Achieving at Kingston University

Postgraduate Architecture student, Oliver Lam-Watson won second prize in the national Business Disability Forum competition, which challenged students to create a film about technology and disability.

Oliver was born with the rare congenital vascular disorder Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome in his left leg, but despite this, he takes part in gruelling obstacle courses, known as 'spartan' races. Oliver's film, ‘why I make life so hard’ chronicles the challenges he faces using crutches and carrying heavy technical gear. 

Oliver's love of learning through making helped him successfully graduate with a first class degree in Architecture from Kingston University in 2014.

I want everyone - whether disabled or not - to live life to the full. Don't let anything or anyone, hold you back.

Oliver Lam-Watson

Receiving invaluable support

My experience

"My mental health difficulties have impacted my time studying and ability to cope with day-to-day tasks. I was very open about my disability with the University from the start. 

The support I received from my mental health adviser has been invaluable. She was very understanding, patient and only an email away. My tutors have been timely, thorough, kind and professional in their support of both academic and personal issues."

My advice 

"Don't shy away from talking to your faculty staff. Your tutors and professors are there for you to talk to. Also, make use of the Student Life Centre, and any other support available. You won't know what's available to you until you start reaching out."

Transitioning to employment

My experience 

"During my course, I found myself struggling to cope and was soon diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome. I was provided with a support plan, stating the relevant adjustments and support put in place for my time at University and during my placement. 

The staff in the Student Life Centre were very supportive with communicating my diagnosis and support needs to the relevant members of my faculty. My disability adviser provided the right support in my preparation for the transition from higher education to employment."

Accessing the right support 

My experience 

"My disability would have impacted my studies without the support I have been given. After disclosing to a disability adviser, the process of getting support was simple and quick. I was provided with a note-taker, a regular interpreter and have ongoing support from the Teacher of the Deaf."

Feeling comfortable speaking out

My experience

"I have borderline personality disorder and severe depression which has a huge impact on my motivation to go to classes and study. I disclosed this to all my lecturers and the disability team when I first started at Kingston.

My disability adviser was incredibly helpful and I was also able to go to drop-in clinics when I couldn't cope. My adviser made me feel comfortable speaking to her about life inside and outside of University."

My advice

"If you have any kind of disability, even if you believe it to be 'small' or 'not very important', alert the disability services as soon as you can rather than waiting for it to affect you."

Opening up about a disability 

My experience 

"I have bipolar disorder, which can impact my studies in a number of ways. It can affect my motivation, concentration levels and carrying out daily tasks. I disclosed my disability in my application to the University and, as a result, had support available from the beginning. I was offered counselling which helped ease the transition into life at Kingston.

I found the process of applying for the Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) fairly easy and was allowed extra time in my exams as well as being placed in a smaller room to decrease my social anxiety. My disability adviser has been a fantastic help and I know I can rely on their support when I need them."

My advice 

"Be open about your disability and access help whenever you need it."

A system you can trust

My experience

"I have a genetic disorder and as a result I am a wheelchair user. Due to this I require some additional assistance with taking notes. I disclosed my disability on my UCAS application, which allowed me to manage my accessibility requirements. 

I was provided with a helper to assist with typing for tests and assessments as well as having extra time in exams. I found the process of applying for Disabled Students Allowance easy and received fantastic support from the staff."

My advice 

"Trust the system and never hesitate to ask the team for anything."

Making life easier

My experience

"My disability made it difficult to attend lectures, work in groups and give presentations. Once I contacted the disability team, I received specialist support and the relevant assistive technology I required to complete my course. I was offered one-to-one mentoring with a member of the disability team who was easy to contact and helped with any issues I was having.

The DSA process was fairly simple. I applied with supporting evidence from my GP and after an assessment the correct measures were put in place. I found it reassuring that I had arrangements in place for exams and deadlines. I received consistent support from friendly and caring advisers when I needed it."

My advice

"Always speak to the disability team, they can provide help where you may not even realise you need it. It will make integrating into university life much easier."