Students

Finding a course - students

Summary: Suggestions for blind and partially sighted students on what to think about when choosing a course of study, and where to find out what's available.

• Choosing the right course
• Where to get advice
• Studying from home
• Getting accessible course materials
• Further information and advice
• Order a factsheet

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Courses come in all different shapes and sizes, from evening classes to university degrees. This section suggests questions to ask when choosing a course, where to get advice, and where to find details of courses.

Choosing the right course

There are thousands of courses available, so it's sometimes difficult to choose the right one. Ask yourself the following questions:

What kind of course could I do?

• Why do I want to do a course?
• What sort of course do I want to do?
• Should I study full- or part-time?
• Am I looking for a short course lasting several days or weeks or are you interested in longer courses?
• Do I want to travel to college?
• Should I study at home via distance learning?

What support will I get?

• Will I obtain the support I need?
• Do I have the relevant experience or pre-entry qualifications required to undertake a course?
• Am I eligible for a grant / training allowance or other financial support?
• Will my benefits be affected?
• If I need child-care facilities, will they be available?

What might I have to change?

• Can I commit enough time to it?
• Will I be able to continue living where I am now?
• If not, will I be able to find suitable accommodation?

Where to get advice

Talk to other people who have been students

Before you choose, talk to friends, family or colleagues about their own experience of studying.

Learndirect

Learndirect is a free education helpline for learning and career enquiries. Visit the Learndirect website or telephone 0800 10 09 00. You can speak to an adviser and request information in writing or in braille.

RNIB Regional Centres

RNIB Regional Centres can give you guidance directly, or on behalf of other organisations such as Connexions or your local Adult Guidance Centre.

Local voluntary societies

To find out what other blind and partially sighted people have achieved locally, contact your local voluntary society for blind and partially sighted people.

Many blind and partially sighted people study successfully within mainstream education with the appropriate support. Telephone the RNIB Helpline on 0845 766 9999 or email helpline@rnib.org.uk for details of your nearest society.

Association of Blind and Partially Sighted Teachers and Students

The Association of Blind and Partially Sighted Teachers and Students (ABAPSTAS) is a forum for people interested in education and employment. For more information, please email discussion@abapstas.org.uk or contact:

Nick Clarke
Membership Officer
Telephone: 01484 690521
Email: membership@abapstas.org.uk

Local college

Your local college may provide their prospectus in audio, braille and disk format. Contact the Learning Support team at the College to discuss your support needs.

Local library

Your local library will keep a collection of prospectuses and course directories. These can also be located via the careers service.

Prospectuses and applying for university - UCAS

If you are interested in higher education, your local library and careers service will have university prospectuses and details of how to apply through UCAS, the Universities and Colleges Admission Service.

Customer Services Unit
UCAS
PO Box 28
Cheltenham
GL52 3LZ
Telephone: 0871 468 0468
Email: enquiries@ucas.ac.uk

Disability Advisers at universities

If you are interested in a particular university, contact the Disability Adviser there as early as possible to discuss your needs.

Studying from home

Studying at home is sometimes called distance or open learning. You study alone at your own pace, but support from a tutor is usually available.

Various institutions offer this option, for example:

• further education colleges
• some universities
• the Open University
• correspondence colleges
• professional bodies.

Your public reference library or Learndirect will have further details about open learning courses.

If you would like further information and advice, please contact the RNIB Regional Centre in the region where you intend to study.

Getting accessible course materials

By law, you are entitled to "reasonable adjustments" in how courses are taught and how materials are presented. For example, handouts should be provided in an accessible format on the student intranet, by email or in large print.

See the Your Rights section for more information.

Further information and advice

See Useful contacts and services.

Order a factsheet

You can get a fuller version of the information on this page in print, disk and email formats. Braille and audio versions can be produced on request. Please contact:

Karen Edwards, RNIB
Telephone: 01509 632 416
Email: karen.edwards@rnib.org.uk.

Student homepage

Content author: studentsite@rnib.org.uk

Last updated: 20/11/2008 11:13