The AccessAbility Centre

I love the University of Leicester for many reasons. One of the big reasons I do, is due to the support you get as a student who has a specific learning disability.

But before I get into all that, let’s rewind back to a few years..

So, I’ve always struggled with handwriting…even since I was younger. My parents and teachers put it down to just a matter of “laziness”, and thought I’d grow out of it sooner or later. But A-Levels came, and after a teacher refused to mark my mock exam paper because it was completely unreadable, I was forced to then use a laptop for forthcoming exams and coursework. It wasn’t until I got to University that I was able to speak to someone about these issues. They pointed me to the AccessAbility centre who then asked me to do a Screening Test, before I was able to make an official appointment with a support worker. After a few weeks of waiting, I was then given an appointment with a Psychologist, who gave me the diagnosis of Dyspraxia.

What in the world is Dyspraxia you may ask?

Well to put it quite simply, it’s a developmental coordination disorder; so it affects the planning of movements and co-ordination. This is due to a mishap in the transmission of brain messages around the body. It can affect things like handwriting (HA, see, I wasn’t lazy!), sports, and driving (this makes me feel slightly better about failing my driving test last year). After getting this diagnosis, I was then provided with a coversheet to use for coursework and was given alternative exam arrangements which included doing my exams on a computer, in a separate room and with extra time! I can’t even comprehend how much this has benefited me in the past year. Without the guidance of the AccessAbility centre, I would have carried on struggling and not have a single clue why. The centre also provides endless support and advice; giving you a safe and quiet place to work or rest, or even arranging study skills session to help you with things like organisation.

So, if you feel like you’re having any issues at all in relation to your studies, then I urge you to give them a quick call or email and get yourself seen to. It can really make a difference to your studies. For so long, I thought I was just lazy, even though I tried really hard with things like writing and driving – now I know it isn’t me! (Well, I mean it is, but also not)

The support you can get from the University, is honestly amazing. A lot of people do not know about these resources however so it’s best to head to the Student Services centre in the Charles Wilson Building if you have any issues at all – they’ll always be on hand to help you with anything.

See you all on the flipside!

Enna