Mobility impaired students

Whilst we recognise that the hilly terrain of West Cornwall may present problems for wheelchair users or those with mobility difficulties, students with a range of disabilities have studied here successfully. Adjustments and services that we are able to provide to those with mobility impairments are outlined below.

To assist those who are mobility impaired, we have provided various facilities on the campuses, including:

• Accessible parking
• Toilets accessible to wheelchairs
• Accessible facilities such as the refectory, library, teaching rooms, etc
• Support workers who can assist with the physical aspects of your course*

*The Accessibility Service can provide support workers for students who require assistance with the physical aspects of their course. These supporters (or enablers) have no specific qualifications, but are sensitive to the issues for students with disabilities, and are funded from the individual student's Disabled Students’ Allowance.

All of the newer buildings have been designed with the needs of the physically disabled in mind. There are wheelchair facilities, such as lifts, designated parking spaces and ramps and disabled toilet facilities.

There are specially adapted flats within the student residences. Personal carers can be accommodated.

Students may travel free of charge in the Falmouth/Penryn area. Although the buses are not yet accessible for wheelchair users, students who have difficulties walking distances find them useful.

We feel that it is important for students and staff not affected by a mobility impairment to understand some of the difficulties that may be encountered by students who are wheelchair users or who have impaired mobility.

Students with physical impairments may have difficulties with mobility, manual dexterity and speech. Some will use a wheelchair all or some of the time, and support with personal care and the more physical aspects of studio-based courses may be required. They may have difficulty getting from place to place quickly.

Steps and stairs, steep paths, narrow or heavy doors, cramped working space, high level furniture and the lack of adapted toilet facilities pose real difficulties for students who are wheelchair users and those whose mobility is severely impaired. Where this is the case for students on a particular course, every effort should be made to make the necessary adjustments to ensure that students receive a good learning experience. This may require room changes or special equipment.

Some students with physical disabilities require rest periods between lectures or seminars. Students whose disability is connected to a medical condition may also need time out from their studies because of this, and staff should be sensitive to this issue.