Students on Solihull College & University Centre’s Special Educational Needs, Disability & Inclusive Practice (SENDIP) degree have received a visit from an inspirational speaker who shared her story of living with a disability.
Nusrit Shaheen is the oldest person in the world with Harlequin Ichthyosis. The condition makes the body produce skin at an excessive rate, leaving those affected with a variety of health-related concerns.
Additional Needs Support Tutor and HE Lecturer, Mark Harding, commented: “Nusrit is an inspirational young lady who has defied all our understanding of her condition by maintaining a fully active lifestyle. She continues to be enthusiastic and passionate to educate others around her, and informs us not only about disabilities but also inclusion in general.”
Mark continued: “This is where the guest speaker sessions become invaluable for our students as they get to spend time with somebody so rich and knowledgeable about a lived experience within their subject area. From the second she arrived, there was warmth and mutual respect emanating the room and when we come to say goodbye, the students were bouncy, smiley and requesting of pictures to remember the day by. The students left with a sense of enjoyment, interest and valuable resources for their upcoming assignment. “
The College’s SENDIP courses aim to provide many opportunities for students, with more guest speakers planned throughout the year. Jess Allen-Chowdhury will join the students to give a lived experience of cerebral palsy. Published author on ASD and ADHD, Steve Brown, will share his knowledge with the group, and Jeremy Harris will talk the students through his battle with legislation to provide an inclusive education for his daughter Beth.
