Overview
The term Additional Learning Needs encompasses various conditions that may result in apprentices experiencing learning difficulties or physical challenges, which could affect their educational journey compared to their peers. This article aims to demystify the process and types of support available to apprentices within Multiverse, ensuring that all apprentices, regardless of their learning or physical requirements, have equal opportunities to succeed.
What is Additional Needs Support?
Additional Needs Support in the Multiverse framework is designed to level the playing field for apprentices by providing tailored support that addresses and mitigates any barriers they might face. The support can come directly from educational coaches or through collaboration with the Apprentice Support Team, ensuring that apprentices with any form of additional needs have full access to personalized assistance.
Categories of Need
Understanding the different categories of Additional Learning Needs helps in identifying and advocating for the appropriate support. Here’s how these needs are generally classified at Multiverse:
Learning Needs
These are challenges that result in greater difficulty in learning than what is typically expected. They may include:
Specific Learning Disabilities: Conditions like Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, and Dyscalculia.
Neurodiversity and Behavioral Needs: Includes ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and anxiety-related disorders such as Generalized Anxiety Disorder or PTSD.
Skills Challenges: Issues with time management, communication skills, and adapting to workplace norms.
Physical Needs
Physical needs refer to conditions that affect an apprentice’s ability to engage with the workplace’s physical or digital environment, including:
Sensory Impairments: Visual, hearing, or speech impairments.
Chronic Conditions: Diseases such as Fibromyalgia or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
Temporary Disabilities: Those resulting from an illness or injury.
Process for Receiving Additional Learning Needs Support
If you recognize that you might be impacted by one or more of these conditions, follow these steps to access the support you need:
Step 1: Talk to Your Coach
Your coach plays a pivotal role in your learning journey. If you feel comfortable, discuss openly:
Any past or current challenges related to your learning needs.
Specific situations where you’ve felt disadvantaged, both in educational settings and in the workplace.
Previous supports or accommodations that have been helpful (or not).
Possible support options you might need from the Multiverse team.
If uncertain, that’s completely okay – use this discussion as a starting point.
Step 2: Assess Next Steps
Upon discussing your needs with your coach, you will:
Identify actionable steps and establish necessary accommodations.
Consider further support, which may involve engaging with your direct manager about workplace accommodations, or connecting with the Apprentice Support team for additional resources.
Your coach can also direct you to Multiverse’s Support Space for additional tools and community support.
Step 3: Follow Up
Remember, securing the right accommodations is an ongoing effort. Regular check-ins with your coach will help adjust and refine any support to ensure it effectively meets your needs.
Learn More About Support at Multiverse
For a deeper dive into the types of support available and how to navigate them, For a deeper dive into the types of support available and how to navigate them, visit Support Space UK or Support Space US in the Multiverse Community hub.
If at any point you prefer to directly contact the Additional Learning Needs team to discuss a learning or physical need, please email: [email protected] (UK) OR [email protected] (US).