Snowdon Trust

𝗝𝗼𝗯 𝗔𝗹𝗲𝗿𝘁: 𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝗟𝗲𝗳𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝘆!⏳

The Snowdon Trust is dedicated to breaking down barriers and advocating for equality for disabled students and graduates. We’re searching for a passionate and driven Programmes Officer to join our team.

📅 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗗𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲: 𝟱𝗽𝗺, 𝗪𝗲𝗱𝗻𝗲𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝟮𝟴 𝗔𝘂𝗴𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰

Be a vital part of our mission to empower and support disabled students. We're particularly keen to hear from you if you have lived experience navigating the higher education system as a disabled student or staff member. If you are interested or know anyone who might be a great fit for this role – please share and apply now!

For more details, visit www.snowdontrust.org/vacancies/

📝 Apply Today: send your CV and covering letter telling us why you’re right for the role to [email protected]

Vacancies - Snowdon Trust The Snowdon Trust is dismantling barriers and championing equality for disabled students and graduates. We aim to equip disabled students and graduates with the tools, resources, and opportunities needed to thrive, and challenge systematic barriers and structures that prevent them from achieving edu...

We're hiring a new Programmes Officer to be the first point of call for our programmes. You'll deliver brilliant customer service, seamless programme administration, great communications, and you'll be working in a small but brilliant team. Interested? Visit our website to find out everything you need to know and send us your cv with a covering letter telling us why you're perfect for the role. We'll particularly welcome your application if you have lived experience of disability but it’s not a prerequisite for the post.

Happy summer! 👋

We hope you’re enjoying your summer break (now the sun’s actually out 🌞)

We’ve been a bit quieter on social media recently, but rest assured we’re busy behind the scenes preparing for the next academic year.

Follow on socials and check out our website snowdontrust.org for updates in the autumn 👀

CALL FOR EVIDENCE: Department for Education want your views on DSA, reasonable adjustments and the support you receive as a disabled student at university ✍️

We know lots of you have experienced real issues getting the support you need with DSA, so this is your chance to help the government get it right ✅

We'll also be submitting evidence, so if you'd rather you can share your views with us - simply send us a DM or email 💬

https://consult.education.gov.uk/disabled-students-allowance-team/non-medical-support-for-disabled-students-in-he/

⭐ Disabled Students UK's Annual Disabled Student Survey is back! ⭐

Take part now to join hundreds of other disabled students in making your voices heard to improve accessibility in higher education 💬

🔗https://app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk/s/dsuk-research/the-annual-disabled-student-survey-2024



Alt text: The Disabled Students UK logo is in the top right corner. Text says "Have your voice heard in the Annual Disabled Student Survey. Join 1300+ disabled students and share your experience! You do not need to have a diagnosis in order to fill in the survey. Disabilities include long term conditions such as chronic illnesses, mental health conditions and neurodiversity." At the bottom are illustrated pictures of people with disabilities cheering and celebrating.

📢 Disability-related study costs grants:

Are you a repeat applicant applying for the same thing for next year, or a first-time applicant and know exactly what you need?

Submit your application before 28 May📝

Don't panic if you can't - applications submitted after this date will go to our next panel in the autumn

Find out more at snowdontrust.org/financial-awards/grants

Could you be a Trustee of the Snowdon Trust?



Snowdon Trust is partnering with Nurole, the leading board-level search specialist, to find Trustees.

