As a largely online institution, it is vital to ensure our online presence reflects the University’s core values of excellence, passion, integrity, and support. It is this thread that runs through all aspects of our disability support service, ultimately leading to our adoption of the Autism&Uni Toolkit.
As the leading online university in the built environment, we have significant experience in providing accessible education and flexible programmes of study. This makes us an attractive place for autistic learners to study, who may particularly value the ability to engage remotely — side-stepping the sensory and social challenges often associated with campus life. However, we know that accessibility alone is not enough, and there was more we needed to do to demonstrate the University’s commitment to a neuroaffirmative approach.
The Autism&Uni Toolkit provided a dynamic and flexible platform that was easily adaptable for our digital campus, allowing us to tailor the information we needed for our student community. As an online university, we attract a diverse demographic encompassing students who are carers, mature students, international students, and apprentices. The various sections of the fully customisable Toolkit allowed us to present information in an organised and concise way, so that students had a clear vision of support related to their specific needs and study journey.
Whilst the Toolkit was developed with the autistic community in mind, it has also benefited a wider reach of students and staff in a curb-cut effect. At the time of writing, a few weeks into the first semester of its launch, the Autism&Uni Toolkit is already a positive point of reference in supporting new students navigating their university journey.
We’re excited to continue developing the Toolkit in collaboration with autistic students, ensuring it remains responsive, affirming, and relevant to the needs of our community.
Lydia Williams
Disability Advisor
University of the Built Environment