Patchworker Spotlight: Ben’s Story

Patchworktogether Spotlight: Ben’s Story

Community Stories, Resources and Support, Health and Disability, Students and Graduates, Spotlight Stories,

Patchworktogether Spotlight: Ben’s Story

We spoke to Ben Barrett, a student who worked as his Oxford college’s student disability representative. Read Ben’s story to find out more about disability in the world of academia.

“For students about to enter university, the number one piece of advice I have is to get in touch with the university beforeyou arrive. Whatever your situation, this will make everything so much easier,and you won’t have to struggle through fresher’s week or your first term without the support you need.”

Tell us a bit about your experience living with a disability. How does it affect your day to day life and your time at university?

I’ve had severe hearing loss since birth. This is because I was so wriggly in the womb that I strangled myself with my mother’s umbilical cord, cutting off oxygen to my head. My family sometimes joke that the emergency C-section was the only time I’ve ever been early.

Because I’ve always been deaf, I can live with it quite easily from day to day but in specific situations it causes difficulties. I can’t locate sounds or filter between them, which can be distressing and disorientating. Big dinners at long tables, nightclubs and stereo music are all deeply uncomfortable.

Until making the switch to mono I didn’t hear whole sections of some of my favourite songs. I never heard any lines sung by Roger Taylor in Bohemian Rhapsody. I had always assumed “little low, little high” was some strange in-joke among Queen fans that I wasn’t party to.

At university, I really, really struggle with listening to lectures and had to get permission from the faculty to record them in case I miss anything (this is usually very easy to get, but talk to your lecturers or faculty before you record anything as copyright can be an issue and lecturers can get very angry if they think you’re just recording so you don’t have to pay attention).

“I’m Ben, and I’m going into my third year studying English at Oxford University. In my spare time, I enjoy rowing, drama, writing and debate.”

We would love to hear about your work as your college’s Disability Rep?

When I was a disability representative for my college at Oxford, I served a pastoral role to students, acting as a bridge between them and figures of authority when they needed support on issues from accommodation to addiction. I received emails and texts at all times of day and offered tea and biscuits to (occasionally very distressed) students, trying my best to ensure their situation would not hold them back academically or socially.

I also organised events like a sign-language workshop and a sensory art session, open to all to broaden understanding of the limitations faced by disabled people in everyday life. I advertised disability talks taking place in the wider university.

Finally, in recognition of my work, I was invited to sit on the central university’s outreach and access boards, where I helped to scrutinise and improve the information for disabled students provided in the university prospectus. That year, a whole page was dedicated to disabled students for the first time.

Do you have any advice for people living with a disability similar to your own, either in academia or the world of work or more generally?

For students about to enter university, the number one piece of advice I have is to get in touch with the university before you arrive. Whatever your situation, this will make everything so much easier, and you won’t have to struggle through fresher's week or your first term without the support you need.

I know how hard it is to live without this kind of support, and how crucial this first step is. Send an email as soon as you have an offer so any exam or accommodation requirements can be taken into account from the beginning.

Most universities will have a (very friendly!) Disability Advisory Service who can offer you help even if you’ve never received support before. The government also offers a grant (the Disabled Students’ Allowance) which you don’t have to pay back and which you can use to pay for any equipment you might need.

Once you're there, familiarise yourself with the pastoral support available in case you ever need a listening ear or practical help. You’re not alone, and you deserve to succeed at your course just as much as anyone else.

If you are a prospective or current student, you can apply for Disabled Students’Allowances (DSAs) to cover some of the extra costs you may have because of a mental health problem, long term illness or any other disability.

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I found a job through Patchwork Hub – a senior level position with a leading financial services company. Throughout the process I felt supported by very dedicated people, both at Patchwork Hub and the company, and it was really refreshing to be able to openly talk about my health condition and not feel like I had to actively avoid the subject. Their support was simply invaluable.

