Students Raise Money for Stoke Mandeville Spinal Research with Day in Wheelchair
Aylesbury College Health and Social Care students took part in a sponsored day in a wheelchair on Monday 20th April. The students were fundraising for Stoke Mandeville Spinal Research by taking part in the charity’s ongoing fundraising campaign, Wheels at Work.
Mario Bento, was one of four students who spent the day in a wheelchair for Wheels at Work and said: “This was an eye-opening day for me. The College was quite easy to get around while in the wheelchair, but it was more difficult at busy times like break or lunch. It definitely made me more aware of the challenges that people in wheelchairs face.”
Sarah Thirtle, Advanced Practitioner for Health and Social Care at Aylesbury College said: “The Health and Social Care course explores diversity, equality and discrimination, so taking part in Wheels at Work has been very informative for all our students.”
In the 2013-14 academic year, 14% of Aylesbury College students declared a disability, and academic results showed there was no success gap between students who have a disability and those who do not. With disabled parking close to College entrances, disabled toilets, ramps and lifts to facilitate wheelchair access, the College aims to provide a learning environment that is accessible to all.
Clare Gell, Director of Human Resources commented: “Equality and Diversity is one of Aylesbury College’s key priorities and something we take very seriously. I am very pleased that our Health and Social Care students were able to take part in Wheels at Work and support the work that Stoke Mandeville Spinal Research does to improve the quality of life after paralysis.”