INFORMATION SEEKING APPROACH

As individuals with disabilities you are faced with a variety of challenges from different people and elements, it is therefore important to keep a clear mind in order to achieve your goals.

When looking for information, especially academic information you must develop a particular approach in order for you to get your hands on the information you want and to get assistance when you need it. We have compiled few guidelines to assist you when you are looking for higher education information, this will help you maintain a good approach for getting the information you want, getting things done, and getting the assistance you need.

Know Your Rights

It is very important as a person with a disability to know what your rights are so that you are aware of what to expect and how to go about getting the things you need. Be informed, read and know the facts regarding information that concerns an individual with your particular limitations. You must know what you should expect when receiving service and being helped. Empower yourself so that you are able to see when things are not being done appropriately or when you are being denied services you are entitled to.

Have an End in Mind

Start by knowing what it is that you want to achieve, tell yourself you will achieve it and go after it. Do not be afraid or allow yourself to be intimidated by others, focus on your goal. Be persistent and resilient and take all the challenges thrown at you with a positive problem solving attitude.

Ask Questions

You need to ask and ask and ask until you get a satisfactory answer. There is no such thing as a stupid question, even if you feel as though the question you want to ask is a stupid question ask it anyway to ensure that your mind is put at ease. Asking questions eliminates confusion or doubt, the answers you will get will give you assurance and certainty, and this will in turn allow you to have a clear understanding regarding whatever it is you need to know. Asking questions allows you to be informed and gives you understanding; and that is very crucial for a restricted individual as it empowers you.

Do your Research

You must always be prepared in whatever scenario you find yourself in. If you are going somewhere to source information ensure that you have done your research, know where the disability units are at different universities. For example if you are going to a particular university you need to know where you must go as a restricted individual so that you follow due processes and get the relevant people to assist you. You must know who you must talk to for assistance and when necessary who to escalate matters to and how to go about doing so.

Be Patient

You will find different kinds of people offering services who may not understand you unique needs as a restricted individual; you need to be patient and not give up. Do not leave without getting the assistance you need, talk to everyone you are told to talk to and expect different reactions from different people. Do not allow yourself to give up because of what one person said, be patient and go after what you what.

Exhaust all avenues

When you are seeking assistance or information do not take what one person says as final, especially if what they are saying does not help your situation. Knock on every door and do not take no for an answer, escalate matters if need be. Make sure that you speak to everyone you can until you get the help you need.

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Qualifications
A qualification is a title or attribute gained in education, through examination or by certification.	CLICK FOR MORE
Career Decision Making Process
Making a career choice is the most important decision you will ever make however it is often a hard decision to make. This process is more than just choosing a job but it’s about choosing something that will provide you with the lifestyle you want. It requires readiness and readiness can be informed by the level of knowledge you have. It is therefore vital that you have necessary information and get proper advice before you make your choice.	CLICK FOR MORE
Careers for Individuals with Disabilities
Now you have made up your career decision, then think of the possible careers in your field of interest. Different disabilities come with different limitations; a blind individual has different challenges associated with their disability when compared to an individual who is deaf. These differences create different limits in terms of the working environment, these challenges also require special provisions therefore it is very important to realise and allow our differences to benefit us in our careers rather than hinder us.	CLICK FOR MORE
Application Process
Applying for placement into an academic institution is the first step to securing a higher education qualification. You need to apply at your desired institution like every other student but unique additional information may be required for prospective students with disabilities.	CLICK FOR MORE
Funding for Students with Disabilities
There are 3 different types of funding opportunities a student may look up for such as scholarships, bursaries and study loans.	CLICK FOR MORE
Higher Education Information for Students with Disabilities
As a student with a disability you should know what your limits and challenges are and how those impact on your academics, it is important to communicate these challenges with your institution’s disability unit.	CLICK FOR MORE
Institutional Information for Students with Disabilities entering Higher Education
This covers: Universities Universities of Technology	CLICK FOR MORE