Ditte Olsen

Patchworker

I applied for a job through Patchwork Hub and secured employment at a FTSE 100 company. That is so fantastic, not just for my bank account and CV but also my confidence. Without Patchwork Hub – both its accessibility and the support and understanding they offer– this would not have happened for me. A platform taking a proactive approach to raising awareness amongst employers, and approaching disability inclusion in a way where we're not othered, is transformational.

Rock Bell

Patchworker

Patchwork Hub are leading a critical culture change in work and health for employers as we move into our 'new normal'. Bringing together global businesses, charities and experts to create accessible work opportunities for those currently excluded by traditional work practises, and challenging assumptions around a hidden pool of talent.

Lord Dennis Stevenson

As a company committed to diversity and equality of opportunity, we are excited to be partnering with Patchwork Hub and are looking forward to further building our relationship with Beth and the business. This platform allows us to connect with highly-skilled individuals we might not otherwise reach. Patchwork Hub hosts a growing pool of very capable and diverse talent which offers businesses unique recruitment potential, while helping to strengthen a company’s social impact.

St James's Place

FTSE 100 employer

I secured employment with a FTSE 100 company through Patchwork Hub. I would like to thank Beth and the team for helping me through the recruitment process and being there to give advice and support throughout my placement. It was refreshing to be honest about my condition and know that the company was ‘disability aware’ and would be inclusive and understanding too. This meant that I was able to focus on my job, learn from my colleagues and feel part of the team. I would advise others to make the most of this unique platform, its placement schemes and the opportunities they provide.

Ben Pearse

Patchworker

Patchwork Hub is an incredible organisation, making great strides towards bridging the gap between employers and ‘the UK’s hidden talent pool’. This is not limited to the one million disabled people in the UK navigating access to traditional job roles but extends across society to all those facing barriers. Patchwork Hub is where employees, who are experiencing the challenge of skills shortages, can come to unlock this talent pool, equally supporting employers and employees, and enabling society as a whole to thrive.

Q5

Annabel Tonge, Q5 Director (Employer)

Patchwork Hub's work will be invaluable to anyone for whom conventional work is not feasible. Having been suffering with health issues over the last few months myself and coming from a family of carers, mental illness sufferers, and disability, I've experienced firsthand the impact Patchwork Hub has on real lives. As well as offering employment opportunities, the unique offerings of community and the upcoming freelancing platform really set Patchwork Hub apart. The COVID-19 pandemic has shown us how valuable work-from-home opportunities are, and Patchwork Hub has been ahead of the curve in their aim to provide working opportunities for as many people as possible.

Mia Testa

Featured Patchworker, Oxford University

Lauren Hazel Keane

Patchworker, Digital Marketing

Patchwork Hub is THE next-gen employment platform that's placing accessibility first - something that many companies in the same space should be looking up to.

WithVR

Gareth Walkom, CEO

Working with Patchwork Hub was an amazing insight into a startup leading the culture change in the world of work. Beth is extremely passionate and incredibly knowledgeable, and her start-up is providing critical information for companies looking to become more accessible and inclusive. The world of work has permanently changed following the pandemic, and Patchwork Hub provides a great insight into what the future of work should look like.

Lucas Jones

Digital Marketing Executive

I think Patchwork Hub's ethos is really remarkable and special. Especially during times like these (Covid), where the need for accessible work has become more evident than ever, shining a light on the work they do is doubly important. I can only see their mission becoming more and more essential as time goes on. during times like these (Covid), where the need for accessible work has become more evident than ever, shining a light on the work they do is doubly important. I can only see their mission becoming more and more essential as time goes on.

Natalie Vriend

Featured Patchworker, University of Oxford

Disability inclusion is not a chore or cost, it's a massive business opportunity. We're so thrilled to be working with Patchwork Hub as a disability-owned business and leader in this space, ensuring we are doing all we can to attract and retain diverse talent.

2Gether-International

Keevin O'Rourke, Managing Director | Startup Accelerator & Venture Fund (Employer)

Patchworktogether Spotlight: Ben’s Story

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Patchworktogether Spotlight: Ben’s Story