PhD with CP

BioPhDCP

Hi Guys, I'm a first year biology PhD student with CP. I'm after some advice, even if its to point me in the right direction. I can't seem to find any active forums specific to my situation. The search results often just come up with PhD programmes on CP studies. I've found a couple of examples of people with CP completing their PhDs. However, my course has more of a practical element to it. CP aside, I may have dyslexia and ADD as well. I'm seeking individuals in a similar situation that can share their journeys and give any additional advice.
Thanks.

Cher_Alumni

Hello @BioPhDCP and a warm welcome to our online community.  Well done on beginning your PhD, how's it going?

I've found that Twitter is a great place to virtually connect with other disabled academics.  Some accounts you might want to follow and engage with are: 

@DisInHigherEd

@DisabledAcadem

@AcademicChatter

One of my colleagues @Chloe_Scope attended university with CP too, and you might like to read her blog that describes her experiences.  

Are you getting enough support with your CP at university?  Also, have you spoken with a disability advisor and had a support plan put together?  I had one of during my time at university and found it really beneficial, with the adjustments put in place for my Inflammatory Bowel Disease helping to alleviate stress.  This Scope webpage on 'Reasonable adjustments in FE' describes more of what can be done to help, and also information about Disabled Students' Allowance.  

Wishing you well with your studies and if you have any more questions, please fire away  

BioPhDCP

Thank you!  Its going okay, still trying to find my feet. Thanks for the advice, I'll check those twitter accounts ASAP. I am in the process of arranging my support through DSA , it is yet to be finalised. Many Thanks.

Chloe_Alumni

Hi @BioPhDCP, lovely to meet you! How are things going?