Lois Turner studied BSc (Hons) Sports Therapy and graduated in 2021 with a 2:1. She is visually impaired and competes for GB in Goalball.
As an athlete herself, Lois had experienced sporting injuries and rehabilitation and saw a sports therapy degree as an opportunity to continue with her passion for sport whilst helping others. She embarked on her undergraduate degree, alongside her training as a GB athlete, in 2018.
Being visually impaired meant Lois needed additional support to study at University of Staffordshire. The university worked with Lois to establish what adaptations needed to be made and to establish the practicalities of operating a clinic environment with a guide dog present. As a new undergraduate Lois didn’t know what support she would need or what situations she may encounter whilst studying. The university was able to be flexible in its approach to teaching Lois, ensuring she was supported to reach her potential.
“If I did my university experience again, I think I would work harder in my first year!” said Lois. “I didn’t believe I was capable of achieving the highest grades when I started out, so I didn’t start to really push myself until later in my academic journey, when I realised I was capable of achieving firsts in my assignments and practical assessment.”
“Staffordshire was a fantastic place for me to study as they didn’t see my disability as a hinderance. They were willing to explore what adaptations could be made to make it possible for me to study sports therapy.”
She delivers occasional sports coaching and disability awareness sessions.
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