Kavya Mukhija, a Chevening scholar from India studying Disability, Design and Innovation at UCL, shares how studying in the UK transformed her perspective on accessibility.
My name is Kavya Mukhija. I’m a Chevening scholar from India, currently studying Disability, Design and Innovation at UCL’s Global Disability Innovation Hub. But my journey didn’t begin at a prestigious university; it began with rejections.
As a child growing up in Delhi, I was denied admission to almost every school. I was born with a rare genetic condition called Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita, which affects the muscles and joints across the body, and I use a wheelchair for mobility. For a long time, society saw only my disability, not my potential, not my dreams.
Among the many lessons I’ve carried with me through life, one stands taller than the rest: never stop dreaming. Back in Grade 12, I dreamt of studying in the UK. I didn’t know how or when it would happen or even if it could. But I held onto that dream quietly, fiercely.
Years later, I found myself outside Westminster station, gazing at Big Ben with a mix of awe and disbelief. I was living that very dream – pursuing a master’s degree in the UK at one of the world’s leading universities.
Kavya in front of Big Ben in London.
Coming to the UK has been one of the most transformational chapters of my life, not only academically, but personally and politically. I am finally studying a course that aligns perfectly with my advocacy work back home, helping me deepen my understanding of inclusive design and disability justice.
More than anything, my time here has helped me experience what accessibility can truly look like when it is embedded in the system, not just treated as an afterthought.
At UCL East, my classrooms were equipped with height-adjustable desks. I had access to a support worker who assisted me in navigating campus and taking notes. When I couldn’t attend class due to flare-ups in my health, I didn’t fall behind; remote access to recordings and digital materials kept me going. My professors were incredibly understanding and flexible, which made a huge difference in how supported I felt as a disabled student.
That said, while physical accessibility is more common across UK institutions than in many parts of the world, it’s always advisable to check accessibility details in advance. Reaching out to the designated disability support staff or student services before arriving on campus can ensure that your individual access needs are met smoothly. In my case, having a Statement of Reasonable Adjustments (SoRA) in place right at the start of term made my learning journey significantly easier.
London’s public transport has also been a game-changer. While not all stations are step-free, Transport for London’s ‘Plan My Journey’ feature and the Passenger Assist app helped me navigate routes. I used wheelchair-accessible cabs for spontaneous outings and reached out to the helpful staff at railway stations. These small elements gave me the freedom to move on my own terms.
Kavya using an accessible train in the UK.
Of course, it wasn’t always rosy. The harsh UK winters, with their biting winds and endless grey skies, were challenging. I had to learn the art of layering (and unlayering!), always carry an umbrella, and never leave my wheelchair raincoat behind.
Looking back on my journey, I feel an overwhelming sense of pride not just for what I’ve achieved, but for the barriers I’ve broken and the community I’ve found along the way. To anyone reading this who’s been told their dreams are too big, or their bodies too different – don’t stop dreaming. You never know when you’ll find yourself on the other side of the world, living a dream you once whispered to yourself, and watching Big Ben sparkle under the London sky.
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