The purpose of the Adult Education Service is to enrich the quality of life within the Wakefield District by encouraging learning as a life-long activity, and by making education available and accessible to the widest possible range of Wakefield residents.
The adult education service believes that all learners should have equal access to our programmes, and a equal chance to succeed within them. We operate within an inclusive learning framework and employ skilled and competent staff who will work with classes of mixed abilities.
It is our intention to make every reasonable effort to enable learners who are disabled or who have learning difficulties or disabilities, to participate in the class of their choice.
Our principles
The Adult and Community Education Service is committed to making your experience of learning productive and enjoyable. We will endeavour to make it so by:
- Providing clear information about available courses
- Helping you to choose the right course for you
- Additional advice is available on request
- Providing, with our partners, accommodation and equipment that is suitable for your course of study
- Working to ensure that the whole community has an equal chance to access suitable provision
- Working to ensure that all participants are supported to achieve the highest standards of which they are capable
- Listening to and responding to your suggestions, comments and advice and follow up, if you are absent for three weeks
- Working to improve our provision
Although the Adult and Community Education Service will strive to achieve these standards, the standards are not intended to be contractually binding and will not form part of any contract between you and the Adult and Community Education Service.
These principles are set out in our service policies on:
- Quality
- Equal Opportunities
- Learners with Disabilities
- Health and Safety.
If you want to know more about any of our service policies, you can ask for a copy at your centre or contact the Manygates Education Centre on 01924 303302.
Accessibility equipment
The following assistive technology equipment is available. Please contact the centre for further details.
- Big keys keyboard – useful for users with mild visual impairment.
- Portable induction loop – useful for the user who has hearing aids. This is not compatible in IT classes due to interference.
- Trackball – useful for users with mobility difficulties in their hands.
- Dragon Naturally Speaking – dictation software. This is specialised software allowing users to dictate letters and commands to a PC. This requires setting up and a training program to use effectively.
- Supernova – a screen reader and screen magnifier, for use with visual impairment or blind users. This requires specialist training to use effectively.
- Mouse Tray – enables a mouse or trackerball to be used on your lap. This enables your arm to rest in its natural position and is useful for anyone with upper limb pain or discomfort.
- Ergonomic keyboard – fully adjustable keyboard for users who find using a conventional keyboard difficult.
- Keyguards – users with motor skills impairment, or upper limb tremors can find this a very useful aid to use a conventional keyboard.
- Gel mousemat – provides support for the wrist and is useful to anyone suffering from mail arthritis.
- Left and right handed keyboards – specialised keyboard ergonomically designed for one-handed keyboard users which requires training to get full benefit.
- Ergonomic chair – fully adjustable computer chair which gives extra support for users who require it.
- Laptray – useful for wheelchair users allowing the keyboard to be used in the lap.
- Mini keyboard – space saving keyboard useful for users with limited hand or finger movement. Also useful for use in conjunction with the laptray.
- High visibility keyboard glove – converts the standard keyboard into a high visibility one for visually impaired users.
- Adjustable workstation – fully adjustable, especially useful for wheelchair users.
