Finding True Accessibility in Higher Education

I tried three different universities before I found one that truly met my accessibility needs. The first three? A constant battle—fighting for equal access, advocating every step of the way. It felt no different from the education system I had already struggled through, and I wasn’t about to settle for that again.

When I graduated high school, I went straight into university. I tried one closer to home, then the so-called best university in the state, then the supposedly most accessible online university. I even explored other universities in Perth, WA. But instead of just enrolling blindly, I did something different—I interviewed them.

I went to their psychology departments, their accessibility services, and their student disability networks. I spoke to other disabled students about their experiences. I wasn’t about to invest in a subpar education where I’d have to fight for my basic rights every step of the way.

Because here’s the thing: Just because I have a disability doesn’t mean I shouldn’t be able to go to university.

Accessibility Changes Everything

I had already suffered through an education system that failed to accommodate me in high school. But when I finally attended a school that met my needs, it was life-changing. There were no arguments, no justifications—just a simple, “How can we help?” That’s what accessibility should look like.

So, after high school, I refused to repeat my past experience. I wasn’t going to spend four years in an institution that made me miserable. If a university couldn’t meet my needs, they didn’t deserve my money.

I am paying them for an education, and if they can’t provide it in an accessible way, they don’t deserve my tuition fees. No should not even be in their vocabulary when it comes to providing equal education.

So, I did my research. I asked hard questions. I visited campuses, talked to faculty, and assessed whether they genuinely supported disabled students.

And guess what? I made the right choice.

Now? Every class, every learning opportunity—I have full access without having to fight for it. And let me tell you, when you’re truly supported, amazing things happen.

With interpreters, a notetaker, captions within 48 hours, and full accessibility to all aspects of my education, I can finally focus on learning instead of constantly pushing for what should already be available.

We Don’t Want Special Treatment—Just Equal Opportunities

Some people think disabled people are asking for ‘extra’ things. But here’s the truth: accommodations aren’t luxuries; they’re what make equal access possible.

For Deaf and hard of hearing students like me, that means:

• Full-time interpreters for lectures, tutorials, and social activities

• Notetakers in every class

• Captions provided within 48 hours

• Accessible study sessions and outings

And for others, equal access might look like:

• Autism accommodations – Quiet sensory rooms, noise-canceling headphones, flexible schedules

• Blind/low vision support – Braille textbooks, screen readers, tactile diagrams

• Physical accessibility – Ramps, accessible seating, adaptive technology

• Neurodivergent-friendly learning – Alternative assessment methods, easy-to-read handouts, structured learning environments

• Flexible learning options – Time off for medical needs, hybrid learning, varied exam formats

These adjustments aren’t ‘special privileges.’ They allow disabled students to learn on an equal playing field.

The Power of True Inclusion

I can’t express how life-changing it is to finally be in a space where I don’t have to advocate every single day just to have the same opportunities as everyone else. Having access shouldn’t be a constant battle—it should be a given.

And it’s not just about classrooms. Universities that genuinely care about accessibility think beyond academics. They create accessible social spaces, extracurricular activities, and networking opportunities. They make sure that disabled students can fully participate in the entire university experience.

And that’s exactly what I have now. A university that supports my hearing loss, my health issues, and my life as a parent.

Education should empower, not exclude. When universities and workplaces commit to true accessibility, disabled people don’t just survive—we thrive.