UK Keratoconus Self-Help and Support Association

Are there any students out there who aren't registered visually impaired, who recive the disabled students award? I am about to undertake my MSC distance learning and i'm not sure whether it is worth applying for the DSA or if I would qualify. I would benefit from having copies of handouts, fonts enlarged etc but I hate asking for things

Leanne,

Go for it, why be ashamed of asking for something, what have you to loose?

You don't ask you don't get.

If I need something to do my job I ask and if I am unable to justify why then I don't get.

There is a lot more available for students now than ever before.

Personally I feel you would qualify for copies of handouts etc. That way you will not cause harm to your eyes by over wearing lenses.

When I started Uni nearly 20 years ago, no such things were available but I explained my problems and I was given course notes, handouts etc which the the Uni paid for.

Hi Leanne ,

I am just finishing a degree course in midwifery and I applied for disabled student allowance. I had to go for an interview to assess my needs and I was awarded equipment, software and travelling allowance. They provided me with a laptop computer, printer, TFT 19" screen, various software packages, insurance, a digital recorder for lectures, training for using the equipment, travel costs for days when driving wasn't safe . The uni also gave me extra time for all my asignments and exams. Therefore, I would recomend applying as "if you don't ask you don't get!". I honestly did not think they would have given me anything. Good luck .

Sally

Just an extra - I am not register visually impaired. I was also entitled to handouts from all lecturers prior to a lecture so I had time to get all the info I needed in plenty of time. Most uni's seem to have notes on a studynet programme and these can be enlarged using the software provided. There is usually a special area of the library set aside for disabled students with all the necessary software and scanners, magnifiers etc that you could need and specialist staff to help you use it. There is no end of help out there. Depending on the course you are undertaking you may not want to let the faculty know what your disability is, this is your right and the staff who look after disabled students will keep that confidential. This might not be an issue with your course but it was for mine as I work in the health industry and they can be very difficult when they want!
Hope this is helpful .

Sally