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Student Experiences Archive
Read case studies and stories from previous years
Higher Education
Careers
Volunteering
Work Experience
Higher Education
Adele McMahon studies BA Social Work at the University of Wales Institute Cardiff. She explains how being diagnosed with breast cancer did not stop her academic career and how an enquiry about a parking space led to getting the support she needed. Featured in Into Higher Education 2008 - Skill publication
Emma Wright is reading for a PhD in Sociology at the University of Nottingham. She talks about developing multiple impairments while at university and the many challenges and successes of seven years in higher education. Featured in Into Higher Education 2008 - Skill publication
Henry Billington is at the University of Lincoln, studying Illustration, and has a speech and language impairment. He explains how he chose the best course for him and how university life can be hard work and great fun at the same time. Featured in Into Higher Education 2008 - Skill publication
Jenny Jones is training to be an occupational therapist at York St John University College. She talks about how not to let difficulties get in the way of fulfilling your dreams, and how she trained her own tutors in deaf awareness. Featured in Into Higher Education 2008 - Skill publication
Jenny also shares her experiences of having a hearing impairment and has some top communication tips.
Katy Tynan studies MA Autism at Sheffield Hallam University. She describes the challenges of socialising with fellow students when you always have a personal assistant at your side, and has some inspirational advice for people thinking about going to university. Featured in Into Higher Education 2008 - Skill publication
Michelle Hynes is studying LLB Law at the University of Glasgow. She tells her story of living with post-traumatic stress disorder and finding a meaning to life again through study. She is keen to encourage others to return to education. Featured in Into Higher Education 2008 - Skill publication
Hugh Anderson a Computing student at Sheffield Hallam University, talks of how his love of wheelchair basketball influenced his choice of university and the many possibilities that university life has opened up for him.
Anela Naz, a blind student of English at the University of West of England, talks of her progress through school and college to university and the invaluable lessons she learned along the way.
Len Van Arendsen, a Criminology and History student at Sheffield Hallam University, describes the support he has received and how it has helped overcome initial concerns and give him the confidence to mentor new students.
Siân Pooley, a History student with reflex sympathetic dystrophy at St John’s College, University of Cambridge relates why she felt daunted at the prospect of university but how, with the support she received, it proved to be incredibly rewarding.
James Owens, a student of Multimedia Technology at Glasgow Caledonian University, describes how a deterioration in his vision led him to reconsider his options, apply to university and discover a fascinating new career.
Robyn Tainty, a University of Brighton Sociology and Criminology student with cystic fibrosis explains how planning ahead helps you get the most out of your time at university and how she felt encouraged to go on to do her Masters.
Sarah-Jane Read, a maths student at the University of Bath, talking about her experiences of studying with ankylosing spondylitis.
Catherine Hudson, a history student at Liverpool University who has ME, talks about: the different treatment she receives when she's using a wheelchair or not; the involvement she has had with improving disability support at the university; and her confidence about the future.
Dawn Dyson is a mature student and single parent with MS, who overcame doubts about her abilities to go back into study by taking an English degree at Sheffield Hallam. Featured in Into Higher Education 2003 - Skill publication.
Andy Manzie, a visually impaired student, has been impressed with the support structure at his university. Featured in Into Higher Education 2003 - Skill publication.
Careers
Nursing
Iain Pearson, describes his experiences from primary school through to University where he eventually is given the support that he needs to fulfull his ambition.
Journalism
Jackie Cairns, a blind student, talks about doing a HND in practical journalism and the support she has received.
Medicine
Jane Atkinson, has now been a doctor for two years. Jane was born with congenital abnormalities of her hands and more significantly in her legs, resulting in bilateral below knee amputations. Read her account of going through higher education and her experiences while studying to become a doctor.
Ruth Douglas, is determined to fulfil her ambition to become a doctor. Here she talks about how she has tackled the admissions process for medical courses at universities.
Law
Linda Okeke, now a qualified solicitor in the City, was determined not to be put off by other peoples' doubts about her ability as a black, female wheelchair user, to pursue a top career in law. Featured in Into Law, Skill's guide for disabled people considering a legal career.
Architecture
Sean Walsh, after completing an HNC in building studies, found it difficult to find employment, but is now running his own practice as well as advising a Government advisory committee and his local Council on access issues. Featured in Into Architecture, Skill's guide for disabled people considering a career in the architecture, surveying and building professions.
Teaching
Kelly Hjersing, who has dyslexia, describes her year doing a PGCE to train to become a teacher.
Finance and Banking
Kieran Prior is an equities trader with a major investment bank. Here he talks about his ambition to work in this field and how having secondary dystonia, an impairment which affects his movement, has not limited his life choices.
Volunteering
Charan Katiyal, who has learning difficulties, describes his experiences as a volunteer. Featured in Into Volunteering, Skill's guide for disabled people considering volunteering.
Work Experience
Sharon Smith left her job in the mid-1990s when her vision deteriorated. Here she talks about how returning to college and work experience is helping her to work towards permanent employment again. (Taken from Skill's Into Work Experience guide for disabled people)
Bertram Li Mow Ching describes the success of his work placement at the Home Office as part of his degree in Business Studies and how he contributed to raising awareness of disability issues whilst he was on his placement. (Taken from Skill's Into Work Experience guide for disabled people)
[November 2008]
