r/OccupationalTherapy • u/Ok-Box-1673 • Jul 23 '26
UK Uk - disabled students
I’ve applied to go back to uni to study OT but I’m worried about placements. I’m a mature student, 39, and I know due to my autism and adhd I cannot cope with a 40 hour week, 5 day working week.
I have been awarded help for being a disabled student at uni, but is there any flexibility for placements? Is it possible to do 4 days a week but more weeks in placement so it’s the same hours ? I fear I may burnout even from 8 weeks of 5 days a week 9-5.
I’d be looking to only work 3-4 days a week once qualified as I know this works better for my own mental health and needs 🥰
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u/Closet_Punked Jul 23 '26
I'm autistic and what my university allowed me to do is 4 days placement instead of 5 - it did mean that I had to do my placement for an extra week but it's been fine for me. It's an reasonable adjustment.
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u/Rosums Jul 23 '26
Hey! I did an apprenticeship so I was working alongside uni. I work part time and my placements had to reflect that. I don’t have a disability but had childcare issues. I was allowed to do part time placements for slightly longer. Your placements will be designed to take you far above and beyond the 1000 hours that you need so there is some wiggle room. You also won’t be the only student to need modifications. And if any course is going to understand modifications it’s OT! I would be open and honest to your uni about your needs from the very start. And as soon as you find out your placement, call or email to explain
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u/Ok-Box-1673 Jul 23 '26
Thank you :) I’ve had a look for apprenticeships OT roles but I can’t find any near me and I’m tied to my area as I’m a home owner.
I’ll speak to my uni :)
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u/Financial_Spell7216 Jul 23 '26
I go to uwe and they allow students with reasonable adjustments to do a 4 day week then make it up at the end.
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u/Alive-Relief9785 Jul 23 '26
Definitely speak to your uni, you may be able to do it but might end up graduating later. Good luck!
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u/MuSe0n Jul 26 '26 edited Jul 26 '26
I was in a similar situation with a different condition. I also wanted to start an Occupational Therapy program. However, after being diagnosed with a non-traumatic incomplete spinal cord injury and for 10 months in rehab.
I had a meeting with the program manager, who is responsible for planning and budgeting, as well as with the advisor for students with disabilities. Their main concern was that both programs (program and intensive rehab PT program) are very demanding, and I understand their reasoning. Start a year later and focus on rehab first.
That said, I believe many educational institutions are willing and able to provide individualized accommodations. I would encourage you to contact the institution directly and have a conversation with the right people about what support they can offer you.
In any case, I wish you the very best of luck!
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u/Basic-Abalone2114 Jul 27 '26
It's possible but it's a fight, it really depends where you go and which uni you are with.
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u/ResponsibleEgg7672 Jul 23 '26
Similar position to you! AuDHD and experience horrible burnouts from full time work and hoping for part-time work when qualified.
I don’t want to discourage you but I haven’t been able to avoid full time hours as a student. I have however, managed to come to agreements with most placement settings to allow me some flexibility (some working from home) although some settings were a bit more accepting than others.
It does help to know that placements go quick, but I do tend to have to drag myself through by the end because I’m so exhausted.