MA and “newly” disabled

Sophli

Hello 👋 
I’m Soph. 42 and looking to return to uni to retrain as an Art Therapist.
I’m just learning to “own” being disabled having accumulated a succession of chronic illnesses and an autism diagnosis in recent years.
I had to quit teaching due to the above and feel a bit (understatement) of a failure with no control over my life right now… I’ve been fascinated with psychotherapy for many years and have finally found the courage to brave applying for MA’s. I know this would allow me some freedom to work freelance on my terms and still make a valuable contribution to society.

Any advice for an older, disabled student studying at a higher level (finance, special accommodations etc etc) much appreciated! 

Tori_Scope

Welcome to the community @sophli Thank you for joining us!

It's great to hear that you've built up some courage to apply for MAs! Art therapy sounds really interesting. 

I haven't done an MA, so I can't speak from personal experience, but I'd encourage you to see whether the university you end up going to has support for disabled students. I think it was called the 'disability service', or something along those lines, at the university I went to. They may be able to offer you some support.

I believe there are often societies and such for more mature students, too, which could be a good way of meeting people who may be in a similar position to you. 

I'll tag @Cher_Scope in here, as she may have some advice for you!

Sophli

Thank you. TBH I won't be joining any societies- I will be living at home and too mentally exhausted to socialise up in London (also autistic so this sounds like my idea of hell)  
There is support for disabled students, but I am wondering in general what advice there is out there for benefits etc..? ESA eligibility etc?

Hannah_Alumni

Hello @Sophli

Do you mean there is support from your University? Because I found some information on the GOV website about support in education when you have a disability. If it is something that you haven't come across before and that could help you. As for other benefits there are differences between them all in regards to being in education so I would use a Benefits Calculator to check what you could be eligible for. 

Sophli

Thank you. Already have the above. The benefits calculators aren’t set up for MA. Well they all come out with different options given the same info.
yes, support is there at uni but not financial unless in dire straits. I will check with them again.
thanks for taking the time to reply to me.

L_Volunteer

Hello @Sophli. Welcome to Scope's forum. It is great to see you have joined us. How are you at the moment?

Thanks for already finding the courage to reach out to us. In addition to the responses you have already received, I would encourage you to find out more about SFE postgraduate loans (non-means tested). 

Similarly, you might be able to access DSA. What would the ideal special accommodations look like for you? As an autistic postgraduate graduate I found DSA mentoring particularly useful but I am aware this varies for everyone. 

We are here for you and listening to you if you would like to share more with us 

Cher_Alumni

Hi @Sophli and apologies for me not seeing I was tagged here earlier, it's been one of those weeks!

I'm so glad you're considering applying for a Masters course. It sounds like a fulfilling vocation, Art Therapy, and something to get your teeth into so to speak. I'm sure you aren't a failure either, negotiating various health conditions alongside working as a teacher sounds like an awful lot to me. These small steps towards what feels right for you will hopefully boost your self esteem.

I did a Masters at the age of 39 and it was brilliant immersing myself in learning and meeting new people. A lot of it was online due to the pandemic but I never regret it for one moment and would love to return to learning again some day. 

As it sounds like you've realised, there isn't an awful lot of financial support for disabled students - indeed, I was reliant on a scholarship in many ways so maybe that, and the provision of grants, would be an area you could look into with your respective university. Equally, there are 'hardship funds' that disabled students can apply to, but the best people to speak with are in the Disability Student Support Services of your institution. They can signpost you once you have a place on the course of your choice. Also, they'll be your first port of call for collaborating on a support plan to help accommodate any needs to make your studies more manageable. 

Please keep us updated and good luck 

Sophli

Thank you.
I will definitely post any information I find as it seems as if this area is not as well researched.

L_Volunteer

Thank you @Sophli. It sounds like the information you find will be of benefit to many others too