Find out more and apply here: https://app.nurole.com/roles/6628bb2b363c6c001536150dhttps://app.nurole.com/roles/6628bb2b363c6c001536150d

For an informal conversation or if you have questions, contact [email protected]

Deadline: 30th May

NEW STUDENTS 👋

If you’re starting uni or a new course and want to apply for a Snowdon Trust grant, don’t forget you’ll first need to:

✅ get in touch with DSA to find out what support they can provide

✅ contact your uni/college's support services for reasonable adjustments

👉 We can support you with your extra disability-related study costs that aren’t covered elsewhere. We know this can take time, so don’t worry if you miss our first panel - we’ll be holding another in the autumn

Find out more about our grants via the QR code or at snowdontrust.org/financial-awards/grants 🔗

NEW STUDENTS 👋

If you're starting a new course in September and have no idea where to start searching for support as a disabled student, we've added some resources to our website 👉 snowdontrust.org/signposting

Make sure you also check out guidance from Disability Rights UK 🔗https://www.disabilityrightsuk.org/resources/higher-education (they've got loads of other useful resources too!) and UCAS 🔗https://www.ucas.com/undergraduate/applying-university/individual-needs/disabled-students

We're hugely grateful to National Federation of Demolition Contractors and their runners! Over our 29 year partnership, 174 NFDC runners have taken part in the and raised £390,000 for the Snowdon Trust 🙌

The last of the 'Team NFDC' Marathon Vests have been sent to our runners for the TCS London Marathon 2024. 🏃‍♂️

It's not too late to help our runner's fundraise and support three amazing charities: Macmillan Cancer Support, DEBRA UK and Snowdon Trust.

Help our runners here: https://demolition-nfdc.com/news/industry/london-marathon-2024-runner-roundup/

TCS London Marathon, Demcom, The Erith Group, GBM Demolition, Hughes and Salvidge McGee Group Limited, Newline Midlands LTD, Collard Ltd, Tilley & Barrett Ltd.

We're in awe and hugely proud of our incredible marathon runners 👏🏅

They went above and beyond in their training and fundraising efforts, all because they believe in equal access and opportunities for disabled students.

So far, they've raised an amazing £25,000 🙌 but there's still time to donate!

Support their fundraising efforts here https://2024tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/snowdontrust/profile and comment or get in touch if you have a message to send their way!

The countdown is on for the 2024 TCS London Marathon which takes place this Sunday!

🏃 🏃‍♀️13 fabulous Snowdon Trust runners are taking part in the legendary race to ensure disabled students have equal access to education

Join us in celebrating their hard work and cheering them on as they take on the 26.2 miles this weekend 👏👏

Support their fundraising efforts here https://2024tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/snowdontrust/profile and comment or get in touch if you have words of encouragement to send their way!

National Federation of Demolition Contractors

📢 Snowdon Trust disability-related study costs grants: NOW OPEN!

Whether you need funding for specialist equipment, communication support or accessible accommodation, we're here to help break down the extra financial barriers that get in the way of your education.

Find out more and apply now at snowdontrust.org/financial-awards/grants 🔗

📣OPENING NEXT WEEK!

⭐Snowdon Trust disability-related study costs grants⭐

If you're a disabled student with extra study costs as a direct result of your disability, we're here to help break down those barriers.

Find out more at snowdontrust.org/financial-awards/grants 🔗

Applications open Monday 15 April, but you can use our newly-updated guidance to start preparing your application now ✍️

Only 29% of autistic people are in any form of employment 💼

We were shocked to come across this stat from National Autistic Society during World Autism Acceptance Week.

We know that autistic people have so much to offer, and we are here to support autistic and neurodivergent students to meet their educational goals and reach employment.

Find out about our grants at snowdontrust.org/financial-awards/grants 🔗

📢 Disability-related study costs grants 📢

APPLICATIONS OPENING 15 APRIL

These grants fund disability-related study costs to help break down barriers so you can access and participate fully in your studies in further or higher education 🎓

👉 Find out more here: snowdontrust.org/financial-awards/grants

Next week is Neurodiversity Celebration Week, a worldwide initiative that challenges stereotypes and misconceptions about neurological differences 🧠

It's packed full of online talks and events - sign up and start adding them to your diary!

https://neurodiversityweek.com/events

"My Master’s focuses on mentoring. Looking back, my educational experience has been really arduous. There were points where I nearly got myself kicked out of school, and I really questioned my decision to pursue higher education. It took a lot of effort and commitment, and I would not have had the courage and commitment to stay on that journey of higher education if not for the mentoring support I’ve had."

