Project title: Neurodivergent and disabled students and inclusive programme design
Project summary:
The project at the University of Plymouth (UoP) focuses on supporting neurodivergent and disabled undergraduate engineering students within the School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics (SECaM). Our data shows that UoP has a higher percentage of students with declared disabilities and in receipt of Disabled Student Allowance compared to the sector average. Further, there is an attainment and graduate outcome gap for disabled students, which motivated this project.
Supporting neurodiverse and disabled engineering students
In partnership with EqualEngineers (EE), the project aimed to embed systemic inclusion in degree program design. It developed activities co-created with students, including micro-internships and bespoke mentoring schemes for neurodiverse and disabled students. A neurodiversity toolkit was also created and shared to promote systemic inclusion across the higher education sector.
The handbook aims to roll out a step-by-step provision and toolkit for supporting neurodiverse and disabled engineering students. We share a summary of evidenced inclusive practices and new teaching and learning activities that have had a positive impact on students at Plymouth.
The aims of the project guide
· Increase staff awareness and understanding of neurodiversity and disability.
· Provide interventions applicable to all disciplines and minority groups.
· Share best practices for inclusive teaching, micro-internship schemes, and improving student outcomes across HEIs.
· Contribute to higher NSS scores, better recruitment, and retention, and support OfS, DfE, and UNESCO SDGs in education.
The full report can be found and read here on the Plymouth website.