Institution: University of Bath

 

I'm a second year undergraduate studying Maths at the University of Bath. I have ankylosing spondylitis, a rheumatic condition that affects all of my joints and also makes me tired. When choosing where to study, I had lots to consider - not just the course and location, but also the physical environment and the support available to me as a disabled student.

 

Bath is a campus university, it is ideal for me because it is extremely compact and has good transport links to the city. They also have a great Learning Support Service, which is really important to me because of my disability. When investigating different universities, Bath gave me the best response to my initial enquiries. They had time to listen and to work to find answers and solutions to my enquiries and difficulties. I receive the Disabled Students' Allowances (DSAs), which is very helpful, as it pays for notetakers in my lectures, an amanuensis for my exams, and computer equipment.

 

 

During my first year I became a member of ACCESS - our students' union's support group for disabled students. At the end of the year, I was elected to the position of the students' union representative for students with disabilities, medical conditions and learning support needs. I represent students with disabilities by relaying their needs and opinions to the union and university, as necessary. I also convene and chair ACCESS.

 

This experience has given me the opportunity to help ensure that our union is a union for every single student, pro-active in combating discrimination and other barriers. I have gained experience at meetings, publicising and organising events, and working with a variety of people. I have also helped organise a disability awareness week, which has given ACCESS the opportunity to inform people and increase awareness.

 

Going to university can be an exciting time, but it can also be very daunting as well. I have found the transition from living at home, while I was at school, to living at university, as an undergraduate student, a liberating experience. I also consider it a victory for me as a disabled person. I am in control of managing my own money, and I am responsible for doing my washing, getting myself to where I am supposed to be on time and choosing what to eat. All students have these issues but I found some of them quite challenging. I am glad I have persevered - it has really been worth it.

 

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I have had problems both in terms of the provision of academic support and the attitudes of individuals, but all things considered I can honestly say that I'm enjoying being a student. I'm more independent and have met some fantastic people.

 

I found the idea of telling people about my disability really tough - you only get one shot at it and there will always be those who can't accept it. However, that is life and if they cannot accept me for who I am then they are not worth it! I found that explaining what my disability meant to me was a useful starting point, rather than just saying 'Hi I'm Sarah-Jane. I have a disability'. I also reassured them it was OK to ask questions, and I think that has helped. Some have even got involved with disability awareness initiatives!

 

I have become more comfortable asking friends for help as a result of going to university. They understand that some things take me more time or that I need to do them differently.

 

At school I tried to hide my disability, but at university I've become more comfortable with the idea that I didn't choose it but it makes me who I am. It's part of me, my self-identity. I am who I am, and I am proud to be me.

 

[Updated 23rd April 2004]