David, 22, from Darlington, said: “My advice to anyone in similar circumstances is don’t give up. There is help available and nothing is beyond you. I aim to take my academic studies as far as I can. I’m also a keen supporter of groups such as Amnesty International, War on Want, the Free Tibet campaign and CND as well as being very politically motivated.”
David has a team of care assistants who provide twenty-four hour care, bringing him through to the University and waiting outside lectures and seminars. Darlington Local Education Authority also funded, through the Disabled Students Allowance, a scribe to take lecture notes and a typist to word-process them and e-mail them to David.
David added: “My father word-processed all my assignments and dissertation so is particularly aware of the work put in! I enjoyed working with him and discussing my assignments in detail as I was dictating and drafting out work.”
The course’s mix of sociology, social policy and politics was popular with David. He said: “I particularly enjoyed the modules ‘Power and Inequality’ and ‘Third World Development’. I enjoyed the whole degree level study, lectures and seminars with their accompanying discussions and arguments - I’ve always loved an argument!
“My parents, Kevin and Ruth, are delighted by my success and appreciate the work that has gone into it. They are impressed by the academic level I have reached and the support and the encouragement I received from my tutors. All of my lecturers were accessible, helpful and available and even acted as an amanuensis (a person employed to take dictation) for a second year exam!”
David’s topical final-year dissertation explored elements of American foreign policy. He has now applied to study for a Masters degree.