Schools and colleges have to adhere to the guidelines laid down by the government in regards to disability discrimination (see links below). This means they should make reasonable adjustments to ensure that disabled children/students have access to, and can participate in, education in the same way as children without disabilities. However, because functional neurological symptoms are so little understood and because cutbacks mean that schools are running on a very tight budget, you may have to be prepared to fight to ensure you or your child has the right support in place at school or college.
Prepare a detailed plan giving information about the condition, what to do in case of seizure, any medications and who to contact. The more knowledgeable and prepared you are the better. If you don’t feel ready to go back to college or school just yet, there are a wealth of free online courses that you can do which will help you build up your skills and qualifications from the comfort of home.
Disabled Rights UK offers a student support helpline, and are open Tuesdays and Thursdays, between the hours of 11am-1pm. This service is available to those in England only, however they can support other places with general information.
Useful links:
- Adjustments for disabled students – Disability rights UK
- Citizens Advice – Disability Discrimination in Schools
- Coursera.org
- Education Scotland – Support for all
- Education Rights
- Epilepsy.org.uk – Epilepsy in Schools in England
- edx.org
- Future Learn
- Telling people you’re disabled: clear and easy guide for students
COMMENTS