Written by Laura Jones, Learner Support Tutor
Holly Sherwood's journey is an inspiring story of resilience, determination and success. Despite facing significant challenges, including extreme anxiety, Irlen Syndrome linked to dyslexia and severe asthma exacerbated by air conditioners, Holly has achieved a remarkable milestone. She has recently passed her End Point Assessment (EPA) for Fire, Emergency, and Security Systems Technician - Security Pathway.
Navigating Health and Learning Challenges
Holly's path was fraught with obstacles. Her anxiety often made it difficult to manage daily tasks, while Irlen Syndrome, which affects visual processing, and dyslexia posed additional challenges to her learning. Moreover, her severe asthma, and sensitivity to air conditioning, added another layer of complexity to her environment and health management.
Supportive Measures and Accommodations
Recognising Holly's unique needs, her mentors Jon - Head of Quality and Laura - Learner Support tutor worked diligently to ensure she had the necessary accommodations to succeed. We worked closely with the End Point Awarding Organisation to implement the appropriate adjustments to support Holly’s complex needs. Additionally, Holly was authorised to use specialist glasses to mitigate the effects of Irlen Syndrome.
To further support her, the Knowledge Test was conducted via remote invigilation, and the Professional Discussion was also conducted remotely. These adjustments were crucial in addressing her learning and medical needs effectively.
Triumph Over Adversity
Holly's dedication and the comprehensive support system around her paid off. She successfully completed her EPA, an achievement that is a testament to her hard work and the effective support she received. Holly's success is not only a personal victory but also a significant accomplishment in a field predominantly occupied by men. Feedback from her assessor “Holly was polite and remained calm throughout her assessments, scoring a distinction overall on the practical elements. Holly did well in her first two task’s scoring almost 100% on both. Holly worked efficiently in a logical order that played to her strengths. Holly displayed a good knowledge of the systems and was able to work well on them”.
Her story serves as an inspiration to others facing similar challenges, demonstrating that with determination, support, and appropriate accommodations, it is possible to overcome barriers and achieve one's goals. Holly's journey underscores the importance of tailored support and the positive impact it can have on individuals with unique needs.
We are incredibly proud of Holly for overcoming her learning and medical barriers. Her story is a beacon of hope and a powerful reminder that perseverance and support can lead to extraordinary achievements.
Holly: “Thank you for everything! For sorting out my extra time and everything else you did behind the scenes, I would send some flowers to say thanks but you're a bit far so have some virtual ones”. 💐
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