job, or even if you just feel that your CV is not all that it might be, contact us today to find out how we can help you get better qualified.

National Extension College
The Michael Young Centre
Purbeck Road
Cambridge
CB2 8HN

Tel: 0800 3892839
Main Switchboard: 01223 400 200
www.nec.ac.uk

National Star College

National Star College is an independent specialist college working with learners who have physical disabilities and associated learning difficulties.
The educational focus is to help students develop the skills needed to take control of their lives and prepare for adulthood.
Programme areas are Skills for Adult Life, Springboard, Business, Leisure and Tourism, Creative Arts, Health and Social Care, Information Technology, Performing Arts and Sport and Recreation.  Each student has an individual learning programme.

National Star College,
Ullenwood,
Cheltenham,
Gloucestershire
GL53 9QU

Tel: 01242 527631
Fax: 01242 222234

enquiries@natstar.ac.uk
www.natstar.ac.uk/

Portland College

Portland College maximises people’s ability and minimises the effects of disability by providing opportunities for learning in an inclusive specialist residential environment. They aim to give individuals empowerment through employment, independence and integration.

Portland College,
Nottingham Road,
Mansfield,
Nottinghamshire
NG18 4TJ

Tel: 01623 499111
Fax: 01623 499134

college@portland.ac.uk
www.portland.ac.uk/

Queen Elizabeth’s Foundation

Queen Elizabeth’s Foundation encourages and enables adults with disabilities to increase independence and improve life skills.  The Foundation’s aim is to ensure that adults with disabilities can access the training and support required to achieve their goals.

The Foundation is based in south-east England and provides specialist centres focusing on brain injury rehabilitation, vocational training for mainstream employment, the coaching of life skills, mobility assessment and tuition.

Queen Elizabeth’s Foundation,
Leatherhead Court,
Woodlands Road,
Leatherhead,
Surrey
KT22 0BN

Tel: 01372 841100
info@qef.org.uk
www.qefd.org/