My barrier to learning is dyspraxia. It affects me because I am unable to write legibly and listen at the same time during lectures, for example. My reading difficulties mean that I often have to re-read text several times to assimilate meaning. Being dyspraxic, my handwriting is difficult to read, especially when I have had to write in time-constrained situations such as exams. My spatial awareness can be poor when I’m trying to navigate my way around. This means that when I’m looking for a book in the Library I can miss the section that I am looking for and the size of the text used to identify the book is often small so I may miss read the label. Fortunately, my University is disability friendly and the librarians help me in finding books and offer extended loans.
I wasn’t formally assessed for dyspraxia until attending Middlesex University. However, during years 4 & 5 of Primary School I was allowed to use a word processor to complete my work. At Secondary School, I managed to complete as many of my coursework assignments as possible using a computer but my exam grades, particularly at A Level where affected because I was having to handwrite answers without any extra time. This ultimately meant that my writing was difficult to read. Various dyslexia support staff at Middlesex University have helped me in improving my study skills to try and minimise the dyspraxia. For example, allowing me to have an amanuensis to type my answers in exams so that I can concentrate on answering the question. Through the Disabled Students Allowance (DSA), I was awarded a laptop computer and I was trained on how to use it by support staff. As such dyspraxia can’t be completely overcome, but I know my situation is better than before I began studying at Middlesex.
I have recently been awarded a BSc for my degree in Information Technology with Business Information Systems. The nature of my degree has meant that dyspraxia can have a positive impact upon my studies. It has been difficult at times, but my experience has proved that you can achieve despite dyspraxia. I am going to be starting a Post Graduate Certificate in Education in Information Communication Technology (PGCE ICT Secondary) from September 2005. I have already taught some classes, and found that students in classes where there were SEN pupils seemed motivated to see that it is possible to achieve at University despite the specific learning difficulties.
