Charlotte Main, MSc Forensic Science student shares the amazing support she received studying with a disability.
Throughout my time at UCLan, I have needed support with both my wellbeing and the academic side too. Having hypermobility (a joint/muscle disability) can mean that some days I am on crutches, unable to concentrate due to pain or end up not being able to get out of bed. I also have dyslexia (and a few other bits too) which can make learning difficult at times.
However, getting support was so easy and was available by just sending an email. As soon as you have organised all the information about your disabilities / learning difficulties or anything else under the support category, you will be given one person that will deal with everything for you, which makes life very easy.
By having the support put into place for me, I didn’t have to tell each lecturer individually about my disability or worry about how it could affect my attendance. Not once did a lecturer question how in the morning I was without any walking aids and in the afternoon, I was on crutches. Instead, they would make sure I was ok to be there, following all the guidance my support team had put into place to ensure my learning wouldn’t be impacted in any way.
"I had struggled with a hidden disability throughout my educational life, but that all changed when I came to UCLan and I was able to access the amazing support available here."
— Charlotte Main, MSc Forensic Science student
Away from the regular day-to-day lectures, tutorials, practicals and seminars, support was put in place for my exams too. Before I started university, exams would be a worry for me, especially what would happen if I started to have issues with my disability. Whereas at UCLan, I had a full action plan, so I only had to worry about the content of my exam.
All of the above has also applied for me as I’ve gone on to my postgraduate degree and was one of the reasons I chose to continue my studies here. Knowing that I had easily accessible support, be it for in person classes or online, really put me at ease. It has given me the freedom to concentrate on learning and not worry about how my disability effects that.
Overall, I am so grateful for the support available here. It has made my studies much easier, less stressful and my overall student experience has been so much more enjoyable. It has been a huge weight lifted from me to not have to worry about the challenges life has thrown my way. Never be afraid to ask for help during your studies here, there’s lots available to help you reach your potential!
