Higher Education Student - Reasonable Adjustments

LindsayHelen

Hello! Can any of you help me with this?

I have ADHD, MDD and anxiety. I am the carer of my mother with Dementia and the 'carer' of my Autistic son.

I looked everywhere for a place to study that could accommodate me. The university courses (although flexible and helpful) were still too intense/rigid for me to be able to commit and then I found a private company offering BTEC level 5.

I spoke to them and they were great. They said that my unpredictable life and my health problems were not something that should stop me getting a qualification and they would help me. They said I wouldn't have to work to a strict deadline schedule and I had 2 years to complete assignments (something that is also on their website) and also reassured me that the presentations involved we're flexible and they would accommodate me in any way they could. I was so happy and paid in full (6k)

The Head of Learning, the tutor and the Wellness contact they allocated to us have all left the company now (I started in Sept) and the new Head of Learning has been really hostile with me, demanding dates from me, putting pressure on me and generally denying all of the reasonable adjustments that were in place before. We had a conversation during which I got upset and tried to tell her what I needed but she then sent a letter twisting my words and making me seem unreasonable and bad. I have only submitted 1 unit assignment so far but I know I can do the others required I just don't know when I'll get the chance. 

What can I do? I haven't made a complaint yet (because the company are so small) and I haven't said anything on social media because I don't want to cause problems - I just want the flexibility I was promised and to get on with my course. This has made me even more poorly and they refuse to even acknowledge that, continuing to ignore my concerns and pressure me about dates.

Ross_Alumni

Hello @LindsayHelen

Wishing you a warm welcome to the community, I hope you are having anice Saturday.

This is a very supportive and welcoming place so I'm sure you'll enjoy getting involved, please feel free to have a browse and take part in any discussions that take your fancy. We have a lengthy categories list, including one about education, so I'm sure you'll find something that interests you.

Sorry to hear of the situation you have found yourself in, you seem as though you were really happy when you found the course, only for those who you were getting on so well with to leave and be replaced by someone who isn't accommodating you.

It's a shame that you've tried to have conversations with them about what you need but that they've been dismissive about those things.

Have you considered contacting somewhere like IPSEA to receive some professional advice on your options?

LindsayHelen

Thank you so much for your lovely welcome.

I have dealt with IPSEA for my children (those dreaded EHCP years!) and they were so good! I didn't think I could speak to them about adults and higher education. Good call, thanks again!