Student Stories

Students who are currently studying at University and TAFE share their experiences about their pathways to tertiary study ... more profiles will be added shortly, so check this page regularly for updates!

Matthew

Bachelor of Nursing, age 21, Matthew is hearing impaired... 'Ne Illegentimos Carborundum ! (Don't let the bastards grind you down!)'

Andrew

Bachelor of Accounting, age 34, Andrew has quadriplegia... 'Be self- motivated and do not wait for aid, go find it because if nobody knows that you need help, they won't be able to give it to you.'

Sarah*

Bachelor of Arts, age 19, Sarah has Schizo-Affective Disorder ... 'to all you young people out there, if you want to study but your only fear is that you won't be able to because of your disability - think again. There's so many services available. Give it a shot; give it a go, because you never know just how capable you can be with a little bit of help.'

Naomi

Bachelor of Social Work, age 20, Naomi is of short stature ...'You face obstacles no matter what you do. You have to be innovative and practical in your thinking, don't write university off and don't think it's not an option, cause it is, there is a way around anything if you have got good support.'

Olivia

Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Teaching (Primary), age 18, Olivia has Scotopic Sensitivity ...'To students and families ... we need to educate teachers emotionally as well as academically as teaching consumes the whole child, it doesn't just come out of a text book. We must encourage the child to always believe in themselves but most importantly we must always believe in the child'.

Ron

Bachelor of Arts (Drama), age 53, Ron has a back/hip injury as well as a hearing impairment.

Garry

Age 27, a personal account of being a university student with Asperger's Syndrome ... link to a UK website 'University Students With Autism And Asperger's Syndrome' for more first-person accounts

Mark

Bachelor of Business, age 42, Mark has a mobility impairment and Multiple Sclerosis ... 'Get up and do it!'

Rosie

Age 31, Chronic Fatigue, Osteoarthritis (Spine, Hips and Pelvis) and Panic Disorder... 'Remember, people without disabilities get help at times too, so help is not something problematic - limited to only those with disabilities. If you don't accept help from time to time you may restrict your ability to achieve the goals you set out to reach.'