Adjustments for student with tremors and mobility challenges
Just before starting their PhD, a student was diagnosed with a functional neurology disorder which effected their mobility and caused tremors.
Simple yet effective adjustments were made such as paying for an assistant and lean stool.
A fellow student was paid to help assist loading the rotors under the nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) machine, to save time and to allow the disabled student to work independently at their bench instead. A lean stool was provided so that the student could rest when needed as they often used crutches to get around.
These adjustments were both simple, yet effective. Despite this, initially the disability team didn鈥檛 know what was wrong or how to help so the student had to advocate for themselves until they got a formal diagnosis.
At first the disability team had no idea what was wrong (neither did I) and wasn't sure how to help. I had to advocate quite strongly for myself before I received an official diagnosis, but when help was offered it was incredible. 鈥� These were really simple adjustments, but they helped me gain confidence again in the lab as they had faith I could still work safely, and made alternative arrangements where needed.