My experiences
The star below is based on my experiences at university and the areas where I feel disabled students require further assistance.
Each point of the star contains a word that links to a pop-up with further assistance.
Communication
Explanation: effective communication with your support worker and Wellbeing Services is crucial. Make sure that your support worker understands your specific needs (e.g., needing more time for tasks, clarification on instructions, or particular tools to aid your learning). Keeping Wellbeing Services updated on your progress allows them to adjust support as needed and ensures that your requirements are met throughout your studies.
Example: if you're studying a complex subject, you might need your support worker to assist with note-taking or provide verbal explanations for difficult concepts. Let’s say you’re in a lecture and need additional time to process information. You should inform Wellbeing Services in advance, so they can ensure you're assigned an appropriate support worker who can communicate effectively with you and understand your needs. Additionally, updating them regularly helps them fine-tune the support plan as you progress.
Visual
Explanation: choosing the right seat in the classroom can make a significant difference for students with visual impairments or those who benefit from a better view of the board or screen. Ensuring you have clear sightlines to the lecturer and any visual aids (e.g., PowerPoint presentations or diagrams) is essential for your engagement.
Example: for example, if you use a magnifier or require larger text, sitting at the front of the room near the board may allow you to better see course materials. This ensures you don’t miss out on critical information during the lecture. If visual aids like slides are displayed on a screen, sitting closer or requesting that the screen be positioned in a way that benefits your vision can improve your understanding of the material.
Accessibility
Explanation: accessibility covers a wide range of considerations, such as ensuring that key university facilities (e.g., elevators, toilets, classrooms) are easily accessible. It also involves recognizing any additional needs you may have, such as requiring wheelchair access or specific routes to avoid obstacles.
Example: if a student with a physical disability needs access to an elevator but finds that it is temporarily out of service, they should report this to Wellbeing Services so alternative routes or accommodations can be arranged. For instance, an accessible restroom or classroom might need to be identified ahead of time. Keeping these services informed helps them proactively manage any issues and reduce stress or disruption.
Meeting deadlines
Explanation: if you are facing challenges meeting deadlines due to your disability, such as needing more time to process or complete assignments, it’s essential to discuss these challenges with your lead lecturer and Wellbeing Services early on. They can help arrange for adjustments like extended deadlines or alternative formats for submitting work.
Example: a student with dyslexia may require extra time to complete essays due to difficulty with reading or writing speed. By notifying their lecturer and Wellbeing Services well in advance, the student can arrange an extended deadline or submit the assignment in a format that accommodates their needs (e.g., audio recording instead of written text). Proactive communication allows Wellbeing Services and your lecturer to adjust deadlines or offer other support tailored to your requirements.
Finding places to workspaces
Explanation: it’s essential to have a dedicated space where you can study and work effectively with your support worker. Some students may need a quieter environment to focus or special equipment for their studies, and ensuring these spaces are available is important.
Example: if a student with ADHD requires a quiet space to concentrate, they might struggle in a large, noisy library or common area. They could request to use a smaller, quieter room for study sessions, ensuring that their support worker can assist without distractions. Booking these spaces in advance with Wellbeing Services helps ensure the environment is conducive to their learning and allows for the proper equipment or accommodations to be set up.