I start university this September. I’m going to study optometry. As far as I know, the equality act 2010 states that my university should be able to make reasonable adjustments for me to help out with my disability (early onset psychosis). Other universities cover the extra cost of an ensuite for a disabled student if that will help them out with their disability. My university does not, at least for me.
I embarrassed myself by explaining how my disability affects me and how an ensuite would help me out (I hope you people can understand. I have trouble showering and believe it would be easier if the shower was ‘right there’. Also brushing my teeth is hard. Both can be part of sz if you look it up.) and a disability practitioner working with the uni said that they won’t cover the cost (so I would have to cover it) because they have a ‘large range of ensuite accommodation with varying costs’. Most of the rooms are ensuite. The DSA (disabled student’s allowance) people say that the uni should cover the extra cost for uni-owned accommodation instead of DSA covering it these days.
According to autism.org.uk, ‘It’s unlawful for a college or university to ask a student to pay for reasonable adjustments’.
I don’t mean to come off as some poncy rich person demanding an ensuite. I’m not. I applied for the cheapest accommodations at the time (planning to suffer) because I didn’t know the uni was meant to help you out if you’re disabled. I’m going to be living off my student loan.
I don’t think this is legal? I’m not sure what I can say without being kicked out.
I expect to be able to become an optometrist because I have been getting the best grades in school my whole life (except for a massive dip before I was diagnosed and treated, which I haven’t recovered from completely).
I am not making up some accommodations that I want. I am asking for them because it is required by law and other universities provide it, such as Sheffield Hallam University, University of Bath (through a bursary), Plymouth (hints at it?), York, Bristol (20% reduction in cost), Reading, etc. There are more but you get the picture. These are just the first few from a google search.
My psychotic disorder means that I have issues with looking after myself. I thought that maybe an ensuite would make it easier for me to look after myself (the bathroom is ‘right there’, no people in it right when I get the motivation to do something, etc.)
I would like an ensuite. I wasn’t going to request one before I knew about the laws in place. I am requesting it because it is available by law.
Regarding this quote, would you say this to someone with severe IBS requesting an ensuite? Or maybe a wheelchair user who needs a bigger room?
I can understand how positive symptoms could lead to paranoia around individuals in the bathroom, but wouldn’t that also lead to symptoms in the classroom? That’s what I don’t understand
I just finished university and it was relatively easy, I didn’t get any accomodation too and that’s fine. If you need bathroom beside you to bath and brush your teeth, the university is just not going to accept you as a student because it’s not likely you are able to complete university
In the UK we usually do make considerations for this. But i dont beleive the cost is done by the university or the DSA for this issue in particular. You are only given priority to rent the place - that is as far as i remember the only consideration offered by student halls
I commuted from home partly because i didnt know how to operate a kitchen for example (catered options werenot available at hertfordshire uni)
Actually I told my university my problems and they said they aren’t going to kick me out for it. I managed my A levels fine (after the dip) with barely any revision while having these problems, so your assumption is incorrect. You seem to be assuming that if someone struggles with one thing, they will struggle with everything. That is simply not true.