skip to main |
skip to sidebar
From
The Bournemouth Echo in the UK;
After battling against spina bifida for two decades to secure a university place, student Freya Saxby (pictured) was stunned to receive a letter saying no wheelchair-friendly accommodation was available for her.
On its website Winchester University boasts that “specially adapted accommodation is available for physically disabled” first-year undergraduates.
But, just six days after congratulating her on gaining a media diploma course place, Freya from Talbot Avenue, Bournemouth, was told the halls of residence were full.
She says she told the university about her disability when she applied – although the university says she did not give details later when she was made the offer of a place.
She said: “When I applied I told them that I was a wheelchair user. I need to live on the campus as travelling to Winchester every day on public transport is impossible and my mother would have to give up her job to get me there.
“My dream is to pursue a career in TV production. It hasn’t been easy to get my qualifications but I’ve never let my disability get in the way.”
Freya’s mother Diana said: “We were all thrilled when Freya was offered a university placed but on her 20th birthday she was told there was nowhere for her to stay. It seems so cruel.
“My daughter has a real fighting spirit and has overcome so many obstacles in her life.
“She is very independent and ready to leave home. We’ve been told that Freya can defer her place until 2011 but feel that she is being discriminated against.
“You can’t apply for accommodation until you get offered a place and Freya’s course starts next week so time is running out.”
Winchester University’s deputy vice chancellor Tommy Geddes said: “The university has a detailed procedure for ensuring that we know as early as possible what a disclosed disabled applicant’s needs are so we can assess what reasonable adjustments need to be made and this includes accommodation.
“Our offer letter of March 4 asked Freya to contact the university disability officer to discuss her needs. Freya did not contact the university until after August 31.
“The university informs applicants that it is unable to guarantee accommodation if they hold an insurance offer and apply for accommodation after the August 1 deadline.
“Unfortunately all specially adapted rooms have been filled.
“We are in contact with Freya to try and help resolve the situation.”
From The Bournemouth Echo in the UK;
