Yvonne Cargill admits that before beginning her studies at the University of Dundee, she had fears about how much her rheumatoid arthritis might affect her success as a student.
But as Yvonne prepares to graduate on July 11 with a rare First Class Honours degree in Politics, she now knows her worries were unfounded.
Before becoming a student, Arbroath mother of two Yvonne was an active volunteer with the organisation Arthritis Care. Determined not to let the condition rule her life and keen to encourage the same attitude in others, she co-managed the successful 'Challenging Arthritis' programme which helps people manage the condition effectively. Yvonne says this course was instrumental in encouraging her to take up the challenge of a university degree.
Yvonne matriculated at Dundee four years ago and, as her condition places limitations upon her and is also fluctuating, she was unsure just what facilities would be available for disabled students.
She said, "I wanted to go to University to prove to myself I could do it, but did have some trepidation about how I would manage as rheutaoid arthritis is a condition which fluctuates. I needn't have worried however, as the support from everyone from the University's Disability Support Centre to my tutors and fellow students - has been faultless. Disability need not be a barrier education.
"One of the best elements to it all has been that thefocus of every student on the course, including myself, has been to get our degrees, and that is what our friendships have been based on. I have really just been one of the crowd during my time here."
Since she is only able to type on a computer keyboard for short spaces of time, Yvonne received assistance from the Links in Education and Disability (LEAD) Organisation which is based at Angus College. LEAD matched Yvonne with a volunteer from Carnoustie who types for her. Yvonne said, "The support of Anne Morgan and LEAD was invaluable, yet lack of funding in the Angus area has meant that some of the valuable services this organisation provides for disabled students have had to be shelved."
Yvonne is now looking at the possibility of continuing her studies at the University and ultimately hopes to return to working in the area of disability support as she is keen to pass on her experience to others.
By Jane Smernicki, Press Officer 01382 344768 j.m.smernicki@dundee.ac.uk