A DEAF student who also suffers from cerebral palsy has graduated with a PhD from the University of the West of Scotland in Paisley (UWS).

Julie McElroy received her doctorate in assistive technology today at a ceremony at Thomas Coats Memorial Baptist Church.

She investigated the learning experiences of students with disabilities within tertiary education who use assistive technology. 

Tertiary education is for those above school age and includes further and higher education.

Julie went to study for a PhD after completing a degree at UWS in 2010.

She said: “I am delighted to have graduated UWS, which is a truly fantastic university, for a second time.

“I want my research to influence the discussion to investigate disabled student experiences, understand their perspectives and hopefully contribute to a better understanding of students’ use of assistive technology and the extent to which it can enhance student learning and engagement.”

After being born with cerebral palsy, which affects the messages sent betwee the brain and the muscles, Julie was told she would probably spend her life in a wheelchair.

She has now joined big names such as celebrated hairdresser Trevor Sorbie in receiving a doctorate from the university.

The Paisley-born hairdresser, who received an MBE in 2004, was given an honourary doctorate at the church ceremony yesterday.

During her time at UWS she was awarded the Court Medal 2010 for highest achieveing student, won Adult Learner of the Year in 2012 from the Scottish Learning Partnership and received the Glasgow Lord Provost Award in 2012.

She is now a research assistant at the University of Strathclyde and is researching how organisations can widen access to work-based learning for people of all backgrounds.