How to get support with revision if you have additional needs

There are lots of times when revision can feel challenging, particularly around this time of year with changes and potential mocks on the horizon. If you’re someone who is partially sighted, or has other additional needs, it can be even harder.

17-year-old Hannah knows first-hand how frustrating these barriers can be. She was born with a condition that affects her sight and, because exam papers and revision resources often don't come in an accessible format, she had to rely on others to help her go through her schoolwork.

More accessible revision resources are now being developed so that teens like Hannah can study independently. She recently spoke to BBC Bitesize about her experience revising for GCSEs – and gave us her tips for students who might be facing similar challenges.

What are additional needs?

Additional needs are the extra support a person may need because of a disability, developmental condition, neurodevelopmental condition or learning disability. In Hannah’s case, to study like the other students in her class, she needs larger font sizes in text books, and websites with designs that accommodate e-readers that enable her to study at her best.

Someone with additional needs may depend on this support to meet their academic potential. When it isn’t available, this is called a ‘barrier’.

Hannah says that when her needs aren’t met, it can be really frustrating: “Not having the materials can affect my confidence because, unlike my peers, I can’t use the time efficiently, which makes me feel like I’m not revising as much as I should be able to”.

Hannah's tips for studying and revising if you have additional needs

How do I ask for help?

Hannah recommends talking honestly about what you’re struggling with at school. She suggests “talking to your teachers” and telling them which aspects of revision you're struggling with. Hannah also recommends “talking to your parents, because that really helped me”.

It can be difficult to ask for help when you're struggling. You might not even know how to do it. If this sounds like you, then Bitesize Study Support has lots of tips for how to ask for help.

Where can I find the right revision materials for me?

Hannah said that services, like those from Guide Dogs for the Blind, can provide customisable revision materials for her needs. This includes larger print, font type, or different colours. You can also ask your parents or teachers to support you with finding these resources.

It might not be the materials that you need, but to figure out the right way to study for you. Education writer and speaker David Didau gave us the lowdown on learning, and included some tips for studying more effectively!

What if I don't get the results I wanted?

Even if you don’t get the grades you wanted, Hannah points out: “there’s always another way to get where you want to go.”

In her case, she missed out by one grade to go to the college she’d initially intended to. But she’s still “quite happy” where she is now and is working towards her A-Levels and her goal of helping disabled people play music.

You might also be nervous about how to discuss your results with your parents or carers. Bitesize Study Support spoke to Dr Sheila Redfern for some results day tips and advice.

If you need support

You should always tell someone about the things you’re worried about. You can tell a friend, parent, guardian, teacher, or another trusted adult. If you're struggling with your mental health, going to your GP can be a good place to start to find help. Your GP can let you know what support is available to you, suggest different types of treatment and offer regular check-ups to see how you’re doing.

If you’re in need of in-the-moment support you can contact Childline, where you can speak to a counsellor. Their lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

There are more links to helpful organisations on the BBC Bitesize Action Line page for young people.