James received a Chevening Scholarship to study for his Master's in Special Educational Needs last year, and we supported him with the computer equipment and software he needed to complete his course. He's now using his experience of having special educational needs to work to improve access to education for other disabled students 🌟

🔗 You can read more about James's story in our 2022-23 Annual Review via the link in our bio

"My Master’s focuses on mentoring. Looking back, my educational experience has been really arduous. There were points where I nearly got myself kicked out of school, and I really questioned my decision to pursue higher education. It took a lot of effort and commitment, and I would not have had the courage and commitment to stay on that journey of higher education if not for the mentoring support I’ve had."

James received a Chevening Scholarship to study for his Master's in Special Educational Needs last year, and we supported him with the computer equipment and software he needed to complete his course. He's now using his experience of having special educational needs to work to improve access to education for other disabled students 🌟

🔗 You can read more about James's story in our 2022-23 Annual Review here: https://www.snowdontrust.org/about/financial-information/

A week ago today we celebrated International Wheelchair Day

Although it was a day of celebration, we couldn't help but be reminded of the fact that so many disabled students cannot access the mobility equipment they need, and that they shouldn't have to turn to us to get it.

We awarded grants for wheelchair equipment to 18 students last year. But why did they they need our support in the first place? 👇

👨🏻‍🦽 NHS wheelchair services waiting times are too long

👨🏻‍🦽 The rules are too rigid and strict, meaning people who walk short distances are often not eligible for any support

👨🏻‍🦽 The wheelchairs they're offered are not suitable for their needs, or the funding available doesn't cover the full cost of the equipment needed

Lilliemae, one of the students in our previous post, explains it best: "I had a lot of difficulties accessing my equipment before I got my Snowdon grant because the Wheelchair Services in my area weren't brilliant and I wasn't deemed a priority despite having waited almost 2 years. I went from having a 48 cm to a 36 cm width seat (better size and fit, lighter and more compact) as well as a more supportive backrest and pressure relieving cushion for my hip/back pain. This is a complete 360 from the NHS chair."

Happy International Wheelchair Day! 👨🏻‍🦼👩‍🦽

Many of the students in our community are wheelchair users, and we LOVE hearing about the difference their wheelchairs make to their lives, especially the joy they feel when they get the right equipment for their needs 🥳

Georgina, Leo, Lilliemae and Tirion are just a few of these students who today are celebrating the freedom, independence and opportunities their wheelchairs give them.

🌟 Georgina (first pic): "This is a pic from when I went to the Festival of Genomics in January this year... a 2 day conference I wouldn't have been able to attend if it weren't for my wheelchair!
My wheelchair (especially with the power assist funded by the Snowdon Trust) has made it possible for me to attend university and study the subject I love, biology ❤️
While being a wheelchair user can and does have challenges, without it I wouldn't have any real independence, freedom, or quality of life."

🌟 Leo (second pic): "This is a picture of me the first day I got my chair, and you can see the massive grin on my face! My partner tells me I was an absolute menace the first few weeks I had my chair - I was so excited to have my mobility and independence back that I kept zooming off at top speeds and leaving everyone in the dust! Without my chair I would be bedbound - it has given me so much of my life back. Happy international wheelchair day!"

🌟 Lilliemae (third pic): "My wheelchair has made an insane difference to me, I can join in with more activities with friends and family because I don't tire as quickly as I used to. It allows me to access education. Without my wheelchair I wouldn't be able to pursue my undergraduate degree in education and be on my way to becoming a primary school teacher."

📢 If you've started but not yet submitted your stage 1 application for a Snowdon Master's Scholarship, now's the time to do it!

Applications close 5pm GMT TOMORROW, 29 February

⏰ Don't leave it too late!

Scan the QR code or get all the info you need at https://snowdontrust.org/financial-awards/scholarships 🔗

“My disability has permeated the rest of my life, I am incredibly resilient, I never give up in anything I do, personally or academically. I have been forced to become an excellent problem solver, which has not only made me a better student and person, but a better leader."

