Other disabled health care professionals? My son's been told he'll have to leave his course

TanyaS

Hi, my son recently started on a uni course for prosthetics and orthotics. 6 weeks in he's being told he'll have to leave the course as, in their view, unable to safely meet manual handling requirement as he is full time wheelchair user. We'd love to hear from other disabled people working in health care who have any relevant experience. (The uni had info regarding his disability since he applied and he visited in the summer, before results day for them to do a risk assessment, so they clearly have handled this badly one way or another) 

Tori_Scope

How frustrating @TanyaS! Were any reasonable adjustments suggested after the assessment was undertaken before he began the course? 

TanyaS

Some adjustments have been put in place. When he did a practice of the manual handling he used a perching stool but uni have said this isn't safe. We are going to ask for an independent occupational health specialist to review the options. Any recommendations for occupational health would be good. 

TanyaS

@Teddybear12. It would be too late for this year. Also he only went to this uni (200 miles from home) because they offered this course. 

littleacorn

Have you been given this information in writing? If not ask for it and the reasons why. Many places will say things verbally but are reluctant to pit it in writing incase you legally challenge it. When making this request give them a time line to reply. Good luck.

TanyaS

@littleacorn. Thank you - that's a really helpful suggestion 

[Deleted User]

Hi @TanyaS

A warm welcome to the community

I’m really sorry to hear about your son’s experience and appreciate this must be a difficult situation for you both. 

As suggested in a previous post, it might be worth requesting the reasons for the decision in writing. 

All the best - please keep in touch, and let us know how you are getting on.