Can't go back to college

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I've had ongoing issues at college; in my sign language class I kept getting excluded by other students which prevented me from practising - the typical situation of my not knowing how to integrate myself into a group and other students seeing me as the freak so excluding me. I made the mistake of contacting the Autism Support Team who have been more a hindrance than a help...

Rather than getting the tutor to include me the support team forced in-class support onto me (I informed them I did not want/need this - such support was never going to help resolve the issue) - this in-class support was a woman who had no knowledge of AS/ASD so just didn't understand my needs and patronised me like a five-year-old, she also kept trying to force me into groups which just drew attention to me - this was HUMILIATING! I also feel the tutor is belittling me a little too, so class turned into a nightmare.

Stress led me to have a meltdown during my last exam - it was re-scheduled but it took me prompting Autism Support to get the information from them, by which time I had missed a class, but the information they gave was very vague so I missed my exam (they only gave a vague idea of the time, not the specific time of the exam). They're blaming me and thus I'd have to pay to re-sit (£25) - I can't afford this, even if I could I doubt I'd pass now due to all the stress, missed lessons, and my final exam would be at the same time.

Basically the Autism Support Team seem clueless about how to support students on the spectrum, I wish I had never bothered to approach them as I'd have been better off without their 'support' - honestly, this has caused so much stress it's made me ill. I wrote an email to them explaining this and informing them that I am now leaving the course...

...the problem; they've informed me that if I leave, which I have to do, then as I was fee-exempt this time round I'd not be able to do the sign language course at any other college without having to pay the fees (£360), which I really can't afford.

There really is NO WAY that I can go back to this college to finish my course...I'm just so upset and so mad that because of their incompetence and how I've been treat that I'm now going to miss out on learning sign language, something I enjoy, that I've wanted to learn for years and something that I'm actually really good at. This really isn't fair!

This was supposed to help me do something constructive while I'm unemployed, to give me some social interaction and routine, I fought hard to keep-up with the work regardless and every lesson I fought so hard not to cry when it made me feel so low, it was all for nothing. Plus - I don't want to go back due to this and if this is the 'support' on offer I can't anyway, but this is the largest college in the area so this seriously limits my options when it comes to doing any other courses to help me back into work, career training or just to learn.

It sounds like you're being kicked around in a giant bureaucracy. I'm in Canada so I'm not sure how your system works in the UK, but we have a Dean who is the head of the college. This is the person you need to talk to. This is the person who can overturn those unfortunate decisions. Try to get hold of this person and make your case to him/her.

Damage has already been done - even if there was someone who could overturn the decision to have in-class support or allow me to re-sit my exam without the fees, it's now too late in the course and class is now too stressful for me to attend again.

yeah i would look for a simple job doing something that requires little interaction. even minimum wage is actually not bad it would give you a little more independance than the autism support people. having an income that is steady and not having to interact is surprisingly reassuring. well thats how i see it being employed is better than being manipulated. and getting the job interview and looking is the hardest part, but its all easy once you get the job.

Is there a special need for this particular class?

Can you take a different language?

I'm so sorry that this happened to you, as something similar happened to me in my videography courses. All that I can offer you is a sympathetic heart, and the hope for a better outcome.

I could take a different language...if I wanted to, I don't.

I wanted to learn BSL because it interests me and because it's useful if I was to go back into working with disabled people - I need to do this course to get my qualification in BSL level 1 to then go onto level 2 & 3.

Is there a way that the professor/teacher can be asked to provide some stealthy intervention? If the teacher is understanding, they may be able to assign groups - and rotate those groups periodically through group projects.

Just a thought. It would take an understanding teacher to be willing to alter their lesson plan but it's worth a shot. There's a chance you actually have a teacher who's main concern is actually... teaching.

Hi,

I was in a slightly similar situation two years ago, although nowhere near as serious. Some of the advice might be handy. Whatever happens: all is not lost. Worst case scenario, if you have to get £360, put a donation page - I'm sure some people would notice and help you on that, especially people on this site, for example. £360 is a lot for one person - it's not for a lot. I don't know so much about other people, but I'd definitely help you on that, especially since I had a similar issue (which caused me to switch degrees halfway through)

However, don't go down that path just yet - there might still be a way to convince wherever you are studying to change that.

