24 October 2005

My name is Danny Rafferty, I am 20 years old and live in Newry. I am currently studying Media & Print Journalism, a three-year degree course at the University of Huddersfield in West Yorkshire. In planning for my course, I was never put off by having to live away from home or my disability (Duchenne muscular dystrophy).

"Visit the university - you need to see for yourself all the facilities, especially the accommodation. "

Plan in advance - start researching university choices 18 months before you wish to begin your course. Focus on available disability support staff at each university - they will know if the course, campus access and accommodation are suitable for you.

Send for disabled student information from the Local Education Authority on award/grant/bursary schemes and your needs assessment. Twenty-year-old Danny Rafferty gives advice on going to university

UCAS application - make six valid, informed course choices. You cannot rely on Clearing because it is simply too late as a disabled student to re-organise yourself at that stage.

Your social worker will be vital throughout the entire process. He/she will need to liaise with the disability support manager in order to set up a care package and to assess all of your practical needs.

Your occupational therapist may need to arrange suitable equipment for use in your accommodation, e.g. hoist, shower chair. I got a height-adjustable bed paid for by the Access to Learning Fund, which assists students with extra costs. The disability support manager organised this for me.

CSV (Community Service Volunteers). I worked with three full-time volunteers who provided 24-hour support, which I found to be a very successful system.

Travel expenses - my LEA does not pay for any travel costs incurred outside of Northern Ireland. With at least six return journeys by ferry (Dublin / Holyhead) during the first year, I needed funding to help with the substantial cost. The disability support manager informed me of the Snowdon Award Scheme to which I applied and received an award over two years.

Visiting the university - you need to see for yourself all the facilities, especially your accommodation. Descriptions and pictures are not enough to base your final decision on.
Over a few days in mid-July I had my needs assessment and also visited the university campus. My LEA arranged and paid for this assessment (travel included) which looks at study aids and strategies for disabled students.

The disability support manager arranged an initial meeting between myself, the CSV project supervisor and one of my course tutors to coincide with my schedule. Myself and my mum stayed in student village accommodation, which let us see any difficulties for ourselves. It was agreed that some changes to the room would be necessary for starting the term.