Ever since the Paralympics stormed the world in 2012, there has been a

rise of interest in how the physically disabled live their lives on a daily
basis. A new documentary aired by the BBC aims to uncover what its
really like to be physically disabled within educational institutions. This
documentary investigates if educational institutions wholly provide for the
physically disabled, by focusing on one institution in particular; The Sixth
Form College Solihull. The documentary makers talked to a series of
experts within the sixth form itself; such as the disability support officer
Caroline Sweeney and the principle Paul Ashdown. However the main
focus and most interesting person is Rebecca a student with a visual
impairment who started the college recently. Her jokey and light
personality really uplifts the seriousness of the documentary allowing
viewers to enjoy the film and not constantly feel sorry for someone who
simply wants to be treated like everyone else. Students of the college
were also interviewed to get an idea of their understanding of disability
awareness around the college and to give the audience a more informed
opinion. It's interesting to see how unaware some of the students are
about signs linked to disability which they would likely see every day.
Some of the responses are quite humorous, which is down to their
complete confusion on the topic. We also get to see long term, physical
disabled staff member Suzanne Meadley explain how she has found the
college accessible for the last thirteen years. She also expresses problems
she has faced during her time at the college such as pigeonholing and
reaching the printers if they are too high. Principle of the college Paul is a
balanced voice in the documentary admitting 'there's no way anyone

college could meet the needs of everyone who is physically disabled'.

However he strongly believes that the Solihull Sixth Form College, meets
the main majority of them, which is fair considering they house multiple
students with disabilities such as students in wheel-chairs, visual
impairments, leg issues resulting in crouches the list goes on.
The whole documentary is nicely rounded with a characteristic narration,
informing the audience with extra information and moving the
documentary on section to section seamlessly. With the occasional
question from behind the screen they have really captured whats its
really like to be disabled in large college like the Solihull Sixth Form
College. With razor-sharp editing, all the shots flow with ease which
means youll never get bored. Interestingly all footage was filmed within
the premises of the sixth form in various locations such as the principals
office and inside the main lobby of the art block building. Overall this
documentary is spectacular and well worth a watch mainly for students,
but parents would enjoy it too. This documentary leaves you with the
burning question of 'Do educational institutions meet the needs of those
who are physically disabled'.
On BBC Three 24th February 2016 -20:30