The College is rightly proud of the high standards of accommodation, equipment and service to our learners. Anyone who works or studies in the College becomes a partner in the Respect campaign. The campaign targets equality, learning, safety, vandalism, nuisance, graffiti and harassment. You can play your part. Where you see or hear anything that concerns or offends you, report it. The service is confidential and free.

These are our values.

• Responsibility and Accountability - being responsible and answerable for our actions, our use of language and our treatment of others.
• Equality-every person in College has a voice. We value each other's opinions and perspectives.
• Social responsibility- we encourage people to take care of this College and this community and work together to improve it.
• Pro-Active- we actively support the RESPECT agenda.
• Education, training and information- the College champions education. All members of its community engage in on-going education, training and professional development.
• Caring for Others- we actively support local, national and international charities through fundraising and social activities that demonstrate care for the wider community
• Transparency- We are honest and open about what we do and the way we do it.

Don't DISmyABILITY

Hartlepool College of Further Education champions all learners. Some people have faced more barriers in accessing the education they have a right to. Our display, which recognises the International Day of Persons With Disabilities (3 Dec), tells the story of just some of our learners and staff who have achieved simply because they were provided with the support or adjustment to meet their needs.

The stories were created by interviewing a sample of learners and staff who agreed top share their journey as an example and inspiration to anyone who might be considering further education.

Kevin Walsh

When I was 22 I decided I needed to get some qualifications. Up until that point, l had pretty much sailed through life without worrying what the future held. At 20 I was diagnosed with Muscular dystrophy - that was a catalyst for a pause for me to take stock of where I was and what I wanted from life. I went to the job centre and said I wanted to be a fitness instructor. I have to say I was laughed out of the door.

Swimming has been my passion. I have represented Britain at the Paralympics and won an Olympic Bronze Medal. I have been the British Paralympics Champion for 19 years.

I persevered with my aim to be a fitness instructor. I have to say that I was very much encouraged at the time by people who believed in me, like Martin Slimings who let me join the Sports leaders award. Over the years I have done Chief Instructor for Sports Leaders and lead the ASDAN Certificate at Belle Vue.

As I increased my amount of teaching, I needed qualifications to support me. I did the 7303 and 7304 and I am currently in second year Certificate in Education.

I have needed a wheel chair for just over the last 2 years. I thought at the time my sports instruction would go down the drain. Then I thought it would be criminal to let 20+ years of experience to go down the drain. I have found that I can adapt and because I am in a wheelchair I have developed communication skills and sensitivity to context that makes me a better teacher. As a Sports leader, I take referrals from GPs who have patients who need to improve their physical fitness. I think they are relieved when they meet someone in a wheelchair who is also a sports specialist. It makes them believe that they can achieve if they want to.

If it wasn't for my disability, I wouldn't have been such a motivated person. I would never have been to the Olympics at Barcelona ('92) and Atlanta ('96). How many people can say they have played sport at an elite level?