Adults with CP who study, or want to study, in a higher education environment, including university, TAFE, apprenticeships and short courses, have the right to access and participate in education on the same basis as students without a disability, regardless of their age.

It is important to have an open line of communication with your education provider, so that you and the staff delivering your course of study (lecturers, teachers and tutors) can be clear about how to support your learning and wellbeing.

This can include informal communication, such as an email or a quick chat after a class, or more formal communication by making an appointment. Find a way of communicating that suits you both.

Staff members need to make sure that all the students get a full educational experience and have every opportunity to participate, learn, and grow. Remember education providers cannot discriminate against students with CP in Australia.

Your healthcare team can provide advice and guidance about the environmental adjustments you may require. These include things like accessibility for aids like wheelchairs, classroom sound quality, use of assistive technology and equipment, and bathroom modifications.

Each person with CP has their own strengths and abilities. When educators are better aware of the needs of each student they can be included and supported to enjoy their education.

Other tips to help education staff create more inclusive learning experiences for adult students with CP include to:

• allow the student more time with transitions and tasks, to help them with understanding and processing instructions
• use assistive technology and equipment as required – such as using an eye-gaze, computer-navigation system or speech-to-text for students who struggle with handwriting
• regularly check in with the student with CP to help them achieve set goals.
• vary teaching strategies – all students learn differently, so varying teaching methods, like lecturing, reading, videos, interactive apps, small group work, projects and discussions, can help every student
• make classrooms physically accessible – make sure there is plenty of space between desks and other obstacles, so a student with a wheelchair, walker, or other devices, can move as freely as any other student
• deliver activities that all students can participate in, regardless of ability level
• be proactive about addressing bullying, through education and awareness, and by acting when there are any signs it is happening – students with disability are at greater risk of bullying than others. It can lead to long-term harm and, in the short term, it can cause a student to become more excluded and withdrawn
• deal with discriminatory language immediately – do not tolerate any language that is discriminatory against anyone, by gender, sexual orientation, race or religion, or disability.

You may be eligible for funding that supports students with disability to access, participate in and succeed at higher education, through a number of government programs. Ask student services or administration staff at the education provider where you want to study about the application process. You may need to provide copies of reports from your healthcare team for a funding application.