Making the transition to university – for students with visual impairmentsIn this article, Noel discusses the additional support, funding and assistive technology available to students with visual impairments as they take the step from further to higher education.Making the transition from sixth form or FE college to university, is a time of significant change for young people. Not just a first step towards a promising career, it’s an opportunity for new experiences, new friends and for many the chance to live independently for the first time.For students with disabilities, such as visual impairments, the opportunities are no less. There are however usually a few additional challenges to overcome in order to study and live independently – away from familiar surroundings and the security of school and family life.Here we’ll explore the obligations each university has to support students with disabilities, and how students who are blind or partially sighted can use these services. We’ll also share how students with visual impairments can access the funding they may be entitled to, to help them complete their studies. We will also explain some of the assistive technology that’s available to ensure students who are blind or partially sighted can read and study in line with their peers.DISABILITY SUPPORT AT UNIVERSITYThe accessibility provision within a university or HE college is usually arranged by a team of disability advisers, usually called the Disability Support Office, though some universities have different names for this team. You can find the contact details for the Disability Support team on your chosen university’s website.While you might not identify with the term ‘disabled’ you may still benefit from the services offered by the Disability Support team at your chosen university. It’s advisable to get in touch with this department as soon as you can. You can talk to them and ask questions before you’ve even applied for a university place. It will help you gain a good impression of how your individual needs might be catered for, and what their previous experience is of supporting students with sight loss.They may be able to offer you lots of advice on things you hadn’t considered about living and studying away from home.All UK universities and higher education institutions have an obligation to ensure that all students with visual impairments – and other disabilities – are supported appropriately. This support might include an individual learning plan – ensuring reading material and other documentation is available in accessible formats; it could include support for applications for equipment, or support with exams and coursework assessments. Support may also include arranging accessible university accommodation, orientation around the campus and travel arrangements.FINANCIAL SUPPORTThe cost of studying at university in the UK is now up to £9,250 per year in tuition fees (for courses starting in 2023 to 2024). While these tuition fees pay for your lectures, the facilities and equipment for your course, they don’t cover personal technology, travel costs, living costs or course materials.Therefore, student loans are taken by most students. These include:- Tuition Fee Loan – to cover the full cost of your course. You won’t pay this back until after your course when you’re earning over a certain threshold.- Maintenance Loan – to cover the cost of living at university. The amount you’re eligible for can vary, depending on factors including your parents’ income, where your university is, how long your course is and where you live.Students with disabilities, including visual impairments, can also apply for government grants and the Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) . This is a grant of up to £26,291 a year (2023-2024 academic year) this does not have to be paid back. It can help you cover additional costs relating to improved accessibility to your studies, to help ensure you have equal access to learning. The DSA can cove...
