Are you a disabled student or an ally looking to help improve accessibility at Christ Church? We’ve got a student guide to help you access accessibility here at Canterbury Christ Church University and advice on how you can get more involved during your time at university, without feeling like you’re missing out! Sounds useful, right?

I am a disabled student – three words I never thought I’d say at the age of 21. Navigating my disability as a new student last year, starting university, and not knowing anyone was challenging. I had so many doubts about my own abilities and how my health would impact my time at university.

A year on, I can truthfully say that, although I faced challenges throughout my first year, starting university at Christ Church has been one of my greatest achievements and experiences. It is important to remember that ‘disabled’ is not a bad word – being disabled is a part of who I am, but I am not my disability.

Some Facts about Disabled Students

Before we get into the student guide, here are some facts about disabled students:

Research carried out by The House of Commons Library found that during the 2019-2020 application process to higher education, 17.9% of applicants in the UK stated they had a form of disability. The most prevalent of these conditions included specific learning difficulties such as Dyslexia and ADHD, mental health conditions, and cognitive, medical or physical health conditions. Disabled individuals are underrepresented in higher education and accessibility to ensure equal opportunities is often inadequate.

Accessibility at CCCU

I can write from my own personal experiences about how my time at Christ Church has been supported to accommodate for my disabilities and ensure that I am not at a disadvantage to my peers. I would strongly encourage anyone with a disability or health condition to engage with the resources available to them. Whether they are new students starting this autumn or returning students, Christ Church is a community here to support everyone.

Student Resources:

• Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) – Funded by Student Finance, DSA is additional financial support for disabled students that is used to pay for accessibility equipment or support to ensure your time at university is a positive experience. This can include technological equipment, one to one mentoring, transportation etc.
• Student Disability Advisers – As a disabled student, you are entitled to a Learning Support Plan (LSP) to support your studies. The Student Disability Team can meet with you to discuss your conditions and accommodations that may benefit your needs. This may be additional time during exams, deadline extensions, a one-to-one session with your lecturers etc.
• Personal Academic Tutors (PAT) – Each student at the start of their first year is assigned their own PAT and this is likely to be one of your lecturers within your course. Your PAT is such a valuable addition to your studies, and they are there to support you both academically and check in on how you are coping with university life. As your PAT is with you throughout your studies, they will get to know you and you them. Do not be afraid to share with them if you need help, they are there to support you and they are always more than happy to offer help when needed.
• Student Wellbeing Services – Christ Church has many services and provisions aimed at supporting your emotional and physical wellbeing whilst you are a student here. With services like counselling, confidential chats with the Chaplaincy, ‘drop-in’ events on campus, and Stress Less events.
• Disabled Students’ Society – This is the perfect space to meet new people and feel connected. This society is for disabled students and ally’s wishing to make Christ Church and the wider community a safer and more inclusive space for disabled people. With socials and community events year-round, this is the perfect opportunity to get involved with life at Christ Church.

As I enter my second year, the one piece of advice I would give to all students is access what is available to you. There are many provisions in place to support us, so use them. If you feel there is something missing, or something that could better support you better, raise it with one of the above teams, they are always there to listen and would love to hear your ideas.

Feel free to comment on this blog post of any ideas you may have, we would love to hear your thoughts! If you would like more information, here are some useful links:

• Support for disabled students – Canterbury Christ Church University
• Disability and mental health support – Canterbury Christ Church University
• Disability and mental health – Canterbury Christ Church University

Lastly, a warm welcome to all new students joining us this year, and welcome back to returning CCCU students!

Thanks for reading!

By Madeline Polston, SGO Projects Officer