WOULD Professor Stephen Hawking have failed to get on to a Fife College science course because of his disabilities?

That is the question a disappointed student is asking after being told she couldn’t commence her health and life sciences course – just TWO days before she was due to start.

The student, who wanted to remain anonymous, has Ehlers-Danlos syndrome – a connective tissue disorder which causes her joints to dislocate – and other associated health problems, including thyroid disease, liver disease and asthma, which are controlled through medication and care.

She applied five months ago and claimed the college was aware of her disabilities when they offered her a place – before telling her that she could not start due to health and safety risks.

The mum-of-two (35), who studied nursing at university, told the Press, “I’m not angry at the fact I can’t do the course I want to do, I’m angry that they had four to five months to inform me I should find an alternative course instead of at the 11th hour.

“I met with Fife College guidance way before I even applied and told them about my disabilities, how it affected me and what medication I was on. They were aware of my disabilities all throughout the interviews.

“Because of the disorder, I cannot stand for long periods and there are times when I need a wheelchair.

“I was shown around the lab used for chemistry, biology and physics, and shown a lowered area where a chair could be placed to allow me to switch between standing and sitting during lab work.

“I was offered an unconditional place and on 21st August I met with learning support who were fully aware of my disabilities and discussed what help and assistance they could offer me.”

However, on 27th August – just two working days before the course began on 31st August – the student was stunned to be told she could not start.

She continued, “No health and safety assessment was provided and no written explanation.

“They said because I’m asthmatic, the chemicals in the lab would affect the medication and I might have an adverse reaction.

“I checked with my pharmacist and GP and there’s no indication it will interfere with my medication.

“They assumed I wouldn’t be able to carry out manual work because of my joints, like hold tongs, work a bunsen burner or pour into a beaker.

“They just assumed I wouldn’t be able to do this and that I would have problems, when they had four or five months to do a health and safety assessment.

“They then invited me to find an alternative course but didn’t tell me what was or wasn’t available.

“I wonder if they would deny Professor Stephen Hawking a place on a science-based course in Fife College because of his disabilities?”

The student had hoped the course would have led to studying biomedical science and microbiology at university but said her dreams of pursuing a career in science were now “shattered”.

She has now decided to take up an access to arts, humanities and primary education course as she is desperate to get back into full-time study.

She said, “My pain is under control at the moment which is why it’s a good time for me to go back to college.

“I had applied for funding, and organised for my daughter to go to out of school club, thinking I would be starting on the Monday.

“If I had cancelled it, somebody else would have taken her place. If the college had then come back and said, ‘We managed to get you on another course’, I wouldn’t have been able to do it because I didn’t have the childcare in place.

“I just want to be able to get a job I can work around my life and make my children proud.

“It would actually benefit me to be out and about meeting people. I’ve spent too long in the house.”

A college spokesman said, “Fife College is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and to ensuring that everyone is treated fairly.

“We aim to match all of our students onto the course of their choice which is of an appropriate level of study and can be undertaken in a safe and healthy environment, enabling them to be successful and reach their full potential.

“We can confirm that we are carrying out a formal investigation into this matter in line with our commitments mentioned above and following our formal complaints process – we are therefore unable to discuss this individual case.”