The Student Wellbeing team is proud to have been awarded with an Autism Impact Award for Education from Autism NI for the second time in recognition of our work supporting autistic students.
Student Wellbeing currently supports over 3,200 students with disabilities and additional study needs, including autistic students, providing reasonable adjustment recommendations based on each student’s individual needs.
Feedback from our students through surveys and the ND Group (Autistic Student Social) indicated the additional support our students receive has a real impact, enhancing their confidence and empowering them to enjoy the full university experience.
The Autism NI Impact Award process gives organisations the opportunity to understand more about autism and how to support neurodiverse students and employees through a tailored programme of training and support.
In order to achieve this award, the University has demonstrated the range of support delivered as well as committing to an Autism Impact Action plan which includes key initiatives to enhance the experience of our autistic students. This includes actions to ensure staff have Autism Awareness Training and understand the difficulties or differences related to autism, as well as having nominated Student Wellbeing Autism Champions on every campus to promote Autism Accessibility.
The Student Wellbeing team has also committed to the provision of quiet and ‘sensory spaces’ available to students on each campus working together with the ND Group (Autistic Student Social), Ulster University’s NeuroNetwork and SWANN (Students With Additional Needs Network) to look at ways to improve awareness for all staff and students.
There is also significant work underway in the wider Student and Graduate Success directorate in supporting staff training in neurodiversity as well as increased opportunities for autistic students to get extra support to increase skills and capacity in interview processes, obtaining placements and transition to work.
On receiving the award, Professor Angela Scanlon, Director of Student and Graduate Success, said:
“Well done to all our colleagues in Student Wellbeing! This award is well deserved recognition of the positive impact of our work with students, University Faculties and the wider Ulster University community. We are proud of our commitment to ensuring every student thrives. Together we are working to embrace a student focused, inclusive and supportive learning environment where individual differences are celebrated.”
Photo caption:
Belfast Student Wellbeing team is photographed with Christine Kearney from Autism NI.
