BA Hons Graphic Design Student Joanna Mayes speaks to their experience of studying with the OCA during this Neurodiversity Celebration Week.
What does neurodiversity and creativity look like to you?
Getting diagnosed as dyslexic at the age of 21 meant I went through school feeling like I just wasn’t good enough. I was slower at reading, couldn’t read out loud and no matter what I tried spelling just didn’t click. The anxiety that came with that was horrible. Just one example- I remember being in year 2 and dreading Fridays because that was the spelling and maths test day.
I also believed I had no imagination or creativity. It wasn’t until I got diagnosed and had some sessions with a fabulous dyslexia coach that I realised how creative a person with neurodiversity can be, I just needed to use my new coping mechanisms to enable me to unlock the creativity.
What does studying with the OCA mean to you?
It means a lot to be studying with OCA, I left school after doing A levels and felt I couldn’t do any more education. I was exhausted by the structure around ways of learning and just felt not good enough to study for a degree.
What are some things you wish others understood about your neurodiversity?
How easy it is to become overwhelmed with tasks and getting distracted - the constant questioning yourself because you are not sure if you have understood what you must do and just because I can’t spell or articulate myself very well doesn’t mean I don’t know what I’m doing.
How can the OCA be more neuro-inclusive?
I think OCA are inclusive. The only thing that I feel would help would maybe have examples of what the outcome needs to be like on task. This would help to make sure my interpretation of the task is correct.
Thanks for sharing Joanna!
Learn more about Neurodiversity
Throughout Neurodiversity Celebration Week there are lots of events happening which are relevant to the OCA community. These are not OCA official events but we encourage you to take a look and sign up here.
Support at OCA
The OCA offers a flexible degree structure and a dedicated Learner Support Team to assist students with disabilities, long-term conditions, or mental health challenges, ensuring accessible studies tailored to individual needs.
Students can disclose their conditions anytime, ideally during enrolment, via a Disability Support Form, email, phone, or with assistance from a carer.
Support includes reasonable adjustments, such as alternative assessment methods, extended deadlines, and personalised feedback formats. Course materials are available in multiple accessible formats, and printed copies can be customised for visual or learning needs. The Learner Support Team collaborates with students and tutors to implement adjustments that meet learning outcomes, ensuring a supportive and inclusive study environment.
You can find more information about Disability Support at OCA in the Student Handbook Course: Student Handbook OU | oca-learn and/or the website Studying with Disabilities, Health Issues and Caring Responsibilities - The Open College of the Arts | Distance Learning Degrees and Courses.
Students and staff also have access to our EDI Toolkit on OCA Learn. This space is in development and if you would like to contribute in any way please contact edi@oca.ac.uk.
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