Help Tom Fight against Disability Discrimination
Help Tom Fight against Disability Discrimination
Latest: Sept. 9, 2022
Matter Resolved
I am able to confirm that this matter has now been resolved.
Outstanding funds will be donated to a charity that supports those with autism or donated to similar causes on CrowdJustice.
Thank you for a…
Read moreMy name is Thomas Howard, but everyone calls me Tom. I am a young, autistic man living in the East of England. Since a young age, I always dreamt of becoming a History Teacher. I loved the subject and always wanted to share my knowledge and passion for History.
During High School, I realised that I needed an undergraduate degree to become a Qualified Teacher. So, I decided to carry on in education and go onto Sixth Form and then University. I chose to attend a reputable University in the UK. I started my course in 2014 and I had been due to graduate in 2017.
However, I never managed to obtain my degree. I strongly believe that I suffered from serious disability discrimination – i.e. not having reasonable adjustments put in place for examinations and also being placed in accommodation next to a major construction site that had an adverse impact on my sensory disorder. Furthermore, one member of staff claimed that I did not act as a 'rational person'. This comment had a negative impact on my mental health. I had been criticised for not being neurotypical. I felt singled out because of my autism. These are just a few examples, but there are many more.
I did attempt to raise these issues, and I followed internal procedures. The University responded by initiating disciplinary proceedings against me in 2018. The University, despite being aware of my autism, sought to punish me and this had a severe impact on my mental health. During the height of this ordeal, I considered taking my own life. I felt like an outcast and felt that nobody understood me at the University.
I then sought legal advice and unfortunately the previous solicitor I instructed missed a crucial deadline. Now, I have to undo the damage of this delay before I can proceed further against the University. It is important for me to pursue this issue and to ensure that others do not face similar discriminatory treatment in the future. However, in order to proceed, I had to file an application to bring my claim back into Court. In the event that my application fails, I have been informed that the other party are going to pursue me to cover their costs - a threat that almost made me drop the entire claim.
I don’t come from an affluent background and I don’t have the funds to support me if a cost order is issued against me. So, this brings me to this fundraiser. I am seeking all the help and support I can get for this case, as this is an important case that raises important points such as access to tertiary education for disabled students, especially those that are non-neurotypical. This can also deliver me a sense of closure and help me close a dark chapter of my life and move on and enjoy my future. Every donation is truly appreciated, and I hope that, with your support, this claim will be successful.
In 2021, I started my first round of fundraising, but unfortunately I still need to raise more to protect me against a possible cost order. My application is being heard in the County Court on Friday 1st April 2022. If I am unsuccessful at this stage, the other side has threatened to pursue me for their costs which currently exceed £17,000.
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Thomas Howard
Sept. 9, 2022
Matter Resolved
I am able to confirm that this matter has now been resolved.
Outstanding funds will be donated to a charity that supports those with autism or donated to similar causes on CrowdJustice.
Thank you for all those that have contributed to this fundraiser. Your support and generosity has been greatly appreciated.
Thomas Howard
April 8, 2022
Big Push to Hit Fundraising Target
Thank you so much to those that have donated to the fundraiser and thank you to those that have shared it on social media!
Your support has been incredible and inspirational.
We've managed to raise an incredible £1,140 in less than 10 days from 70 donors across the UK!
That's 76% of the overall target!
We're so close to hitting the target, and I am urging everyone to consider donating and/or sharing the fundraiser to as many people as possible.
Each donation, regardless of size, has a big impact and can help support the fight against disability discrimination in the UK.
Thank you! ❤️
Thomas Howard
April 1, 2022
Outcome of Hearing on 01/04/2022
Today I attended a hearing at County Court.
The District Judge, after carefully considering the facts, granted my application and I am now able to resurrect my original disability discrimination claim against the university.
The university had tried to stop me from progressing, but they failed. The judge found in my favour and I can now progress and my case can be heard in its entirety at County Court.
Of course, there is still a substanital risk of costs as this case grows and continues. Therefore, I am continuing to raise funds to protect me against a possible cost order should I be unsuccessful at any stage.
Thank you so much for all the kind messages of support ahead of the hearing. I know interest in this case is growing and I'll be sure to keep everyone updated during this journey.
Have a lovely weekend!
Best wishes,
Tom Howard.
Thomas Howard
March 31, 2022
First Hearing
Tomorrow morning I am attending County Court. The Court is going to decide if I can bring back my disability discrimination claim against a major university in the UK.
It is possible that I could be unsuccessful at this stage, as I am being adamantly opposed by the University.
I am hoping to succeed, as my case has been of interest to hundreds of people across the UK.
I have also recieved financial support (through the first fundraiser and this fundraiser) from around 200 people - despite the economic turmoil caused by Covid-19.
Tomorrow morning, I know I am not alone. I have hundreds of people behind me. I hope the court finds in my favour so that my case and traumatic experiences can be heard and I can achieve justice and a sense of closure and, ultimately, I can make sure that similar events never happen again.
Thank you to all those that have backed me. Please continue to share this fundraiser. I hope to update everyone by 5pm on 01/04/2022.
Thomas Howard
March 30, 2022
Initial Launch
Fundraisers are often hard to establish, especially considering the current economic climate and the rise in the cost of living.
But, I have been amazed by the response to the start of my second round of fundraising.
£335 in less than a day is truly incredible. This is a positive first step, and I should say that I have been approached by a lot of people offering to share my story and also tell me about their experiences.
I am due to go to court on Friday. Following the hearing, I can update donors and hopefully provide more details regarding the next steps.
Please continue to share the fundraiser and hopefully I can hit the initial target by the end of April 2022!
Thank you to everyone! ❤️
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