Marilyn Morten
Course
Certificate in Modern Social History, at Leicester University
Qualifications and experience:
My qualifications include:
NNEB
Business Administration Level 3 NVQ
IT: CLAIT, IBT2, OCR level 3 in Audio Typing, Word Processing and Desktop Publishing
My most recent job was as a nursery nurse. I worked for eight years in a mainstream school and eight years in a special needs school for children with severe learning difficulties.
How is the course going?
I am partially sighted and have coped with my course by talking through my problems with the course director and tutors and working out with them ways to cope.
My difficulties have been with course reading, research and writing essays. Reading is a major problem. My tutors have helped by helping me to draw up a shorter reading list with essential books only. I need to use extra study time in which to meet the course requirements.
At home and at the main university library, I have the use of a screen magnifier that enlarges all texts making them easier to read. I also have a personal reader for two hours a week and access to free photocopying at the university libraries.
I have to attend a weekly seminar in which my tutors give me OHP material in large print. My approach to note taking is to note down key words only and write up the whole seminar in full as soon as possible on my computer.
Who and what have helped me to succeed?
My course tutors and the AccessAbility Tutor have played a major role in helping me to achieve. The understanding and support I have had from them has enabled me to gain confidence in my abilities and given me the determination to succeed on my course. I have never once felt self-conscious about my visual impairment and feel totally at ease with my fellow students.
The head of the AccessAbility centre at the university supported my application for Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA). This gave me funding for enabling equipment, an allowance for necessary training and payments for personal help, travel and other general allowances.
The RNIB Vocational College at Loughborough assessed my needs and made recommendations for DSA funding. I found this very valuable as they were able to demonstrate the latest equipment suitable for my needs. This included up-to-date computer equipment, large LCD monitor, personal tape-recorder and Supernova, which is a speech and magnification software package. This equipment has proved invaluable in developing my study skills.
Any advice for other students?
I would strongly advise any student with a disability thinking of progressing onto a FE or HE course or other related options to go ahead. Don’t let your disability put you off; obstacles can be overcome with the right sort of help and support. Don’t be afraid to talk to someone at the college or university about your problems.
Doing a course will help you to gain confidence and self-esteem and the motivation to further your studies to whatever level you choose. My personal aim is to gain a degree and hopefully in the near future this will be fulfilled.