Just that is grounds enough to go to your student welfare advisor at college/uni and to tell them to raise the alarm. If it's strong enough (and in this case it is!), the university will do something rather than tarnish their reputation. If they refuse to do anything, seek compensation with CAB (Citizen's Advice Bureau).


Welcome to bureaucracy. I hate to say this, but that's just how it is. Arguing with them might work.


Why do you have to leave?

Here's another similar story. Two of my flatmates caused a nervous breakdown this year. I was absolutely unable to function at all for a month - the university noticed, said that they'd do something, and I told them what happened. Their answer wasn't "Oh, you suck, go away" - it was actually "It happens, we know. Just take a year break and come back in October. Nothing will be recorded in your student log/transcript".
Institutions can be very weird in their reactions. I thought it'd kill my degree, especially since I wasn't diagnosed then, so there was little to no grounds for it. But, somehow, they still granted me the equivalent of an exemption-free sabbatical.

I'm sure there is a solution like that in your case. Have you tried talking about coming back the year after with whatever institution you are studying at?


They've been mean to you - have you ever heard of Talion's law? Just claim damages due to poor awareness of AW. If you were diagnosed at the time, there's no way they can argue against it and hold grounds in a small claims court. I'm pretty sure they'd bend over backwards to try to repair the damage.

Failing that, there's bound to be other solutions. What I've said there is what I thought of using existing information - we can talk about it if you want. I'm sure there's a non-destructive way out of that, although it's probably not obvious. If sign language is something you really want to do, there must be a way to follow on that desire.

See above - the course finished yesterday with final exam on the 5th of July - I've now missed two classes so wouldn't be able to pass my final exam even if I was able to find the £25 to re-sit my second exam, in fact chances are that due to how they book the exams with the examining body they've probably cancelled my final exam so to sit this I'd probably have to pay another £25. It'd also be too high-stress as although I'd not have to sit in class again I'd have to deal with the autism support guy and the tutor again.



Even if I was able to attend next year and able to find the £360 fee, the same problems would occur again.
It's a fundamental problem with the learning support team. When I went to this college full-time in my teens there was no support at all (as well as AS I had suffered from suspected minor strokes at the time), no special consideration for exams, no out-of-class or in-class support and some tutors were outright cruel during a meltdown. I was happy to see this time round that learning support had improved and now offered support to autistic students, but I feel the particular guy who deals with autistic students has a serious lack of understanding - or as my boyfriend put it 'he's a total douche'.



Without fee exempt there is no way. Even if I was able to get £360 that money would be better spent on food or rent, unfortunately free courses while I'm unemployed is the only way I'd ever get to go back into any sort of further education.

Edit: Edited after Anamnesis replied - sorry, I do that a lot

Last edited by Bloodheart on 22 Jun 2011, 3:26 pm, edited 2 times in total.

I did read that much. That year is pretty much void - same as my current uni year (see above), there isn't much - if anything - you can do on that. My idea and suggestion was to talk with them, tell them that they were the cause of the breakdown, and ask if you can come back next year free of charge (as it was their fault). Failing that, student welfare advisor -> CAB small claims summon and I'm sure they'll agree. Because if they don't, they've got their reputation and equal opportunities references to lose.



For the issues re-occuring, that can also be changed. It's a matter of people being able to understand the issues - which sounds easy, but it isn't. For the fee... you'd be surprised on that. If you do have to pay the fees, however, let WP know and I'll be sure to help you a bit on that point. And, as I said earlier, don't underestimate people who understand these issues - chances are they'd throw part of the fees your way.

I didn't bother asking - is it a proper JANET/accredited university/college, or is it private?


Ouch, yeah. That's a problem. Is there no way to get some financial support for that, be it due to your financial situation or AS diagnosis or anything else? (Thinking grants/bursaries)

Here's a question: is it the CLASS you want, or do you really just want to learn the language? Because if it's the class you want, you'll have to play whatever games the school has arranged ... but if you really just want to learn the language, there are a surprising number of resources out there, starting with signing DVDs at the libraries, check with Easter Seals -- they sometimes have materials you can borrow. I don't know about your local deaf community but I found ours very receptive when I wanted help learning sign. I think the most unexpected help I got was from the local Mormon church; there were five church members who were fluent and were happy to come by and help me get started. There are many, many sources available on the web, as well. And if you're really desperate and really broke, you can always hang out in the local bookstore every day for a few hours and 'browse'.

