09 October 2007

Some may not consider post-traumatic stress disorder or being diagnosed with cancer as disabilities, but amendments to the Disability Discrimination Act mean that people with these conditions are now protected by law.

Michelle Hynes was diagnosed with severe post-traumatic stress disorder following a personal tragedy. ‘I decided to return to education in order to restart my life.’ Thanks to the legal changes, she was able to get the support she needed to do the course she wanted. She tells her story in a case study for a new higher education guide for students with disabilities.

Into Higher Education 2008, just published by Skill: National Bureau for Students with Disabilities, combines real life experiences like Michelle’s, with a wealth of information and resources for current and potential students in the UK.

The full-colour, 100-page guide, which comes out in September each year, addresses the specific concerns of students with an impairment or medical condition, as well as the general issues of applying for and adjusting to higher education.

Into Higher Education 2008 makes the search for information and inspiration as straightforward as possible:

When and where to apply
How to choose the right course
What support is available
How to finance your studies
Profiles written by disabled students
Resources section - advice agencies, websites and further reading
Institutions offering higher education courses – listings with named contact

The guide brings together a wide range of student experiences written by people who have overcome very different hurdles to attend their particular courses. The stories of these students seek to raise the aspirations and hopes of others and highlight the different pathways to higher education and all the benefits, both professional and social, that come from it.

Skill is grateful to advice-resources for their support in the production of this publication.

Into Higher Education 2008 is available now via Skill’s online Bookshop www.skill.org.uk/shop/shop.asp or telephone Sylvia Charlton on 020 7450 0620. Price: £15.00 for professionals, with £5.00 off per order before 31 December 2007, and £2.50 for disabled students. Alternative formats are available on request.