Bridge College is supporting the rights of young people with learning difficulties and physical disabilities to receive further education.
The Together Trust’s specialist college based in Openshaw, Manchester, is the North West lead for the ‘A Right Not a Fight’ campaign supported by the Association of National Specialist Colleges (Natspec*).
The latest event saw specialist colleges from across the North West join together to showcase the benefits that studying at these facilities gives to young people with complex needs.
The Together Trust believes that everyone deserves an equal chance in life and supports over 2,300 young people each year with behavioural problems, learning difficulties, physical disabilities and autism spectrum conditions.
The campaign ‘A Right Not a Fight’ supports the belief that everyone has the right to education and to attend their college of choice. Just because a person has a disability, doesn’t mean they don’t have the right to the education that suits them best.
Clare Howard, CEO of Natspec, said, “We are looking to give the students here a chance to speak about what’s important to them about attending a specialist college in terms of benefits and families need to be given the right information to be able to choose a place in specialist further education.”
Students had the opportunity to present and discuss their views on the positive aspects of being at a specialist college and any transitions issues they faced moving into further education.
James, a student at Bridge College, said, “I like using the specialist computers and different technology to communicate. I like the support I get from staff. I like going to rebound therapy which helps me stretch out. I like how fast Bridge College helped me get my new electric wheelchair, so I can be independent moving around college and now at home.”
Lisa Duncalf, Principal at Bridge College added, “This event showcases the work of specialist further education colleges to really show the difference it makes to young people with complex needs.
“Often for students, having a place at Bridge College can be life changing and there’s no greater testimony to that than the voices of the students themselves.”
To learn more about the Natspec’s ‘A Right Not a Fight’ or to show your support visit www.rightnotafight.co.uk.
For more information on how to work or study at Bridge College, please call 0161 487 4293 or visit www.togethertrust.org.uk.
* Natspec (National Association of Specialist Colleges) is the membership association for Specialist Colleges.