Deaf students, it is that time for you to become independent and start
university, and that independence comes with support for Deaf students at
university, like yourself. Particularly since the pandemic has impacted how
students are learning, having a drastic impact on Deaf students, making it
even more important that you are aware of how you can be supported at
university, what support you are entitled to, and how to look after your
wellbeing.
Where do I start?
Before you even think of what university you will be going to, apply for
your
DSA (Disabled Students Allowance) funding
up to 3-6 months in advance to avoid delays in getting your support
allocated.
Once you have got your DSA and confirmed your university place, before
beginning your first semester, you should be given the oppourtunity to meet
the disability services team, or you can take the initiative to set up an
introductory meeting. You can share what your needs are and how you expect
them to be met and form your individualised support plan.
What type of support am I entitled to?
As a Deaf student under DSA (Disabled Students Allowance) you are entitled
to a range of support, some types of support may be offered in-house at
your university and others may be external, you do have the right to change
your support providers through emailing the Disabled Students Allowance
team or your advisor, if you are not satisfied with the support you
receive.
Some examples of the type of support you can request are:
– British Sign Language interpreters
– Notetakers
– 1:1 English language support
– Specialist equipment (radio aids, laptop, a printer and more)
– Extra time to hold library books and alternate assignment strategies
where appropriate
– Extra time in exams (25%)
Looking after your wellbeing and socialising at university
Being at university as a Deaf student can be isolating and have an impact
on your wellbeing for many reasons. If you are feeling overwhelmed,
anxious, or depressed, you can contact your wellbeing team at university,
if you are a BSL/SSE user or prefer to have a Deaf therapist, your
university can signpost you toSignHealth or Deaf4Deaf.
One way for students to socialise at university is by joining societies,
some universities have a British Sign Language society for BSL users or
students wanting to learn sign language. However, for societies unrelated
to Deafness, they may not be accessible to Deaf students, but one way of
making positive change to include yourself and other Deaf students is to
advocate for better accessibility in any society you join or you could even
create your own society for Deaf students!
Likewise, you can engage with and join:
– JDA (Jewish Deaf Association)
–
DEWA (Deaf Ethnic Women’s Association)
– EUDY (European Union for Deaf Youth)
–
UEDY (Ubuntu European Deaf Youth)
You can also connect with the local Deaf centre, Deaf youth clubs near your
university or the nearest city or connect with Deaf current or alumni
university students online on #DeafTwitter or any other social media
platforms to share your experiences, have a space where you can support
each other and socialise.
