Disability Support: Studying with SMA  

Posted on by healthyntu8

By Hanna Litvinova, Fine Art, 1st-year student

My story started two years ago when I fled to the UK from the war in Ukraine with my family. Given that I have severe genetic disease, SMA, that impacts my mobility, setting down in the new country was very problematic for me. I have experienced a lot of troubles, but I have never considered to stop going forward.

I have been painting since the early childhood. And when we relocated to Nottingham, I was so happy to know that it is a very artistic city as well as it has one of the most popular and modern universities in the UK. I decided to try to enter NTU, but it was already the late summer, so I didn’t have enough time to know all the details because I had to do everything quickly. Obviously, I was anxious and overwhelmed with concerns. I didn’t know how I would cope with the full-time studying being on the wheelchair.

During the entry process, I contacted the disability and inclusion team of NTU and got some helpful information which was very uplifting. During our conversation I realised that there are a lot of disabled students at the University, and I won’t be alone with my problems there.

First month at the uni was very exciting, yet a bit frustrating. I was getting used to the new life rhythm and I had to take one of my parents with me because due to my disability I often couldn’t help myself to work with different materials at the studio.

The University staff and disability team organised the group of senior students who are helping me at the studio. It consists of three people who I can message any time I need a hand. It became a game changer for me and my studying!

I have also applied for the disability student allowance (DSA) and got some helpful appliances for studying. One of them is the software which records my speech and transfers it into the text. It is must-have for those who struggle with typing on the ordinary keyboard.

Now I feel that I am fully supported and independent in my studying. I can work with any materials (even metal!) and handle all the organisational stuff without any problems. I even couldn’t imagine that it could be so easy to study at the University for a wheelchair user. But with the help of the University staff and disability team it is more than possible!

During the second term of my first year the University organised a trip to London for students of Fine Art. It was an extracurricular programme but I wanted to go with everyone so much! I asked tutors and disability team if I can join the trip to London with staying overnight, explaining my special needs. They booked the accessible room in the hotel for me and my father. I enjoyed the trip with other students and visited a lot of galleries. It is very important for every disabled student when you can talk to your tutors and ask for support.

I can recommend Nottingham Trent University for a person with any disability as the place where diversity and inclusion are truly celebrated.

Helpful links…

For help, advice and resources whilst studying at NTU, take a look at the following for sources of support.
Support from NTU
Self-Care books in NTU’s libraries
Silvercloud: SilverCloud is our online system designed to help with a range of mental health issues.
Health and Wellbeing resources
NTSU Information and Advice service
Wellness in Mind: Advice and support for anyone in Nottingham experiencing issues with their mental wellbeing
Student Minds or Student Space
10 Keys to happiness
Mind
Papyrus
CALM

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