Disability Chat | Open University | OU

[@teasbian601]

Such a useful video- i am autistic with ptsd and am excited to explore studying at the OU! thank you so much!

[@stacysspace]

I’m so glad you found it helpful! Feel free to ask if you need to know anything specific that I might be able to help with 😊

[@abookabrewandcraftingtoo]

Helpful video. I have a very complex disability which is why I’ve chosen to study with the OU, I’ve applied for DSA just waiting to hear back from them 🤞🏻

[@stacysspace]

I will keep my fingers crossed that you hear back soon. If you haven’t spoken to the disability team at the OU yet, it might be worth a chat to see what they can do to help you while you wait for the DSA.

[@lilbooyoshisaurmunchakoopas]

Hi Stacey, first of all - no need to apologise - you have an EXCELLENT reason. I've watched a few of your videos (now subbed and watching every new one :D ) and in this one you seem more anxious at the start - I just want to say that your videos are an amazing source of support and information for OU students or going-to-be students so if you are going through any imposter-syndrome I am sorry and hope you know many people like me look forward to these vids! Thank you for sharing your disability with us - it isn't easy to share just the average things online, let alone disabilities. I am struggling with Chronic Illness and Severe Mental Illness so I want to apply for DSA but still waiting on a list for a Psychatric Assessment (for a specific diagnosis). I am worried that the doctor will stratch there head with what to write on the evidence letter because even though I have lots in my medical history and have had too many doctor appointments they always seem to 'forget' to write anything on my records. Also my Patient Access doesn't even have any of my current 'diagnosis' on it, like my Anxiety, Depression, Emotional Disregulation, Chronic Pain and other private stuff. So confused. I think I would find a sit-stand desk VERY helpful and the mind-mapping software. Also paper based stuff would really help too because you don't have to stare at a screen and the binding spine is great. Thanks again! :) I can see you as an OU advisor one day for sure

[@stacysspace]

Thank you SO much for writing such a lovely comment! I am definitely dealing with some imposter syndrome so thank you for giving me a boost! I’m sorry to hear you are going through so much-it is incredibly difficult to get a diagnosis these days if you have a lot going on. Keep up with the DSA application route but have you spoken to student support? I don’t know 100% what help they can offer but I’m sure if you explained what you might find helpful, they will do what they can. They have always been so accommodating when I have spoken to them. It also might be worth going to your GP for an appointment with everything written down and asking them to document it in your notes and asking about the letter when you are there. It will be fresh in their mind then. Just a thought-I know it is often easier said than done. Thank you so much again, I really needed that boost. Let me know how you get on xx

[@lilbooyoshisaurmunchakoopas]

I'm in the proccess of compiling a list of my disabilties/illnesses and how they affect me so it will be easier when I sort out talking to SST and DSA form etc :) Also, I've been to a GP appointment since and they have noted more on record by the looks of my Patient Access@@stacysspace Have a lovely day!

[@RamblingsofGeo]

I applied for DSA abit late, so im waiting on equipment, software and non medical helper to all be in place, hoping it will be sorted and starting by start of Jan. The OU is so supportive, and my tutors have all been so accomodating, its great.

[@stacysspace]

I’m so glad you have found that too. Yes, I think mine took about that long when I first applied. Have you had an ergonomic assessment yet? Xx

[@RamblingsofGeo]

@@stacysspace I haven't had an ergonomic assesment, just a zoom call to discuss things x

[@stacysspace]

If they have suggested a desk/chair etc, they often send someone out to make sure they have the space for the equipment they want to give you. It’s great because they often advise other things that might be suitable too 😊