For students in Scotland, choosing to go on to do further or higher education, such as college/university/apprenticeships, transitioning is a powerful step towards achieving long-term career goals and building a fulfilling future.
While this journey comes with unique challenges for disabled students, a growing support network is available, including tailored funding from the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS).
Aaron, a multi-disabled HNC social services student at West Lothian College, shares his route to further education, saying: “I have cerebral palsy, autism, oral motor ataxia, cerebral visual impairment, and a host of other niggly disabilities that make up the legend that is me!
I started college on an assisted programme, which teaches disabled people vital life skills and is a key stepping stone in considering what we want to do with our future.”
Aaron receives the SAAS Disabled Students’ Allowance specialised support package that eligible students receive throughout their college/university studies at HNC/HND and degree level. The allowance supports students who have extra costs because of their disability.
Ambitions
He reflects on how this bespoke funding supports his ambitions: “Without the extra support, I could not achieve my goals. The SAAS funding means I can pay for a
scribe to help with coursework assessments, have note taking technology for lectures, and additional support for my assessments and exams.”
If you’re considering your post school options, Aaron advises: “Go for it! The sky is the limit. The only thing holding you back is you!”
Find out more about financial support at: www.saas.gov.uk
