Disability need not be a barrier to learning.
Learning centres, colleges and universities have access facilities
for people with disabilities and special support to help you with your
studies, such as flexible teaching and assessment, note-takers, and
audio or Braille versions of course material.
Help varies from place to place, so contact the individual institution to find out what it offers you. All are legally obliged to publish the support they offer students with disabilities.
If you feel that attending a learning centre or college is not for you, why not study from home and gain your qualifications online? Some distance learning providers, such as the Open University have special advisers for students with disabilities.
For some disabled learners, financial assistance may be available. Disabled Students’ Allowances (see Useful Links) are available to cover the extra costs of attending a higher education course because of a disability.
Useful Links
Note: These links will open in a new browser window.
Learn Direct Advice
Advice centre offering help for people with disabilities, including financial help, studying at home and admission procedures for students with disabilities.
Job Centre Plus
Includes an online guide for disabled people including details of available financial support.
Department for Education and Skills: Student Support
Offers financial help to students with disabilities including equipment allowance, non-medical helper’s allowance, help with travel costs and general study allowance.
Student Finance Direct
Provides advice to potential students on financial help with an online entitlement calculator.
Direct.gov: Disabled People
Government advice on financial support available to disabled people and information on work schemes and programmes.
Department for Work and Pensions: Disabled People and Carers
Provides information for disabled people and carers of all ages on services and benefits available.
Support 4 Learning
A website which serves as a signpost to relevant organisations and resources in a number of key areas including services for people with a disability.
Skill: The National Bureau for Students with Disabilities
A national charity promoting opportunities for young people and adults with any kind of disability in post-16 education, training and employment across the UK.
Open University: Services for Disabled Students
Provides advice and services for Open University students with a disability, including the support services available, advice on funding and course materials in alternative formats.
NIACE (The National Institute of Adult Continuing Education)
A non-governmental organisation, which has the aim of promoting the study and general advancement of adult continuing education. Includes guidelines of good practice in education and disability.
Shaw Trust
A national charity that provides training and work opportunities for people who are disadvantaged in the labour market due to disability, ill health or other social circumstances.
|
