Northern Regional College has achieved Autism NI’s Impact Award for Education, demonstrating its commitment to inclusion for autistic and neurodivergent students and their families.
Staff received tailored training from Autism NI and developed and implemented a bespoke action plan to strengthen accessibility and autism inclusion throughout the College.
Colleagues from across Northern Regional College contributed to the process, working together to translate the training into practical and meaningful actions that support a more inclusive College experience.
Among the initiatives highlighted were drone videos of the College’s Ballymena and Causeway campuses. The footage supports pre-visit familiarisation by allowing prospective and new students to explore the campus environment online before arriving, giving them a clearer idea of what to expect.
The College also highlighted its student mentor days, including a residential programme for peer mentors which is planned to take place every two years. Through the peer mentoring programme, experienced students provide practical advice, encouragement and informal support to help newer or less confident students settle into College life, build confidence and develop academic and personal skills.
Autism NI praised both initiatives, highlighting the drone footage as a strong example of inclusive practice and welcoming the involvement of students in the mentor days.
Carly Heggarty, Equality and Wellbeing Manager at Northern Regional College, said:
“Achieving the Autism NI Impact Award for Education is a proud moment for Northern Regional College and reflects the commitment shown by everyone involved.
“The training encouraged us to look closely at how autistic and neurodivergent students experience College life and identify practical ways in which we could make that experience more inclusive and supportive.
“This was very much a collective effort. We are particularly pleased that Autism NI highlighted the drone videos and the involvement of students in our mentor days. The videos give students an opportunity to familiarise themselves with our campuses before they arrive, while peer mentors can offer practical help and reassurance to those settling into College life.
“The award is an important milestone, but our work will continue as we build on the progress already made.”
Christine Kearney, Director of Development at Autism NI, said:
“We are delighted that Northern Regional College has achieved the Impact Award for Education. Through its training and action plan, the College has implemented a range of practical and meaningful changes to promote accessibility.
“By achieving the Impact Award, Northern Regional College has demonstrated a clear commitment to building an inclusive culture for its students and will continue working to develop positive and accessible opportunities for them.”
Autism NI works alongside autistic people and their families, building partnerships that champion greater understanding, accessibility and improved services for the autism community.
The Impact Award for Education is available to schools, colleges and other education providers seeking to strengthen their inclusive approach for autistic and neurodivergent students and their families.
For further information, visit www.autismni.org or call 028 9040 1729.
