This article has been written by Scarlet James, Events Officer for our Disabled Students Group.
As part of Invisible Disabilities Week, which lasts from 19–25 October, we interviewed our Computing and Communications Student Rep, Melissa Taylor.
This interview explores the experiences of Open University students who study while managing epilepsy. Its purpose is to raise awareness, promote inclusion, and highlight the importance of accessibility and understanding within distance learning.
It will hopefully help showcase the diverse experiences of OU students, and contribute to creating a more equitable and supportive community for everyone.
A bit about Melissa
Could you tell me a little about yourself – what you’re studying and what inspired you to study with The Open University?
My name is Melissa Taylor, and I am studying computing while simultaneously representing my board of studies, Computing and Communications, as a Student Representative. I also run a Women in Computing Club, where I actively try to support other students in their studies. I prefer studying at home because it suits me. Distance learning works well for me because of my disabilities – epilepsy and deafness – and I sometimes have difficult days.
How does distance learning work for you day-to-day, especially alongside managing your epilepsy?
I can work within my time constraints – taking breaks from the screen when necessary, making time to fulfil my module needs, listening to my body and what my needs are, ensuring I take my medication on time, and being understanding to myself when I am unable to study on any given day.
Melissa's experience as a student with epilepsy
How has your overall experience been studying with epilepsy?
My overall experience studying with epilepsy has enabled me to continue studying, even on days when I am unwell due to my condition. The challenges I have faced include lowering the brightness on my laptop when I feel fuzzy, and sometimes experiencing aching legs and arms after feeling ill.
Are there moments when studying feels more difficult, such as during seizures, fatigue, or concentration dips?
One of the moments that makes studying difficult is when I get fuzzy feelings and cannot see anything, such as my laptop. During these moments, I try to regain a sense of normality by having a short lie down and relaxing on the bed, so that I may continue my studies.
Support and accessibility
Have you found the OU’s support and accessibility services helpful?
I found the OU support services somewhat beneficial; however, there is room for improvement for our disabled students, particularly in communication. Nevertheless, they thrive within the Disability Support Allowance programme, as I have been issued a laptop and all their software.
Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) is a grant that supports disabled students in higher education within the UK. It covers extra study-related costs or expenses. To check your eligibility, visit their website – https://help.open.ac.uk/dsa-overview.
Was it easy to tell the University about your condition and get any adjustments in place?
It was easy to inform the University about my condition because I put it on my Student Home profile page, and they knew what they needed to do from that, creating an ease of access for students with additional needs.
Is there anything you think could be done better to support students with epilepsy or fluctuating health conditions?
I believe that students with epilepsy could use paper formats of module materials because they provide them with a break from screens, helping to reduce the chances of epileptic symptoms.
Inclusion and belonging
Do you feel that students with hidden or long-term conditions are well understood and included at the OU?
Most students with medical conditions may feel excluded because they struggle to make friends. Being a distance-based university, students can feel isolated and alone in their struggles, so I wanted to do this interview to support other students like me!
How could the OU or Open SU promote better awareness and inclusion for students with epilepsy?
They could raise awareness for students with epilepsy by including it in Open SU events and raising charity events or virtual spaces for more voices to be heard.
Have you felt that your voice and experiences are listened to in student spaces or groups?
My voice is not always heard in some group spaces. While I appreciate that many different voices other than mine are being listened to, I do feel that there needs to be more awareness for some other invisible illnesses, such as epilepsy. This is another reason for me to do this interview so that my voice can be heard, as I do not always feel that I can talk freely in some student spaces.
Community and connection
Do you feel like you are part of the wider OU student community?
I am part of the wider student community because I attend nearly every event and run my women's computing club, which is open to all students. I feel more supported in the Wales Club, Bingo, and Community Drop-in clubs because I use my voice to express my views, and people actually read them and listen to me!
What advice would you give to another student with epilepsy who’s just starting with the OU?
The advice that I would give to another student who has epilepsy would be to take regular breaks from the computer, and if you're unable to study, postpone it until you’re feeling better. This is the value of distance learning – you can study when you are able to, and you can reach out to other students, especially in some of the clubs I have already mentioned.
Looking ahead
How do you see your OU studies helping you with your future goals or career plans?
My OU studies will support my future goals by helping me secure a position in computing (my passion), as I have relevant experience from completing four years at college before university – as well as my degree, when I complete it!
Finally, is there a message you want to share about accessibility, inclusion, or understanding epilepsy in education?
You can study whether you have a disability or not, and never let it stop you from achieving what you want to achieve. Understand that it may take me and others like me more time to finish module expectations, but it may also mean I am unreachable due to my medical needs. However, having a good routine, the support of good friends, and a clear understanding of what medication you need to take will enrich your journey!
A final word
I'd like to thank Melissa for sharing her experiences of living with epilepsy. Let's hope her voice will help to build a more inclusive, supportive, and understanding environment for all Open University students.