The original plan was to get my level 1 BSL qualification at this college, then level 2 and level 3 BSL, along with another course or two such as a management course. So, that's a few plans out the window thanks to this mess. I had thought of doing BSL at another college in September rather than waiting, however as well as now being told I can't do this without paying fees, it's also a case of finding another college locally that teaches BSL - off the top of my head I only know one other, unfortunately the job centre forced me to leave the other college last year mid-course. Yes, it should be noted that there is a possibility of employment or the job centre preventing me from attending college again next year too, so that adds to my distress over having to leave this time round

I get fee-exempt because I'm unemployed so I'd imagine it's a standard policy that you only get the fees waived if you don't drop-out or fail, not down to the college - although granted I MIGHT be wrong about that. I think what I need to do now is take the issue up with whoever is superior to the guy from the Autism Support Team, because I think it's pointless to try to continue any sort of discussion with him - from there I may get clarification on the fee situation, I also want to make them clear that what has happened is a concern.



Proper accredited college.



I wouldn't know.
I've never known where to go for information about such things, thus one of the many reasons why I didn't get to go to university years ago or why I'm not there now, lol. I remember years ago my low-life lazy unemployed stoner ex boyfriend got a few grand to study for a computing qualification...if he can get that I'm sure there must be some sort of way for me to get funds to study, that there must be somewhere to get career advice so I know what courses to do, and somewhere to get advice on this, but not sure where.

I do plan to keep up with learning signing even if not attending class right now, I've got my dictionary and different notes and materials from my class, as well as my log-in for the web site that runs the course so I can watch videos to get used to 'listening'. I doubt I'd be able to get in with the local deaf community - I'm not sure how to get involved, other than seeing a notice locally for a deaf night where hearing people are welcome, only it requires you to phone them to get details (kind of funny...but also kind of depressing as I can't use a telephone to call!). But the thing is if I wanted to use BSL for any job I would need the qualification, which means taking a class.

I googled Learn BSL online free-- and found [u] www.signstation.org. [/u] It has just what you are looking for. It could refresh and enhance what you tried to study for your exam and you might find it a good alternative to a classroom.
Remember, the college pays people to grade your tests. Dont fail yourself, make them work for their paycheck.
Also that you are protected by the Disablity Discrimination Act.

To be certified in working with disabled, it is likely more about what you know than what courses you took. I have known children of deaf parents who are hired on the spot for sign language interpreting.

In terms of employment to support yourself for the moment, you might find there are boss-minimum, co-worker free positions. Delivery, for example. You pick up the stuff and you are off to deliver. Your destination may include someone signing or paying for the delivery. No conversation needed -just "sign here" or giving the price..saying thank you or you are welcome. They are always glad to see a delivery arrive. They probably wont even really look at you. You return to your base, pick up something else, and you are out of there again. Food delivery is the easiest hire. And you get to keep your tips. So every day you have money to reward you for your effort. You will also learn what attitude gets you the best tips.

I am sure other posters can think of some too.

By the way, testing is really just you testing yourself. You are not trying to please anyone else. Like doing a crossword puzzle. Everyone in the room is doing the same thing. They are not watching you.
The longer you are in college the more routine testing becomes.

This is what I figured out--if I knew every answer and felt I presented it well, smiled all through the test, I would get an A. If I wasnt as sure on some things, I got a B. If I was sure I wasnt as prepared as I needed to be, I got a C. If I knew I screwed a lot of it up, I got a D. If I thought I was in the wrong room, taking the wrong test, I failed.

I never paid attention to the others in my classes- Unless they had a good contribution that helped me understand or got the instructor to explain something I needed to hear too.

College was about me, for me. At least you know you are better qualified to work with the disabled than your tutor -and she has a job!
That might be the most valuable information you gained.

ONE more thing.

What you should have gotten and should insist upon is an INCOMPLETE. You then have whatever period of time and conditions they place on you to complete the course and test. If you do not satisfy the INCOMPLETE it turns into a grade or a fail. See the head of the department !