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Tips for living with MS - educational needs

Having MS does not mean that you cannot pursue your studies, although you may need to adjust your plans to take account of your condition:

  • Check on Local Education Authority (LEA) funding in your area. Many part-time adult education courses are free for students receiving certain benefits
  • Contact the Additional Needs department at your college. They can help with issues such as access, funding and special exam provision. They can also arrange an assessment for the Disabled Students' Allowance
  • Disabled Students' Allowances are available on top of loans for degree study. These can be used for study-related costs such as special keyboards, cassette recorders, printers and additional travel costs
  • There are special provisions for people with disabilities within the assessment for a student loan, for example if you need to pay for domestic help
  • Investigate a range of universities/colleges to assess their attitude towards and facilities for students with disabilities - most are extremely positive
  • Investigate the possibility of credit transfer, in which previous courses can be taken into account, even if you have suspended your studies or need to change to a more accessible venue
  • If you are already studying, explain your situation to your tutors as soon as possible, particularly your personal tutor. This will help if you need to arrange coursework extensions or have to take time off for appointments or due to ill health
  • The Open University can be a good choice for people with disabilities and has a comprehensive website with a separate section for people with disabilities
  • Whatever type of study you undertake, pace yourself and work around your MS. Try to study during your 'best' time of the day. If lectures/seminars take place at a time of day when you tend to feel particularly tired, see if someone can record them for you

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