Information Line (Freephone)
Telephone 0808 808 0123
Textphone 0808 808 9000
informationline@rnid.org.uk
Telephone 0808 808 0123
Textphone 0808 808 9000
informationline@rnid.org.uk
RNID: For deaf and hard of hearing people.
Further Education
Progressing from school to college can be very exciting, but you may be wondering what the differences will be.
Advice and help
The Connexions Service (external link, opens new browser window) provides support for learners aged 13 to 19 (up to 25 for those with special educational needs or disabilities) and will help with decisions about and planning for transition from school to college or employment. Personal advisers can also help with a range of issues other than traditional 'careers', such as family difficulties or money worries.
Equipment and funding
What helps is communication - interacting with both deaf and hearing people and getting hearing people to become more aware and accept deaf people. (Deaf FE student)
Your college is responsible for providing the equipment and support you need to complete your course successfully. It has a legal responsibility to make reasonable adjustments and it is a good idea for you to know your rights. For further information see our factsheet "Deaf and hard of hearing students in Further Education – your rights under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995".
You may decide to use different types of technical support, either because you are working in a different environment or for cosmetic reasons. For further information see our factsheet "Equipment to help deaf and hard of hearing learners".
You may be eligible for funding such as the educational maintenance allowance or other benefits to make sure you have enough money to complete your studies. For further information see our factsheet "Benefits - information for deaf students".
More information
The RNID education guidelines publication "Deaf students in Further Education" has been produced for staff working in Further Education, but it gives examples of the type of support and good practice which you may find useful. You can buy "Deaf students at college" from our online Shop.
These websites may be useful:
- If you have a cochlear implant, you may like to share your experiences with others on the website What is a cochlear implant? (external link, opens new browser window).
- If you are a student considering your options after 16, see the website After 16 (external link, opens new browser window).
- For further information, contact Skill: the National Bureau for Students with Disabilities (external link, opens new browser window).
RNID produces publications and guidelines aimed at all those who work with deaf students in Further Education, which you may find useful.
For students thinking of going to higher education, you can find more information about the RNID Headstart programme (opens new browser window) here.