The University of Aberdeen is making a conscious effort to raise the aspirations of disabled school pupils and ensure that they are better informed of the opportunities available to them if they wish to come and study at the Institution.
An information leaflet, Disabled students at the University of Aberdeen, has been produced which is currently being distributed to all secondary schools in the region. The document contains frequently asked questions and case studies from two current students and was produced following discussions and feedback from current disabled students.
One of the case studies in the leaflet is from Caroline, a 2nd year MA Psychology student, with Asperger’s Syndrome. She said: “Before coming to university it can be easy to see having a disability as an added pressure. Before I arrived, the initial fears were basically whether I would be thrown in the corner with everyone else who is disabled, so we just became freak’s corner. When I moved into halls I actually realised that I couldn’t be more wrong.
“At the University of Aberdeen there is somewhere for everyone, and I’m delighted I took what I saw at the time as the risks of coming to university and moving into halls. The University is one of the most accepting places I have ever been and I feel very fortunate to be here.”
The message from the University is that disabled students should not be discouraged from coming to study at Aberdeen. Jonathan, who is in his 4th year studying for a MA European Studies, and who has a hearing impairment, said: “I’ve never once felt more ‘different’ than anyone else. I think that’s perhaps the greatest thing about it – you meet such a huge variety of people that no-one is really bothered that you wear hearing aids, or have a bit of difficulty following conversations.
“At times having additional needs can require a little bit of patience and flexibility on your own part, but I’ve never found it any different to being at school. The Disability Advisers bend over backwards to make sure that any problems are ironed out, and that you can enjoy university to the max – just like any other student.”
The University of Aberdeen welcomes disabled students and is committed to improving access to its courses, facilities, buildings and social life. Applications from disabled students are considered on the same academic basis as all others and it is also the Institution’s policy to take specific requirements into account when making arrangements for the assessment of a student’s performance.
Many anticipatory adjustments have been made to improve the accessibility of individual courses. This work is on-going and a range of individual adjustments can also be made.
At the University there are about 900 students who have disclosed a disability or long-term medical condition. About a third have dyslexia or another specific learning difficulty, a third have a sensory or mobility impairment and a third have an unseen disability or medical condition.
Dr Lucy Foley, Student Support Officer & Senior Disability Adviser at the University, explains: “The new information leaflet arose from comments made by existing students. We hope it will encourage more disabled pupils to consider coming to the University of Aberdeen to pursue a degree - it really is an inclusive and accessible environment.
“We have many advantages here - a campus-based educational experience, a lively student body anda flexible academic structure.
“At the University, we are committed to eliminating barriers and to changing the perception that higher education is outside the reach of disabled students. We are confident that students will enjoy their time at the University of Aberdeen.”
The Disability Advisers have met with relevant personnel in the Councils of Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire and Moray. This has led to a meeting with the staff of the Visual Impairment Service for Aberdeenshire. The team of Advisers have also given presentations to the local branch of Careers Scotland and the Young Persons’ Conference at Grampian Society for the Blind. Further meetings have been planned throughout the region in the autumn.
For further information and to obtain a copy of the leaflet, Disabled students at the University of Aberdeen, visit: www.abdn.ac.uk/disability/pre-application-leaflet.doc