Wheelchair accessible vehicles help students chase the dream!
Owners of wheelchair accessible vehicles have the joy of mobility and the freedom to enjoy the open road. But it can also help achieve the dream of a university education! If you've got what it takes academically, then the sky is the limit. You can study anywhere you want to, even if the university happens to be at the other end of the country.
Society is much more geared towards the disabled community than ever before. In fact, people with a disability are positively encouraged by our colleges and universities to embrace the student life. Disability is no bar nowadays, either to academic achievement or to student participation in the multitude of extracurricular activities available - down at the local pub!
Fair enough, you'll no doubt have to 'rough' it a bit like every other student struggling with day-to-day finances, accommodation and other study expenses. You do like the odd tin or two of baked beans? Yes, of course you do. A student's best friend.
Although you've a lot to think about, and probably a little more than most students, don't let any doubts and fears put you off. Obviously, the first question you've got to ask yourself is where do I want to study? Somewhere close to home or a bit further afield? Wheelchair accessible vehicles mean disabled students have real choices open to them.
Bear in mind, too, that universities and colleges are obliged to make provision for disabled students. And to that end, each should have a Disability Statement outlining exactly what the institution provides in the way of assistance. They should also have a disability adviser or disability coordinator, so he or she should be one of your first points of contact. They'll be best placed to give you the sort of detailed advice you'll probably need to make any final decision.
Next, you might want to look at the support available to assist you in your studies. There are lots of areas where a university or college can help make life easier. Are buildings and facilities disability friendly? Can you move from one to the other unaided? If not, what help is available to assist you in moving around? What about flexible teaching methods, or additional support during exams, or giving you extra time for courses? All of these considerations are extremely important if the disabled student is to make the most of the university or college experience.
Then there's the whole question of extra allowances and other financial support that might be available to you because of your disability. This might include specialist help or even non-medical helpers. You might be entitled to extra travel costs or expenses related to the particular course you're on.
The support you need for day-to-day living at home via the local council and social services might not be available to you when you go to university or college. But don't worry. You can opt for direct payments instead, so you can arrange to buy any assessed needs you might have. Check with your local social services department for more information.
Wheelchair accessible vehicles open up a whole new world of academia to the disabled. Distance is now no longer a barrier to success. Drive and determination is all you need to chase the dream!
