Disabled student forced to leave college course
A funding row is threatening a disabled student's dreams after she withdrew herself from her course in a fit of tears.
Chelsea Winters, who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy when she was 11 months old, quit her business course at East Surrey College last week after being told she could not longer get the care she required.
Her future now depends on whether the college and Tandridge Social Services can find the money to pay for a full-time carer to accompany Chelsea while she is on site at Claremont Road, Redhill.
The 19-year-old's condition means she is perfectly able to work and study on site, but needs help with her mobility during breaks.
Chelsea, of Carlton Road, South Godstone, said: "All I want to do is finish my course and lead a normal life.
"I have the best group of friends on my course. It has been great as, for the first time, I have been part of the mainstream and not been made to feel different to anyone else.
"I just want to have the same chance as everyone else.
"I don't know why I suddenly can't have the help I need when it was OK for the past two years."
Chelsea's mother Mandy, 47, said her daughter "cried all her way through the Christmas period" as her future remained in the balance.
She said: "When I heard Chelsea's carer was going to be taken away I was absolutely furious. What do they think they are doing?
"She's such a pretty and intelligent girl. She just needs help with getting around.
"After going to a special needs-only secondary school, she has absolutely loved being part of mainstream education.
"They have offered to send work to her at home, but it is not the same and she has already missed so much."
The part-time media sales worker is debating whether to apply again this summer in an attempt to finish her three year course.
When the Mirror contacted East Surrey College they confirmed they were in discussions with the County Council in attempt to keep Chelsea on.
A college spokeswoman said: "Chelsea Winters is a valued student and is provided with additional learning support by the College to assist her with her studies.
"The personal care, which she also requires, is provided through Tandridge Social Services and we are aware there have been some issues related to this.
"We are doing our best to work with both Tandridge Social Services and Chelsea to find a solution to enable her to continue with her studies."
Surrey County Council were unable to comment as the Mirror were going to press.
3 Comments
by Dale Archer, Redhill
Tuesday, February 02 2010, 1:42PM
“I do feel sorry for this girl. I hope her parents do realise that the college does have a budget, and if the council dont want to pay for a carer any more, there is not much the college can do. They are talking with the council to ask why assistance has been taken away. The college is undergoing a new £40million project, and the college is going to be in the red for at least the next 3 years. Therefor they must be relying on the council for help. Im doing a business course this september, and ive heard it is a good course. I hope Chelsea gets to stay and finish the course. This is really all down to the council not the college. So hopefully the college will persuade them to care for her. Yes there is a recession, but care should never be taken away, if it has begun.”
by Jane Hamilton, Surrey
Sunday, January 31 2010, 6:30PM
“It seems that the College made reasonable adjustment according to the Disability Discrimination Act and Social Services are working to get her a carer so whats all the fuss about?”
by a. W, Streatham, south london
Saturday, January 30 2010, 4:54PM
“how disgracefull, they all should be ashamed of themselves. A young girl is trying her best and has enough obstacles in her way without all this happening. Its her body not working not her
Brain !!! she and others should be encouraged to do things for themselves wherever possible but as usual money and PC always gets in the way.”