Get Ready for Success: Supporting Students with Learning Differences and Disabilities
Aimhigher London’s Disability Working Group delivered the 7th annual “Get Ready for Success” conference, designed to support students with learning differences and disabilities who are planning to attend university. Held at Roehampton University on the 1st May, the event helps these students understand the resources available to them, as well as to informing their teachers and parents.
Our partner universities started the day with Sue Carter, Head of Disability and Dyslexia Services at Roehampton, giving an overview of the support services available to disabled students. Followed by Helen Duncan, Disability Service Manager at St Mary’s University, whose session was on the benefits of disclosing disabilities to the institutions they apply to.
Claire Spiers from Capita then discussed the Disabled Student Allowance and the associated assessment process, to demystify the application process for learners and finally there was a session on assistive technology and strategies for maintaining well-being while studying.
A highlight of the event, as always are the student ambassadors from four universities, all of whom have a disability or learning difference, sharing their experiences and journeys into and through university. There were also opportunities for the learners attending to have one to one conversations, in a safe space, to share any concerns they have. One student remarked on how comfortable she felt discussing her specific issues in this supportive environment.
Feedback from the conference was overwhelmingly positive. 80% of students reported that they were now aiming higher in their educational goals as a result of attending the conference.
Parents also expressed their gratitude, with one commenting:
“We are now armed with the information and feel confident to help our daughter with her next big step in education and ask for the support she needs.”
The conference provided invaluable resources and support for students with learning differences and disabilities, empowering them and their families to navigate the transition to higher education with confidence.
