Lee was hesitant about applying to St Hild with his specific learning difficulties and physical disability. But he has found the support he needed while studying.
Here is his story:
‘I was 29 before I started to read; I wasn’t illiterate, but found reading more than a paragraph a real struggle and couldn’t retain the information. I would get so frustrated with myself that I just avoided reading altogether. A friend’s child asked me to read them a story once; after listening to me struggle for two pages of a children’s book, she just smiled and gently took hold of the book and said, “Here, let me help you”. She was eight; her gesture warmed my heart and floored me at the same time.
I was diagnosed with various SPLDs (specific learning difficulties) and thought it would affect my ability to learn at St Hild once I started training; I was wrong. The staff helped me access learning in a way that was best for me and supported me in and out of class to achieve my goals. When I have communicated with staff about any areas that I’m struggling with, I am listened to, reassured and supported.
The college has sourced 1:1 support for tuition on the assistive technology I use to help me understand how to complete assignments and maximise the use of other resources for me to learn.
I also have a physical disability. I use a range of mobility aids to help me get around, from a wheelchair to a crutch, depending on how I am. I am supported in this, too; I am allowed extra time to get to and from classes as well as a rest when needed. St Hild has created a learning environment that is accessible and sustainable for me; my disability and different learning abilities are not a barrier whilst I’m training at St Hild, thanks to their approach.
I use a range of mobility devices as well, a wheelchair and a walker. Having a student picture posted by a student with a visible disability may encourage other potential students with disabilities to enquire. I hope that doesn’t come across the wrong way. It’s just that when I was looking at colleges, I didn’t see any other disabled students, and it would have been nice to hear how specific needs were met.
I am currently training for ordained ministry in the Church of England and hope to be ordained in summer 2025.’
