Disability and Neurodiverse Learner Support
If you're one of our students and you have an impairment or disability, medical condition, or injury that might affect your studies, don't worry – we’ve got you.
We want everyone to be successful and reach their full potential, and we believe in creating a campus environment that's safe, inclusive, and free from any kind of discrimination.
Confidential support from day one
So, what exactly does this mean for you? Well, when you first enrol at Yoobee, we’ll ask if there's any specific support you need or if there are any barriers you think you might encounter during your studies. This information is kept confidential, so you don't have to worry about anyone else finding out about it without your permission. After that, you'll get to meet with a Learner Success Co-Ordinator who will work with you to create a dedicated support plan that meets your needs.
A safe space on campus
And if you're someone who's hypersensitive to sensory information or just need a quiet space to self-regulate, we have sensory spaces available at some of our campuses. These spaces are equipped with products that can help with de-escalation.
Yoobee also offers additional support services like:
Plus, if you're looking to connect with disability agencies or organisations in New Zealand, here’s some links to check out.
If you need any further information or assistance, just reach out to your onsite Learner Success Team member and they'll be happy to help you out.
MEET YOUR LEARNER SUCCESS TEAM
Kelly Stevens
Head of Learner Success
Kelly is the Head of Learner Success. She had been with the wider UP Education group for 11 years, has worked in multiple roles, is a member of the Yoobee Colleges Executive team and is also a qualified adult teacher and facilitator. She understands the challenges students face daily. She is responsible for the Educational Performance Strategy, new initiatives and ensuring that we are providing equitable opportunities for all students.
Rachael Atkinson
Learner Success Team Lead
Rachael supports both students and campus staff to achieve successful outcomes. She strongly values developing people and encouraging student achievement through education. She is excited to focus on ways to improve the overall educational performance of Yoobee by embedding effective practices across all campuses.
Jennifer Rajkoomar
Yoobee City Road
Jennifer is our Learner Success Coordinator at the Yoobee City Road campus. Jennifer is a creative and passionate educator who cares about peoples’ academic experiences. With 10 years’ experience in education Jennifer has honed her skills in care management, coaching, mentoring, and communication, and she leverages this knowledge to help others to achieve their full potential.
Nik Weston
Yoobee South Seas
Nik is our Learner Success Coordinator for Yoobee South Seas. Nik has been a member of the Yoobee Whānau since 2010, working in several roles including Film Tutor, Graphics Tutor, and Team Leader. Nik is a late-diagnosed autistic so he can offer support based on lived experience for neurodiverse students (in particular Autism and ADHD). Nik enjoys supporting tutors to work with ND, Rainbow Community, and Māori/Pasifika students who have specific support needs.
Wendy Roesler
Yoobee Wellington
Wendy is our Learner Success Coordinator for Yoobee Wellington. She comes to us with a wealth of knowledge and experience in the education sector as well as a passion for supporting students to succeed. She is committed to improving academic outcomes using a holistic approach that addresses students' emotional, social, ethical, and educational needs.
Fiona McDonald
Yoobee Christchurch
Fiona is our Learner Success Coordinator for NZST Yoobee. Prior to this, she was a high school teacher for almost 20 years. Having also been a high school dean for 10 years, she views developing relationships with students as the key ingredient to impacting academic progress. She enjoys seeing students develop in their academic work, and then seeing this translate into holistic growth in their lives. Fiona looks forward to supporting students to meet the academic requirements of their courses so that they can confidently enter employment in their chosen field.
Leigh Quadling-Miernik
Yoobee Online Campus
Leigh is the Online Learning Support for our Yoobee Online Campus. She has worked in education in both New Zealand and internationally in a variety of positions including teacher, teacher trainer, school management, and course/resource development. Leigh has experience working in both face-to-face and online schools. Her passion is to create better learning for all. She is someone who actively listens to support individuals to be successful through developing individual learning strategies because there is no correct way to gain knowledge and skills.
WHAT OUR STUDENTS ARE SAYING
Meet Angelo Cherrington
As someone with autism, the pathway to higher education and the workforce can be challenging. With the supportive team at Yoobee College of Creative Innovation, I’ve learnt how to manage my personal challenges in a classroom environment and make meaningful steps towards my dream career.
The Learner Success Team at Yoobee provided me with the individual support I needed to manage my stress levels and workload, so I felt empowered to confidently complete my studies. The team have become like a family to me – helping me believe in myself as much as my mother does.
I’ve really enjoyed the programmes at Yoobee as they focus on developing important life skills – such as problem-solving, collaboration and strong communication – that will serve me well in the workforce.
The neurodiverse-friendly programmes at Yoobee make it easy to learn how to use complicated software like Photoshop, Adobe, Maya, and Toon Boom.
My achievement of a Level 6 Diploma in Animation with Yoobee proves that having dyslexia does not mean you cannot achieve education and career success.
-Angelo Cherrington