Harry received a Snowdon Master's Scholarship to study Maths and Data Science, and focused his dissertation on the use of data to contribute to disability rights work 📈

At the same time, he was training to represent team GB in para fencing 🤺

You can read more about his story in our 2022-23 Annual Review 📖
https://www.snowdontrust.org/about/financial-information/

🎓 2024 Snowdon Master's Scholarships

⏰ Stage one closes a week today!

Submit your stage one application by 5pm GMT 29 February

Find more info and guidance and apply here https://www.snowdontrust.org/financial-awards/scholarships/ 🔗

👋 Meet Alicia, the first recipient of the Snowdon Master's Scholarship 👩🏻‍🎓

⚖️ She's a power wheelchair user who read law at Cambridge both as an undergrad and a Master of Law.

She is now a commercial lawyer, having trained at a US law firm, and a disability advocate.

📰 She has been published by the New York Times and shares her advocacy work, ranging from posts about disability awareness and history to restaurant accessibility reviews, on her Instagram, Explore Disabled

She is also now on the Snowdon Trust’s scholarship Selection Panel.

⏰ Applications for the 2024 Snowdon Master's Scholarships are still open - stage 1 closes in 2 weeks!! https://www.snowdontrust.org/financial-awards/scholarships/

Snowdon Scholar Maria shares her thoughts and advice on applying for the Snowdon Master's Scholarship 🎓

Read more from her here https://www.snowdontrust.org/snowdon-masters-scholarships-application-tips/

⏰ Two weeks to go until stage 1 applications close - remember to leave yourself as much time as you need!

Find out more and apply here https://www.snowdontrust.org/financial-awards/scholarships/ ✍️

Our Snowdon Scholars recently answered your questions about applying for the Snowdon Master's Scholarship, and they gave some great advice 💡

Rich shares his advice on standing out despite having impostor syndrome, and Connor reflects on what makes a successful application 📝

Q: What do you think helped you stand out?
Rich: Try and get as many things you can think of that you’re involved in on paper. Reflect on all of the different ways of including your lived experience of disability. It all adds up to improving your application.

Q: What do you think is the difference between a successful and unsuccessful application?
Connor: Being open and honest about your disability and how it impacts your life. Think about how it links with your studies or future aspirations.
I placed as much care, enthusiasm and attention to detail into the application as I did for my dissertation as an undergraduate. I took a lot of time, and I made a lot of edits.

If you missed the Q&A session, you can watch it here https://www.snowdontrust.org/.../launch-webinar-and-qa/

Applications for the Snowdon Master's Scholarship are open now. Submit your stage 1 application by 29 Feb ⏰

Find out more about eligibility and the application process here https://www.snowdontrust.org/financial-awards/scholarships/

Our Snowdon Scholars recently answered your questions about applying for the Snowdon Master's Scholarship, and they gave some great advice 💡

Connor and Guillem share their thoughts on having doubts in the early stages and why this shouldn't stop you putting in an application 📝

Q: Did you believe you had a good chance of getting the scholarship? If not, what made you apply for it anyway?
Connor: You've got to back yourself. You won't yield your best work when you're telling yourself "I'm not going to get it". Do some self-reflection and look back and see what you have overcome, because the chances are you have already done remarkable things to be here now.

Q: What advice do you have for applicants who are worried about not having enough experience?
Guillem: Levels of experience vary widely at Master's level. Think about what you've done and how it links to what you want to do, even if it’s not the most obvious link.

If you missed the Q&A session, you can watch it here https://www.snowdontrust.org/financial-awards/scholarships/launch-webinar-and-qa/

Applications for the Snowdon Master's Scholarship are open now. Submit your stage 1 application by 29 Feb ⏰

Find out more about eligibility and the application process here https://www.snowdontrust.org/financial-awards/scholarships/