Going to University
Starting university is a daunting prospect for anyone. Timetables, studying and travel arrangements to get to grips with… not to mention huge, busy buildings to negotiate.
But if you use a wheelchair then there are the additional worries of access and mobility to face.
Joanna Clyne, who is a wheelchair user, says that with a little forward planning, new students should enjoy a smooth transition into university life.
Joanna, who has spina bifida and hydrocephalus, is now in her third and final year at the University of Bolton, where she is studying Human Resource Management.
Halfway through her A Level courses she visited Bolton and the University of Salford to check out their facilities for wheelchair users.
Joanna, 20, whose father David is secretary of the Bolton and Bury ASBAH local association, said: “I finally chose to study at Bolton because I preferred the course, but both universities were very helpful in assessing my needs.
“When I accepted a place at Bolton I went in for a day for a complete assessment, which helped to allay any fears I had. I was given a lap top and my wheelchair was measured to make sure that desks could be adapted so it would fit underneath comfortably.”
Joanna lives with her parents, a 20-min car ride away, in Whitefield, Manchester. She travels to university by black cab, paid for by her local education authority. It's a problem-free way of travel, providing Joanna lets them know her plans in advance.
Extra help has come in the form of a support worker who accompanies Joanna in lifts and carries bags and books.
“Having my support worker means that I can concentrate on my academic studies rather than worrying about how I'm going manage to get around,” Joanna said. “I just let her know when my lecture will finish and where I then need to go.
“But even so it was daunting when I first started because the building is so big. The first time I went to the library I couldn't find the exit,” she laughed. “I spent about ten minutes wheeling round and round before I finally plucked up the courage to ask someone how to get out.
“Again, I think the secret is not being afraid to ask for help. I've always found that if I'm pleasant, people are always very helpful.”
Joanna added that if you are in a wheelchair it shouldn't prevent you from achieving your full potential.
“It is all about forward planning, “she said. “Start thinking about universities in the first year of your A Levels, and make visits to talk about what facilities they have.
“My experiences have been very good. I'm enjoying my course and have made some good friends.”