23 July 2009 Trailblazers investigate universities
Trailblazers from across the UK will be putting universities to the test over the coming weeks and finding out if the futures of disabled people are being restricted due to inaccessibility and lack of support for disabled students.
The second investigation in the Inclusion Now! series will combine our own experiences with new evidence, gathered as part of a survey of universities, in a bid to help future disabled students. A table will be published along with a "How To" guide with tips on the best ways to negotiate the system.
The decision to uncover the standard of facilities and support for disabled students at universities was taken following a number of negative incidents experienced by the Trailblazers at university. These have included poor disability planning, isolated accessible accommodation, a lack of support from tutors and inflexible timetables.
Trailblazer Ambassador, 18-year-old Zoë Hallam, who studies at the University of Oxford and has limb-girdle muscular dystrophy, said:
"Taking into account accessibility and care packages, it took me over a year to organise my move to university. In a process that is already complicated for any student, the additional restrictions placed on disabled people can make it a real challenge to go to university.
"I hope the outcome of our investigation will help disabled students in making their future choices."
Commenting on the undercover study, Chief Executive of the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign, Philip Butcher, said:
"Academic qualifications have become increasingly important in securing a job for all people. If universities are not providing adjustments for disabled students they will be left behind and will not only miss out on higher education, but also be disadvantaged in finding future employment.
"I am shocked that, on average, disabled people are only half as likely to go to university compared to non-disabled people. Many people with muscle disease feel that our university system is still hard to negotiate, and we are now putting this to the test.
"This investigation and survey will help to make disabled students' lives easier as well as giving young people the opportunity to see their ideas make a difference."
Listen to Trailblazer Kim Randle talking about services for disabled students on Radio Gloucestershire (available for seven days). The interview is right at the start of the recording, so make sure the volume is turned up!
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