HE additional needs case studies

Previous experience

A Levels, AS Levels and AVCE

How is the course going?

I have enjoyed the independence I have been given whilst studying at university. I feel at times like I am a normal person for example when I am sitting in the pub with my friends or whilst I am taking part in lectures and seminars.

What have been the difficulties and how have you dealt with them?

For 5 years I have had an undiagnosed illness, which results in me suffering with unconscious spells. It has got worse through the years. I have been rushed to hospital many times and have had a lot of time off as it takes days to recover and sometimes even a week. This has meant I have missed a lot of time through most of my education but with the support of my family and friends I have been able to pass my GCSEs, A-Levels and my first year of university all with good grades.

I have recently been put on medication that has cut down my unconscious spells. I still suffer from them if I have a common illness such as a cold, kidney infection, or when I over do things. With my illness I have a low immune system, especially in winter which means I have to look after myself properly. Although I have been going through this for 5 years I still have to undergo lots of tests.

Who and what have helped you to succeed?

I have found it interesting whilst studying how supportive some of my lecturers and student support people have been. I have also found it interesting that there are a wide-range of different modules you can choose to study for my course.

I have been assisted by a buddy whom I can contact if I need help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. I have also been given a laptop with up to date software to help me keep up with work and lectures even if I have time off. In exams I also get 25% extra time.

My plans for the future are to be happy. I still haven’t decided on what I would like to do, as there are many options.

Any advice for other students thinking of progressing into FE, HE or other related options?

I would recommend to anyone who was thinking of carrying on their studies to look closely at the course they want to study to make sure it has everything that they want to achieve and to think about the location of the university. I also would recommend not letting their disability, illness or financial constraints get in the way of achieving what they want because there are ways round this.

Last Updated: 18-Sep-2007