Northern Ireland Trailblazers Inclusion Now campaign.

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www.trailblazersmuscular-dystrophy.org
Higher education
Many students may find it daunting when starting university. Moving
away from home, making new friends and starting a degree are all new
and exciting challenges to look forward to. Disabled students need to
consider not only these challenges, but often more. Planning in advance
and getting your support in place beforehand can make the process a
lot smoother.
In the United Kingdom, an estimated 30,000 disabled people entered higher education in
2012, an increase of 75 percent since 2004. 11 However, according to UCAS, disabled people
are also less likely to go to university than their non-disabled peers and are less likely to be in
employment. Universities need to ensure the right support is in place before a disabled person
starts university, to ensure that students can get the most out of their university experience.
It is advisable for disabled students to allow plenty of time to investigate potential universities,
and to contact the disability service or student support service to find out as much information
about the facilities as possible. It might also help to visit the campus to see what it is like and
gauge attitudes and access.
Disabled students would need to see if they would be eligible for Disabled Students Allowance
(DSA), which can provide financial assistance towards support and equipment.
I have been in higher education now for three years. I spent the first two years
studying a HND (Higher National Diploma) in Broadcast Journalism. Despite very
obvious physical barriers to using equipment, the teaching staff treated me no
differently and expected the same standard of work while allowing me the physical
assistance. I cannot commend the teaching staff highly enough. After some problems
with my PA in the first year, I had a member of my class and a friend take up the role
in the second year. I have never been more integrated into a class, and I had a great
year. I would recommend this to anyone as a very worthwhile risk!
“I am now halfway through my second year in a degree in Public Relations at the
University of Ulster. I am unable to complete an optional placement year due to
barriers in DSA; there are too many restrictions with transport and I couldn’t get any
non-medical help with admin duties. I wasn’t given any information about Access to
Work in this situation.
Michaela Hollywood
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UCAS figures www.ucas.ac.uk