Hello again!

Starting university is challenging for everyone, and can be especially worrying when you have a disability. In this post I am going to outline some of the support services available and detail some of my own experiences at university.

To start with, talking about disability can be difficult. And it’s completely ok to choose not to talk about your individual challenges. That being said, I have found the University of Warwick to be quite an inclusive place and I’ve benefitted immensely from communicating my specific needs with the GSD Department and others.

Whether you believe in the social or medical definitions of disability, additional support can make a real difference regarding your studies and life experiences whilst at university. At Warwick, there are disability support services to assist with academic adjustments and assistance as well as emotional support and wellbeing. Depending on your needs, it is possible to access additional support through Student Finance’s Disabled Student’s Allowance.

Assistance can be in the form of additional equipment like a printer if reading from a screen is difficult, adjustments to exam conditions and supportive technology - I have software that converts audio into text to help with my writing speed. As a student with dyslexia, I have been able to access extra time in exams, assistive computer software and study skills support sessions, all of which has improved my learning experience. The study skills support has been particularly helpful for me regarding both the quality of my written work and my confidence - it’s ok to need and ask for extra support!

I have also found that the assessment styles in GSD have been more inclusive for me than those at school: most classes have multiple assessment methods including presentations, essays and group projects. This variety means that if there is one form of assessment that greatly disadvantages you, there are other opportunities to achieve high grades.

The prospect of managing a disability in a new environment is a bit scary, but there is support available and if you have any questions please send us a message or ask in the Facebook group.

Katharine McEnery

Final-year Life Sciences and GSD student

Friday 24 January 2020