Back To School with AccessAble
The tips and tricks guide to accessibility this new school year
It’s a new school year! Meaning that the shiny new stationery has been procured, the uniforms (sometimes) straightened and ironed, the new school bag packed, all ready to go. Once September comes around, it means a return to education for some of us.
To be in education can be a daunting time - it can be a maze that you are somehow just expected to cope with, to get through, when the expectations that are set up can be inaccessible, or at least extremely hard to navigate. While we at AccessAble may not have the solution to every accessibility issue, we have 5 key tips and tricks to help you out.
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Know your rights
Thanks to organisations such as DAN, the organisation at the heart of the BBC drama Then Barbara Met Alan, the rights of disabled individuals are codified into law. The Equality Act (2010) means that any disabled individual is entitled to ‘reasonable adjustments’ by law - such as accessible parking, adaptations in lessons, extra exam time if you qualify, and so much more. It’s worth also checking if an IEP or a statement is needed meanwhile - but there is a duty of awareness attached to this.
Apply for Disabled Student Allowance
Yes, we all know that assessments for anything disability related are, generally speaking, not a lot of fun and not at all pleasent. The Disabled Students Allowance is so typically under utilised, enough so some educational institutions have campaigned in recent years to take up more students on this. It’s a small fund which, if granted, can mean that you can buy extras to assist in the course of studying - such as if you need computers to be adapted, wrist supports, etc. And it allows you the autonomy to do this, too!
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Check out the accessibility around places
We know that accessibility means something different to every individual. We believe in freely available, detailed, and accurate accessibility information which gives you back agency and autonomy. Going away to college or university for the first time can be daunting for everyone. There are many institutions to choose from and all of them offer different experiences, different subjects and different courses. But if you also have access requirements and are leaving home, there can be additional factors to consider – so it’s worth doing a little extra research.
Our Detailed Access Guides cover everything you’ll need to know about a college or university, from lecture halls and libraries to accommodation, bars, parking facilities and accessible toilets.
Have a think about organisation
Organisation! It’s a necessary evil. But one that can make your life so much easier. The way individuals organise themselves will of course vary - because, after all, each brain is very different, and we do not all conform to arbitrary standards. It can do a lot in setting up accessabillity, such as in terms of keeping all information together, or organising multiple pieces of information. The bullet journal was created by a man who has a learning disability; there are also other methods, too. Why not get on board?
Have a think about individual aids to carry
It’s a simple trick, but sometimes carrying disability aids can be a helpful thing. Sensory issues? Why not carry the loop ear plugs to negate stressful and noisy situations? There are plenty of medication organisers that are pocket sized, stylish and discreet; there’s also the humble RADAR key. Investigate, and experiment to find what can open the world up to you.
What would you add to our accessibility list for others in education?