A disabled student, Bal Deol, has spoken of the overwhelming support she felt from the audience as she achieved her goal of walking across the stage at her PhD graduation ceremony. Ms Deol, who typically uses a wheelchair, had secretly practised the challenging feat for months to surprise her family at Staffordshire University on Monday.
Ms Deol, 33, was awarded a PhD in Education, marking the culmination of a 15-year association with the institution. Diagnosed with generalised dystonia at the age of eight, she has navigated life with painful muscle spasms, chronic fatigue, and a progressive loss of both mobility and vision. Her decision to walk was a deeply personal one, requiring significant physical preparation that began in February.
Reflecting on the emotional moment, Ms Deol expressed her disbelief at the accomplishment. She had anticipated the applause would subside as she made her way across the stage with a walking aid, but it continued, providing an unexpected surge of encouragement. "I still can't believe that I did that," she remarked, describing a mix of pride, happiness, and sadness at leaving the university.
Her mother, Amrit Deol from Wolverhampton, shared the profound impact of witnessing her daughter's walk, describing it as an "overwhelming" and "wonderful" experience. She highlighted Bal's unwavering determination, stating, "We've always brought her up to believe anything in life can be achieved." Ms Deol's journey with Staffordshire University began in 2011 when she enrolled to study Business Management, later serving as President of the Students' Union.
Ms Deol plans to remain within the education sector, driven by a passion to foster a better understanding of disability. Her advocacy is rooted in personal experience, including a notable incident in 2018 where a taxi driver was fined for refusing her service due to her wheelchair use. Her graduation signifies not only an academic achievement but also a powerful statement of resilience and self-belief.