Students from New College Worcester (NCW) recently joined peers from the Royal National College for the Blind (RNC) for a Visual Impairment Information Day at the University of Worcester, gaining valuable insight into university life and the support available to students with vision impairment.
The event, organised by the University’s Disability and Dyslexia Service, brought together young people from both specialist colleges who are considering higher education as a future pathway. It provided an excellent opportunity to learn more about the transition from college to university and the preparation needed to make that next step with confidence.
For many students considering their future options, university can feel like a significant transition. Events such as this provide a valuable opportunity to see first-hand what studying in higher education can look like and to begin thinking about the support, independence and opportunities that university can offer.
During the day, students explored key areas of the campus, including teaching facilities and student accommodation. They learned more about the practical adjustments available to support students with vision impairment, including accessible accommodation adaptations and specialist support services.
The visit also included sessions on accessible learning materials, student support, mentoring opportunities and the Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA), helping students understand the resources that may be available should they choose to continue their studies.
A particular highlight was the opportunity to hear directly from current university students with vision impairments. Their honest and insightful accounts of university life gave NCW students the chance to ask questions, learn from lived experience and gain confidence about what future study could look like.
The event forms part of NCW’s ongoing commitment to preparing students for life beyond college and ensuring they have the information and experiences needed to make informed decisions about their futures. Whether students choose university, employment, apprenticeships or further training, helping them to become confident and aspirational about their next steps remains a key priority.
Andrew Radford, Careers Lead at New College Worcester, said:
“At New College Worcester, helping students to fulfil their ambitions and be aspirational for their future is crucial to us. Our students who attended found it very insightful to learn about university life, particularly learning from past and present vision-impaired students about their experiences.”
He added:
“There was a lot of practical information shared, including life on campus and mentoring opportunities, that our students found valuable. With only one in four people with a vision impairment in employment, partnerships such as this between the College and the University of Worcester are really important in helping individuals to realise their ambitions.”
NCW would like to thank the University of Worcester for hosting such an informative and welcoming event, as well as the staff and students from RNC for helping to create a positive and collaborative learning experience. Visits like these play an important role in broadening horizons, raising aspirations and helping young people with vision impairment feel confident about taking the next step towards higher education and independent adulthood.
