Graduate Helen describes how she studied while living with a visual impairment

Helen Russell is from Swansea. She works at the Ministry of Justice and in 2022, graduated with a BSc (Hons) in Criminology and Psychology with The Open University.  

Music is a big part of her life. She enjoys Country music in particular, and plays bass guitar. She is also fond of travelling, and lists the USA and Canada as two of her favourite places she has visited. She lives with a visual impairment and considers herself to be disabled.  

Helen began studying with the OU in 2015. She chose this degree through her work in law courts, and was encouraged by two olleagues to think abou the OU.   

‘I was looking for answers and a better understanding of human nature, personality and links to criminology,’ says Helen. ‘The course has taught me to be more inquisitive, not to take things at face value, and not to judge.’

Finding the courage

Whether it was allaying my fears of the examination, reasonable adjustments or offering extra time with tutors should I need it, the OU were re-assuring all the way through.

Although Helen would now recommend the OU to anyone wishing to study for a degree, she admits that she was initially worried about registering for her course.  

‘It took many attempted calls before I found the courage to make that call for real,’ she explains. ‘I didn’t think ‘people like me’ could study to degree level and found every excuse not to proceed. 

‘Whether it was allaying my fears of the examination, reasonable adjustments or offering extra time with tutors should I need it, the OU were re-assuring all the way through.’ 

As a disabled student, Helen was eligible for Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA). Through this she was given a laptop with ZoomText, which allowed her to enlarge text on the screen and read it out. As she needed to use 36pt font, she was also given a supply of paper and printer ink, often having to print several sheets to review her work.  

‘The OU were so supportive from the outset,’ she says. ‘They guided me though the DSA application, informed each tutor in advance and were thorough in their guidance.’ 

‘I spoke over the telephone at first, then provided medical evidence, my blind persons registration number and a letter from the GP. The process was seamless.’

Celebrating on the banks of the Clyde

As well as the support she received to study alongside her disability, Helen found that the OU’s flexibility of allowing students to study suited her circumstances. Reflecting on her 6 years of study with the OU, she is sure she would do it all over again in a heartbeat.  

The OU are there to help you. They don’t know what your requirements are so you need to explain.  Make use of reasonable adjustments, they are there to help you be the best you can be.

For disabled students, Helen’s advice is to be open from the start.  

‘Speak to the OU’s Student Support team and be clear of the help you would need, she advises. ‘Speak to others who have been through the process. Have all your evidence together in readiness for the DSA application. 

‘The OU are there to help you. They don’t know what your requirements are so you need to explain. Make use of reasonable adjustments, they are there to help you be the best you can be.   

‘Join Disabled Students Groups. They are a great source of information and encouragement. The OU has such a positive vibe about it, a community filled with the most amazing people from all walks of life.’  

Although she is from south-west Wales, Helen chose to graduate at an OU ceremony in Scotland so that she could be joined by her family.  

‘I travelled to Glasgow as my grandchildren wanted to see Nana graduating,’ she recalls. ‘Their school was pretty impressed when they heard the reason for the request for ‘special leave’ so they could attend. It was by far, the proudest day of my life.’