When classrooms aren't accessible.

I live in the UK. Here we have access to free education up to the age of 18. Educational placements could be through a school or college or apprenticeship. But due to my disabilities, this type of learning environment doesn't work well for me. I can't do classroom-based learning for many reasons, including but not limited to the inability to focus, need for learning at my own pace, and my physical health issues.

I work best through online-based learning that I can do at my own pace. Unfortunately, online courses are not free or even partly paid, and the full costs fall onto the learner. Therefore full-time education is near impossible for most to afford. It discriminates against those who are from lower-class backgrounds, and those people will then have lower-paid jobs and generally lower success rates in life.

There is a reason why a low social class family will usually continue this position throughout generations. If you can't afford education in the format that works for you, there's a higher chance that you'll get a lower-paid job. You could also struggle to attain employment at all. Limited educational success leads to mental stress, feelings of failure, and possibly depression.

Schools and colleges don't have the staffing required to offer the level of support needed to help their students with additional learning needs to reach their full potential. A student requiring support in lessons and during breaks could be multiple members of staff employed. Many establishments don't believe the benefits outweigh the costs, and it's also an extra thing for them to arrange. In my opinion, it often seems that they believe there isn't a payoff for this effort.

Students with additional needs shouldn't be viewed as a burden. My future shouldn't be weighed around whether it's worth investing in or not. And if we're able to attain a better education, we'll be able to support ourselves better. Often we'll be able to be less reliant on others. If you're trying to lighten the burden you feel we create then you're not. Every life is impacted when things aren't accessible.

We are now more aware than ever before that you can successfully educate virtually and that students can learn in this way too. If we can do it for a pandemic then we shouldn't stop this method of teaching when it's safe to be back in schools. Yes, the restrictions will end for most people. But there will always be students and education hopefuls who can't learn in the stereotypical classroom environment.

It's essential to also have the best accessibility possible in a classroom setting. There are many changes that can help people who are struggling. Have a quiet room with sensory items to help autistic people. Have a water bowl available if the school has a learner with an assistance dog. Make it a policy to have lifts regularly maintained and fixed within 48 hours. Don't use disabled toilets as store cupboards. If you have courses that have specific clothing required that's provided by the school make sure you know a company that can supply adjusted types, with openings for medical equipment or adjusted sizings. Get training on specific issues your students may need support around. Listen when they ask for adjustments, and then do your best to provide them. It may be inconvenient for you to make a few phone calls and change your procedures, but I guarantee it's more problematic for them not to be able to access their lessons. Have more people educated on epi pen's, and seizures, panic attacks, sensory impairments, autism, everything you can. If you're getting covid safe and installing anti-bacterial hand gel dispensers make sure they're movement activated and not just foot activated. If you have parking, make penalties for parking in disabled spaces without a permit. Get accessible seating, that could be the spot where students are or it could be height-adjustable tables to accommodate different needs. Have textured flooring to help those with poor balance and those with sight loss.

We're nearing the end of 2020. This is not acceptable, it cannot continue. We can succeed and do amazing things when we are given a space where we can thrive. And not just as your proof of accessibility so you can get kudos or a grant. It should be because you truly value us and what we can contribute.

Frida Kahlo had spinal problems and suspected spina bifida. She was a fantastic artist.

John Nash had schizophrenia, he won a Nobel prize for economics.

Sophie Christiansen is a paralympic equestrian athlete who has cerebral palsy and 8 gold medals. She first competed at the Paralympics at 16.

Ellie Simmonds won 2 gold medals at the Paralympics when she was only 13.

Thomas Eddison was deaf.

Albert Einstein had a learning disability and was often confronted by teachers for not being able to understand things as quickly as the other students.

Ralph Braun had muscular dystrophy. He was an inventor.

Leonardo da Vinci had dyslexia. He wrote in reverse.

You can't tell what the disabled student in front of you can achieve. You have no idea. And them being in a position where they're still fighting to get a better education. When they've had so much to combat to get to this position, needs to be celebrated.

13.9 million disabled people in the UK. Who didn't choose to be this way. 22% of the UK population. We as a society are letting disabled people down academically. And we have to do better.

We are not an inconvenience. We deserve our futures to be bright. How are you helping us to achieve our dreams? How can you do better?