Lack of Opportunites for Young Disabled Learners
As a younger learner I was unable to continue my secondary education at a mainstream school due to health problems that started to become an issue at the age of 10. At that time I was diagnosed with M.E (myalgic encephalomyelitis) although I have since been diagnosed with joint hypermobility syndrome and fibromyalgia too. I had to leave school at 12 years old and was out of school for two years whilst another suitable place was located for me. I became involved with a health needs education service based in Kent (UK) and was found a place at a small unit with flexible hours, supportive staff and a class size of about 8. This was great and enabled me to complete some high school education but the subjects available for GCSE study were very limited. Despite this I did get some GCSEs, albeit not in the subjects I particularly wanted. Due to the nature of the education unit there was no option to study for any A levels. College study was my only option. I applied for a college course, me