When Austine Baryo, an international student from Liberia, first arrived in the UK to study an MA in Human Rights at the University of Sussex it was the start of many firsts. His first time outside of Africa, his first time studying for an MA, and his first time receiving support for his disability.
As an international student with a visual impairment, Austine demonstrated remarkable resilience. Navigating unfamiliar spaces, learning new systems and adapting to a different culture required extra effort but his ability to face these challenges head-on highlights his determination, adaptability and strength. Having left his friends and family in Liberia he was also left without his circle of support, which is why providing him with immediate, high-quality support was so important.
A week before Austine’s induction period, he was offered a sighted guide and notetaking support through Amano. He was matched with Tarun Kachhwaha, an Amano consultant who had also relocated to the UK and understood firsthand the complexities of settling into a new culture. Together with notetaking support from another Amano consultant, Julie Mareckova, and assistance from the University of Sussex Disability Support team, Tarun provided Austine with consistent tailored support.
For visually impaired students like Austine navigating university life involves more than just academic challenges. That’s why sighted guidance and notetaking are essential. This support can help visually impaired students to navigate common challenges such as:
With Amano support, Austine received over 1,260 hours of sighted guidance and 152 hours of notetaking support. This assistance was provided five days a week, giving him consistent, reliable help throughout his studies. His primary support, Tarun, often went beyond his formal duties, offering help outside of scheduled hours and developing a strong, trusting bond with Austine.
The notetaking support played a particularly crucial role in ensuring that Austine had equal access to lecture content, class discussions and reading materials.
“I especially remember the first time he came to the UK, he was scared, as any person would be. With the challenges Austine has, it was worse for him, but I told him to take each day as it is. Being in a new place is going to take some time to get used to. I shared my stories with him, explaining that it took me a very great time to get accustomed to this country and said that if you have any challenges, you can always reach out to me, even beyond the hours I’m assigned to you. He got accustomed to how the lifestyle is in the UK, the food, the weather, the daily challenges. Now he’s a pro.” – Tarun Kachhwaha
“Coming to a new country was scary because this is my first trip outside of Africa. To leave my country, to come to this strange country with no family coming with you, it was scary. But when I came to the UK and then the support that I received, I think it really encouraged me and encouraged all students with disabilities from Africa to come and study in the UK. I think it’s a great place to study as a person with a disability.” – Austine Baryo
Austine arrived in the UK as a recipient of the Chevening scholarship, the UK government’s international scholarship scheme that supports future leaders from around the world to study in the UK. While based at the University of Sussex, Austine also took part in Chevening events in London, which gave him opportunities to network and learn from other future leaders. Travelling independently between Brighton and London using the UK’s public transport system, he demonstrated confidence and adaptability, navigating a new environment while managing his accessibility needs.
“For his Chevening event, he managed to go to London on his own. I did direct him and made arrangements for his assistance on the train, but how he managed his cab and everything is commendable. He did it on his own.” – Tarun Kachhwaha
“Austin will be the fourth person who has come from Liberia and has done his masters in the UK. And considering that he is completely blind, this speaks the volume about his resilience. Our daily struggles really don’t matter a lot when you see such great examples happening on daily basis. He has been my support, and I have been his support.” – Tarun Kachhwaha
As a Chevening student, Austine was selected for his leadership potential and commitment to driving positive change. He is passionate about pioneering disability support in Liberia and sees the support he received through Amano as a model to advocate for. We are incredibly proud to have been able to support him in his goals.
“One thing I like best about Austine is he always told me that some people come here, they get accustomed to life, they want to settle here. But Austine has always the one dream that he’s going to go back and serve his own country. He really liked how the UK treated him in terms of providing all that infrastructure, mobility services and everything and always felt that his country doesn’t do the same for people in Liberia with such needs.” – Tarun Kachhwaha
“I learned a lot from Amano’s support guides. I’m starting an advocacy organisation in Liberia and one of my main goals is to push the government to support students with disabilities. There are not many disabled students in school in Liberia because there is no support. I think that if my government put some money into supporting students it will go a long way.” – Austine Baryo
Today, Austine is putting that hope into action. He has launched the Centre for Disability Rights Inc. (CEDRI), an inclusive space in Liberia where disabled people are supported, empowered and heard. The centre offers resources, advocacy and practical support for individuals with disabilities, aiming to create a society where access and opportunity are not the exception, but the standard.
His journey is a powerful example of how tailored and consistent support can create a lasting impact far beyond the classroom.
This blog was written by Rachel Chalk, eQS Disability Support Brand Ambassador.
Rachel is responsible for delivering brand awareness programs at the eQS Group of companies. This includes developing marketing and communications campaigns, and delivering product demos.
Connect with Rachel on LinkedIn.
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