Like any other graduates, as soon-to-be graduates of National Star College, their road to future independence is paved with hopes, dreams, and expectations—but hurdles and difficulties. Nineteen-year-old Kate comes from Bath. She aspires to live on her own and work in the building design or interior design fields, particularly improving properties to be more accessible. Living in one of the college’s residences in Cheltenham, Kate is determined to carve out a future that reflects her ambitions.
Chris, one of the other students at the college, has gotten much more confident since coming here. Although he is totally blind and has made an effort to find work, he wasn’t able to land a Saturday job. Chris’s mum Jeanette says Chris has grown up a lot since being at National Star.
Rhi, a 23-year-old graduate student from Wales, tells her story too. Having suffered a brain injury at birth, Rhi says that her years at the college have made her truly happy. At the same time, Billy works in tandem with his own personalized learning coordinator, Ruth. Typically, Reid and Reinhardt discuss his future plans as he gets ready for life after college.
National Star College provides focused specialist support designed specifically for students with a wide range of abilities. Annual costs for this assistance can be as high as £20,000 to £300,000 per student. The college hopes to provide more than an education, though, a bridge for their students to walk across into adulthood.
Lynette Barrett, chief executive of National Star, emphasizes the importance of local authorities staying connected with students during their transition. She shines a light on the additional hurdles that young adults with more complex needs experience. She challenges us all to see their worth, beyond only monetary benefits.
“These are people in the UK that are as important as anybody else, and we live in a society where we think that we value our own citizens. We have to recognize that a value for a young person is more than just a financial cost.” – Lynette Barrett
Our friends at National Star College are running a transition event later this month. Through this event, students will learn more about their future education/training opportunities, living arrangements, and social life. This new initiative hopes to raise awareness among students about the resources and support systems that are out there.
The statutory EHCPs that allow students to attend specialized colleges are due for reform. This shift begs the question of what’s coming on the other end for that crucial support. Jayne, Rhi’s mother, is currently in the process of applying for her daughter to remain at the college for a third year. Still, she is well aware that there are no sure things.
“It’ll be another fight about what to do next, otherwise. We haven’t seen a social worker since just before she started here so we’re just waiting to hear,” – Jayne
Chris has come a long way in his maturity through the experiences he’s had at National Star. Beyond the academic realm, they’ve fundamentally changed how he socializes. Through his retrospection we see a longing to connect in a deep and productive way with the world.
“I’d rather be doing something with my life than being bored,” – Chris
He adds that despite his visual impairment limiting certain activities, he believes that life should not stop because of obstacles.
“Even though my visual impairment has stopped me doing things, life shouldn’t stop you. Put your mind to it,” – Chris
Barrett goes on to emphasize the importance of quality treatment after specialized training. She stresses that students require the right supports specifically in physiotherapy and occupational therapy. Without it, they’ll find it hard to enjoy the high quality of life we’ve promised them after they graduate from the nation’s college.
“There’s a reducing number of providers out there that are offering appropriate social care for young adults with complex needs,” – Lynette Barrett
The path to independence for students in real life today like Kate, Chris, Rhi and Billy is still paved with promise as well as peril. Every one of these students is putting their all toward realizing their dreams. They’re just trying to make sense of the often confusing transitions from specialized educational environments to the real world.
