#UniAdviceWeek: student with cerebral palsy takes over our Twitter account
Going to university with a disability poses challenges and, in a THE Student Twitter takeover, Chloe Tear shares how she fared
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On the Times Higher Education Student Twitter feed (@THEUniAdvice, if you aren’t already a follower), we have spells where we ask students to look after the account for a week to share their university experiences.
Recently, Chloe Tear, a second-year student at Trinity University, shared her experiences of going to university with cerebral palsy. She tweeted about coping with pain, using tools to make studying easier, and her role as the university’s disability officer. You can read some of her tweets below.
This week Chloe Tear, second year student from @LeedsTrinity will be taking over the THE Student Twitter account. Check out Chloe's first blog for us right here https://t.co/JDlYwNtAMj on going to uni with cerebral palsy #uniadviceweek pic.twitter.com/TOl5xKAz55
— Times Higher Student (@THEUniAdvice) July 2, 2018
I have mild Cerebral Palsy and a visual impairment. This certainly has impacted my university experience but not necessarily in a bad way. I have recently been appointed the Disabilities Officer at @LeedsTrinitySU and can’t wait to start this role properly!
— Times Higher Student (@THEUniAdvice) July 2, 2018
When looking for a university that suited me I had to take into account the size of the campus. Due to my cerebral palsy I can’t always walk very far which made @LeedsTrinity a perfect choice! I also have found a campus university a lot easier. #UniAdviceWeek
— Times Higher Student (@THEUniAdvice) July 3, 2018
Having cerebral palsy can cause high levels of pain. When at university I’ve found it difficult to sit to sit through long lecture. As part of my support plan I go for short walks through the lecture which helps manage pain. Simple things can make a big difference!#UniAdviceWeek
— Times Higher Student (@THEUniAdvice) July 4, 2018
All degrees will mean you have to read a textbook at least once (or 100’s of times if you’re me) and with reduced vision this can be very difficult. I’ve had a @FreedomSci magnifier which has helped loads! A video magnifier means I can make the text any size. #UniAdviceWeek pic.twitter.com/XoB5jxLuIa
— Times Higher Student (@THEUniAdvice) July 5, 2018
Having cerebral palsy can affect any muscle in your body, including your hands. As a result I haven’t taken handwritten notes since Year 8. When I’m at university I’ve been using OneNote (@msonenote) to take all of my notes which is organised by lectures #UniAdviceWeek
— Times Higher Student (@THEUniAdvice) July 5, 2018
Today I’ve been at the @scope office in London to receive training for the new job I’ve been given. Before this job I have volunteered for @scope alongside my university studies. I think volunteering is so underrated and you never know what it can lead to!#UniAdviceWeek pic.twitter.com/JsMACW1PHc
— Times Higher Student (@THEUniAdvice) July 5, 2018
Disability Student Allowance can be so helpful for students with a disability. I’d highly recommend applying as early as you can. They gave me a custom made office chair which has been a lifesaver on a high pain day!#UniAdviceWeek pic.twitter.com/AdLy6STkZH
— Times Higher Student (@THEUniAdvice) July 6, 2018
Today I’m struggling with pain and fatigue. Unfortunately it’s the reality of having cerebral palsy and trying to be busy. As a student it can be extra hard to balance studies and socialising. I’d recommend giving yourself days to recover and knowing that’s okay!#UniAdviceWeek
— Times Higher Student (@THEUniAdvice) July 7, 2018
I believe that being the Disability Officer of @LeedsTrinity is such an important role. Not only do I get to support students with a disability, but I get to raise awareness and benefit all students and staff at the university!#UniAdviceWeek pic.twitter.com/8PHNgvfgYN
— Times Higher Student (@THEUniAdvice) July 7, 2018
I’ve mentioned pacing yourself earlier in the week, but here’s my real life example.
— Times Higher Student (@THEUniAdvice) July 8, 2018
Using a mobility scooter while I go round Sainsbury’s!
I could have managed to walk round but that would have meant higher levels of pain and fatigue which is never good!#UniAdviceWeek pic.twitter.com/xaEDVeWCeB
Thank you very much for having me this week! I hope I’ve been able to share my experiences of having cerebral palsy and being a university student.
— Times Higher Student (@THEUniAdvice) July 8, 2018
If you’re interested in following me I can be found at @chloeltear #UniAdviceWeek pic.twitter.com/uBQM2Bz7rn
To catch up on more of Chloe’s tweets, head to @THEUniAdvice and search for #uniadviceweek. If you are interested in taking over our Twitter account for a week, then tweet us and we will get back to you.
Read more: going to university with cerebral palsy
