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Profile: Robyn Steward

Hi, my name is Robyn Steward. I’m 21 and I’m about to start a BSc Hons in Creative Online Design, at Anglia Ruskin University. I have 3 specific learning disabilities, a physical disability, visual impairment and a form of autism (Asperger syndrome). I went to mainstream school which wasn’t easy and then onto mainstream college. I didn’t get any GCSE’s at school. I often have conversations with people who seem to think that getting GCSE’s and A levels and going straight to university from school is the only way and that any other way is second best. Actually, I disagree because I think I have benefited from doing lots of different courses and each has taught me different skills.

I went to 4 colleges over 5 years, the last being in Manchester, 200 miles away from where I come from in Suffolk. I organised the move myself but that’s another story. I did 5 different courses and completed them all, one being an evening class in IT. I don’t think that getting GCSE’s is the only way to be successful or get what you want. I found that I struggled in all of my classes except IT at school, so when I went to college I did courses in areas connected with computing but I didn’t get all A*.

I studied computing, technical computing, retail, multimedia and another technical computing course, and I think this will help my employability.
While I was studying, my friends asked me why I didn’t just do an access course because that way I would get to University faster. My response was I would rather go slow and learn about lots of different things, since disabled people often find it hard to get a job. I thought, what’s the rush? The more skills the better!

 I also started training teachers and other people that work with kids about Asperger syndrome because I felt this was a really positive thing that I could do with my disability. I did go through a time of trying to ignore my disabilities but at the end of the day they are part of who I am and therefore I have to accept them, just like the fact that I don’t like cauliflower cheese.

When I started looking at going to university, something I’m sure most thought I wouldn’t do, I was dismayed by the lack of information that UCAS and indeed some of the universalisms provided for prospective disabled students. So I contacted UCAS and asked what they were going to do about it. They sent one of their staff out to meet me and she suggested I keep a diary of what applying is like for someone who is disabled. I went one better and kept a video diary. I then edited it into episodes and handed it in as a project for college. I got 3 Merits. I also made a short film about Asperger for the same project.

I’m looking forward to starting my degree but I’m not sure how my peers will take me. Recognising people by their shoes isn’t exactly normal, is it?

When you read this I don’t want you to think I’m any better then anyone else, because this profile focuses on the good aspects of my life rather then the bad, of which there are many. I think that a disability shouldn’t limit a person. I feel that what has got me from being a child who was thought would never achieve anything to who I am today is determination and support from those around me. I’m not, as I said, an A* student. I don’t think grades are always important. I think there is a lot to be said for the skills someone has, since grades are only reflective of one part of someone’s life. One year on they may be much better.

I hope this profile enthuses others to go forward and live their dreams.

 

[Posted October 2007]