Lack of opportunities for young disabled students

When I was a younger student, I was unable to continue my secondary education in an ordinary school due to health problems that started to become a problem at the age of 10. At that time I was diagnosed with MS (myalgic encephalomyelitis), although since then I have been diagnosed with joint hypermobility syndrome and fibromyalgia as well. I had to drop out of school at 12 and was out of school for two years while another suitable place was found for me.

I got involved with a Kent, UK based health needs education service and they found me a place in a small unit with flexible hours, support staff and a class size of about 8. This was great and allowed me complete some secondary education but the subjects available for the GCSE study were very limited. Despite this, I did get some GCSEs, albeit not on the topics I particularly wanted. Due to the nature of the educational unit, there was no option to study any A level. University study was my only option.

I applied for a college course, met tutors, and spent time looking around campus on several occasions. In the meantime, he was dealing with many health problems and a lot of joint pain. Walking around the university itself was exhausting. I had no choice but to forget to take the course due to a lack of understanding and provision for my physical health needs. Not being able to cope with college sent me into a deep spiral of anxiety and depression.

After a long time I realized that there were other things I could do to keep my brain active and busy. I started doing free online courses and other cheaper ones for which I have paid. I am proud to be able to do the course work, although it can still be very isolated.

When my daughter started going to school in 2016, I was drawn to a group. It was a group of local moms and although I was very anxious, I decided that I would go. I’m glad I did, as being part of the group has helped me learn so many different things. I have learned to cook and eat healthy, about stress and I have also learned some craft skills. Although it is not a strict, graded teaching environment, the learning process is informative and enjoyable. The friendly and informal environment helps me feel relaxed about learning and takes my mind off my severe anxiety and other physical health problems.

I don’t think there is enough education for those with a mental or physical health problem, and I think that is still the case. I think a lot more could be done to be more inclusive and give everyone the same opportunities. As a result of the problems that I have had throughout my adolescence and adulthood, I feel like I have no job prospects due to the lack of education for those of us with disabilities, despite being extremely eager to learn. I believe that more could be done to include those of us with disabilities and help them achieve their dreams.

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