Former Queen's student awarded £20,000 following disability discrimination case

by Q Radio News

A former midwifery student at Queen's University, who lives with cystic fybrosis, has been awarded £20,000 following a disability discrimination case she took against the university.

Sarah Walker began her studies in September 2018 when she said the university knew about her illness.

Within two weeks of starting Ms Walker developed a chest infection and was admitted to hospital. During her absence, she said she was assured that reasonable adjustments were in place, including a note taker at lectures and she would be able to resume her studies.

However, upon returning in Ocotber 2018, she claimed she was told that she would have to withdraw for the rest of the academic year as she had missed too much of the first term including two practical classes.

Queen’s University advised Ms Walker that she could return to her course in September 2019 and that they would arrange to meet with her beforehand to discuss reasonable adjustments. A meeting took place on 1 October 2019. By this stage the new academic year had already commenced.  

Ms Walker said she felt unable to return due to a lack of clarity that reasonable adjustments would be put in place for her.

“I just wanted to study for my chosen career in midwifery," she said. 

"I needed some extra support and above all some understanding of the life-long condition that I live with. 

“Unfortunately, I felt I had to withdraw from the course as I considered the support I needed was neither clear nor in place to allow me to progress.”

“I’m very grateful of the assistance of the Equality Commission and of my local MP, Mr Ian Paisley, who both helped enormously during this stressful process.”

Commenting on the case, Evelyn Collins, Chief Executive of the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland said: “On this International Day for People with Disabilities, Sarah’s experiences highlight the importance of Universities ensuring that they take steps to support students with disabilities.”

“Universities must make reasonable adjustments to all policies, procedures and practices to ensure that a disabled student is not placed at a disadvantage compared to those who are not disabled. This means that educational institutions must make changes, where reasonable, not only in response to the individual needs of students but also proactively for disabled students generally.” 

The Equality Commission said the Queen's University sincerely apologised to her for the injury to feelings and distress she experienced while making no admission of liability.

In a statement the university said: "The University wishes to underline its commitment to equality of opportunity for all its staff and students and has a dedicated Disability Services team and a robust Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy.

"Queen’s is committed to creating an inclusive environment and will continue to work hard to ensure any students with disabilities have the appropriate support in place for their chosen course of study and wider participation in University life.

"For students with disabilities, specific assessments are made and, where appropriate, support mechanisms are put in place.

"In line with regulations from the Nursing and Midwifery Council, students in the School of Nursing and Midwifery are not permitted to take part in clinical placements unless they have attended essential teaching. This is to ensure both the health and safety of the students, as well as the patients they encounter while on placement.

"The University is unable to comment on specific cases or legal disputes."