My specialisms include those below:
- Training, mentoring, and developing others
- Inclusive learning practice
- Assistive Technology
Quite a few universities have services that provide assistive technology support for students, and some have support for staff also.
My service is unique in that there is a joined up service for both staff and students. I built up a good relationship with other services so that referrals are smooth. On top of this I follow the ‘Social Model’ of disability instead of the ‘Medical’.
‘The social model of disability says that disability is caused by the way society is organised. The medical model of disability says people are disabled by their impairments or differences.’ Read more at Scope about the models.
I look at my clients and their situation in a holistic way, and generally go above and beyond the job description I have, to try to provide a better solution to their difficulties.
For example; when I see a client with muscular skeletal issues I ask them to describe what the problems are, and where the pain is. I talk to them about what their job entails, and often visit their desks to see if anything there can be changed. I get them to type something while I am ‘sorting around in the cupboard’ and I watch how they type, and use their bodies at the workstation. I talk to them about posture, and show them about chair adjustment. If they need a new chair, I have bought a selection in the lab that they can try out. I measure them to make sure the chair they chose is the right size and shape for them. If they are not sure of this, I suggest they come to the lab towards the end of a week (when they are tired), and work there for an hour or so, and this will give a better idea of how a chair will suit them.
As regards to ergonomics, I look at the size of their hands and how they type, and suggest a range of keyboards and mice I think would be a good option for them. I have built up a testing scheme where they can take a couple away for a week at a time to try out. This enables them to find the right option. I talk to them about taking breaks and show them Workrave, timer software, and send them the link for it.
I have more information for people to look at about workstation health on my site in a range of formats, including a subtitled film made by one of my students using project money I’d applied for one summer. RSI Film
I also discuss what they do outside of work, and talk about health and safety around using tablets, phones, and computers at home. The other thing I talk to them about is relaxation and ways to ease tension in the mind and body, and demonstrate apps for relaxation. I have some links on my website to help with this too.
If they have a lot of pain, I advise seeing a Dr, and also getting referred to Occupational Health, who provide a few free sessions of physio.
With the advent of agile working, many people are suffering more issues as they are not aware of self-care with this system. I developed and offer, university-wide, agile working health and well-being training, which has proved to be of need, and well-received. With this training, I give information and demonstrations of setting up desks, chairs and laptops, talk about breaks, relaxation, and services available at the university. I also run a drop in session after for individual questions.
In Jan 2019, I was asked to deliver a series of presentations/demonstrations to staff by Tim Machin, Head of IT, Professional Services. Here is one of the slide presentations I delivered on The Equality Act, EU Directive on Web Accessibility 2018, support for staff and students within UCL, agile working health and well-being, and the assistive technology available.
I use the person-centered method with the inductions. I deliver them 1 to 1 where a student can feel safe and in control. They do not have to worry about others and can talk about whatever they feel they want. It allows us to get to know each other and how I can help if needed. I makes using the lab less frightening as they know there will be a friendly face around on a regular basis and if they need help they have a point to start at.
My office is in the SENIT lab, which allows me to be there to support students when they need it, sometimes just with a cuppa and an ear, if they are upset, or technical support if required.
I have also set up a ‘Soft Wall’ and area, with anti-stress gadgets, soft toys, colouring books, and puzzle books for students to de-stress themselves. In 2017 I started a range of craft classes so students again can relax a bit, have fun, and for some it gives them a chance to interact with others, and help with loneliness. This year (2018), due to popularity, it has now become an event every Tuesday lunchtime, and more people are joining. We have approx. ten members popping in and out of the sessions at the moment.
‘Sent: 23 April 2018 16:29
To:
Subject: Tomorrows class is on!
Hi All
Craft class is on tomorrow 1pm onwards. I have some new things to try, or you can use materials here to do your own thing or bring your own personal project.
See you all there.
Regards
Michele’
Feedback from one student.
‘Michele’s craft classes helped me to become less stressed during my time at university, and has proved invaluable. The weekly sessions were not only enjoyable but also acted as space for me to calm my stress and go to for a space of support.’ M. Aden
I have recently been approached to start one for staff in a particular department and we will commencing as soon as we can work out an agreeable time for all. Quote from one staff member below.
‘Hi Michele
Thank you for all your efforts in trying to co-ordinate us – it is appreciated.
Best wishes
Michelle’
In 2018 I started a ‘Women in Leadership’ course at UCL, and as part of this various stake-holders in the service contributed anonymously along with my answers, to form the Strengthscope report on my strengths and weaknesses. The reason for this course was to improve my approach to working with senior management with regards to funding, and making changes to policy. It was a really interesting experience and I learnt a lot about myself and how to develop myself going forward.
I was recently spotlighted in the staff Wellbeing Champions Newsletter on some of the work I have done.
The HE sector is now more about the ‘Student Experience’, and I feel that the work I do adds value to this. This is shown by the student feedback that comes in from our users.
I have been mentioned in the acknowledgments of several students thesis over the years and this is the most recent.
‘ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I would like to thank my supervisor Dr Richard Mole for his careful considerations regarding my topic, and his support throughout the writing of this paper in London and Berlin.
Furthermore, this paper would not have been possible without Muna, Michele and Reena’s genuine care and consideration at UCL’s SENIT suite; providing me with an uninterrupted, personal and positive environment in which to write up my thesis (and hot water for coffees!).’ Erkan Gursel.