My name is Jenne, and I am one of many disabled students who rely heavily on academic assistance to succeed in higher education. This support has been a cornerstone of my educational journey, enabling me to navigate the challenges posed by my disability and pursue my academic goals.

A recent government consultation proposes changes that could severely limit this essential support for disabled students across the country. These changes risk creating a significant barrier to education for students like me, making us disadvantaged in higher education and drastically reducing our chances of successfully completing our studies.

The proposed changes could lead to the removal or reduction of specialized services, equipment, and personnel that cater to the unique needs of disabled students. Such services are not a luxury but a necessity that levels the playing field and ensures equal access to education.

Statistics show that disabled students are already less likely to complete higher education compared to their non-disabled peers. According to data from The House of Commons Library, the graduation rate for disabled students is 24.9% compared to 42.7% for non-disabled students. By removing academic assistance, this gap will only widen, leading to further educational disparity and decreased opportunities for disabled individuals to contribute to society.

We must act now to preserve the academic support systems that uphold the rights of disabled students and promote their educational success. Join me in urging the government to protect these crucial services by responding to the consultation and voicing your support for the continuation of academic assistance programs.

All you need to do is respond to this consultation: https://consult.education.gov.uk/disabled-students-allowance-team/assistive-software-funded-through-disabled-student/consultation/intro/

It should take less than 15 minutes and it help block these reforms. Please be honest in your responses and show your true opinion as its clear that this poses a threat to many people's assistive technology on the wrong basis that 'many use it' when in reality using and relying are very different. 

Please help give disabled students equal opportunities!!!! THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT :)

link here (again): https://consult.education.gov.uk/disabled-students-allowance-team/assistive-software-funded-through-disabled-student/consultation/intro/