For students in Scotland who choose to go onto further or higher education, such as college, university, or an apprenticeship, transitioning to this stage is a powerful step towards achieving their long-term career goals and building a fulfilling future.
While this journey may come with unique challenges for students with a disability, a growing network of support is available, including tailored funding from the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) and inclusive college or university resources designed to help disabled students thrive during their studies.
Aaron, a multi-disabled HNC Social Services student at West Lothian College, shares his route to further education.
"I have Cerebral Palsy, Autism, Oral Motor Ataxia, cerebral visual impairment, and a host of other small, little, niggly disabilities that make up the legend that is me. I am a glass half full kind of guy, and like to say that everything kind of works, just not very well. I actually started college on an Assisted Programme, which, in a nutshell, teaches people with disabilities vital life skills and is a key stepping stone in considering what we want to do with our future.
"I guest lectured for Napier University’s learning disability nursing course on my lived experience with nurses, and social care in general. This motivated me to learn more about Health and Social Care, as I wanted to understand more about the policies and practices that affect my everyday life."
West Lothian College’s Student Support Team work with students across the college in all centres, providing help with all learning needs.
Health and Social Care Lecturer at the college, Kate Fleming, said: “Aaron has grown so much during his time at college. He is a driven student who overcomes any barriers he faces with his learning. It has been a pleasure to teach Aaron. He approaches every task with a positive attitude and a real desire to learn and improve. We’re proud of everything he’s achieved, and we’re excited to see where his journey takes him as he progresses at the college.”
Sharing how his disabilities have impacted his college experience, Aaron said: "My disabilities make daily college life a bit of a challenge when it comes to class lectures, work placements and accessing areas on campus, but I have had support since day one, and the level of attention and consideration that the college has put in to help me achieve my goals of studying has been amazing.
"I get help several times a week from Student Support who assist me with everything from scribe support, open and closed book assessments, guidance and time management planning. I honestly have had the best experience and feel valued as a student."
Aaron receives the SAAS Disabled Students’ Allowance, a specialised support package that eligible students receive throughout their college and university studies at HNC, HND and degree level. The allowance supports students who have extra costs because of their disability.
He reflects on how this bespoke funding supports his ambitions.
"It’s quite simply the case that without the extra support, I could not achieve my goals. The extra funding from SAAS means I can pay for a scribe to help with my coursework assessments, have the technology needed to help me with note taking in lectures, and additional student support to be there for me when it comes to my assessments and exams."
If you or your young person is considering their options when they finish school, Aaron shares an encouraging sentiment: "Go for it! The sky is the limit, and the only thing holding you back is you."
Find out more about the financial support available to you at www.saas.gov.uk, and to hear more about how the team at West Lothian College can help, email supportlearning@west-lothian.ac.uk.