RNC's Access Centre offers advice, assessment, support and training to people with disabilities, as well as professionals and employers who work with them. Also scroll down to find out about the role of Gardner Hall in supporting RNC students.
ACCESS Centre services are available to people who have a visual or hearing impairment, physical disability, mobility difficulties, a disabling medical condition, mental health problems or a specific learning difficulty such as dyslexia.
Specific services include:
- Assessment for special aids and equipment, study strategies and support
- Liaison with college or university personnel regarding course structure, delivery and resources
- Identification of strategies and support needs to facilitate study
- Development of effective study strategies
- Training in the use of specialist technologies
Select this link for more information on the DSA process.
- Screening for or diagnostic assessment of specific learning difficulty, including dyslexia
- Initial screening for autistic spectrum disorders
- Assessment for special examination arrangements.
Assessments and training are arranged in the ACCESS Centre on campus, which is equipped with a wide range of specialist technologies, or on an outreach basis in clients' homes, schools, colleges, universities or workplaces, as appropriate. Assessments always include an opportunity to discuss, try out and evaluate a range of hardware, ergonomic equipment and specialist software. Assessors also work alongside other professionals including Audiologists.
For enquiries, referral or more details of the services available, please contact :
The Access Centre
The Royal National College
College Road
Hereford
HR1 1EB
Tel: 01432 376635
Email: access@rncb.ac.uk
ASSESSMENT & REVIEW FOR STUDENTS AT THE ROYAL NATIONAL COLLEGE FOR THE BLIND
Supporting you every step of the way
At RNC we understand that everyone has different skills, different methods of learning and different targets; and, because of this we have developed a very personal and individual approach.
The College’s Assessment Team will work with you to assess your needs and monitor your progress throughout your time at RNC, to ensure that you are on target to achieve your personal, learning and employment goals. This process begins with Pre-Entry Assessment.
Pre-Entry Assessment
Once we have received your application we will invite you to attend Pre-Entry Assessment. This is an opportunity for us to learn more about each other, for you to ask any questions you may have about funding, courses and accommodation. It is your opportunity to find out if RNC is the right place for you.
Pre-Entry Assessment takes place on Tuesday, although we ask you to arrive on Monday afternoon. Accommodation for you and your family members (or friends) is provided in our new custom-designed assessment centre – Gardner Hall (see page xx) - in our hotel quality rooms.
When you have arrived and have settled into your room, there will be an opportunity for you to have a tour of the College before attending an official welcome meeting, afterwards dinner will be served in Rowton’s, the College’s restaurant. From there, the rest of the evening is yours to relax before your assessment begins on Tuesday morning.
During the assessment you will meet with members of the following teams:
- Learning
- Residential
- Mobility and Independent Living
- Braille (if applicable)
- ICT
- Administration
And there will also be a short assessment of your:
- Core skills (literacy, numeracy)
- Low vision.
The purpose of these meetings is so we can create a programme specifically designed to help you achieve all your goals of employment, university and or independence. It is important that we find out as much information about you as possible. The main question you will be asked is - where do you want to be when you leave us?
Whilst you are attending your pre-entry assessment, your family or friends can enjoy all that the RNC and Hereford has to offer.
Ongoing Review
Your Primary Learning Team will support you throughout your time at RNC. The team will work with you to ensure that you are getting the most out of your time at college, and that you are making steady progress and developing your full potential.
Transitional and Exit Review
We understand that your transition out of RNC to the next stage of your life can be an anxious time. So, we have dedicated staff who will help you progress to university, to the workplace or simply to leading a more independent life . This may include the arrangement of an assessment to identify your needs for an additional funding application e.g. Access to Work Support.
Student Profile: Paul Watts
“I lost my job as a Customer Service Adviser in a bank and read an article about RNC, so thought I’d apply to gain new skills. I originally looked at doing just ICT, but at my assessment I was told I could do so much more.”
Whatever your goals and ambitions RNC will tailor your experience from the first contact to your transition onto your next stage in life
RNC Enquiry Line: +44 (0)1432 376621 or email: 
