I had initially got interested in the Access and Assistance for All campaign with an outsiders perspective, at a point where they were not really looking to recruit more members. I am regularly on the search for opportunities where I can help better the lives of those who have support needs and its one of my top priorities. However, I wanted to be part of something that balances allowing me to directly assist and which enables me to push for change on a big scale too. If you too have also been looking for this kind of opportunity, then look no further.
Campaigning for social change can be described by some as a necessity for society to progress. I agree with this, but what struck me particularly about the Access and Assistance for All campaign was its uniqueness in the type of diversity it focuses on and the specific issue it prioritises; assistive technology for those with disabilities. Inspired by my sister who has Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), I became increasingly passionate and aware of this important issue which is sadly not being supported enough. Not only are colleges failing on simple diversity and inclusion values, but most even choose not to comply with the law.
A report carried out by accessibility consulting company All Able found that only 13.36% of post-16 education providers followed this accessibility law, it read: “After three years of the regulations being in effect, for colleges to be significantly behind to this extent is symptomatic of a sector that is unable to react”. This is yet another example of a badly run public sector institution from the current government, failing on something as paramount as the legal regulation of developing accessible websites, learning, teaching and assessment materials for those with disabilities.
Before joining this campaign, I did not know how imperative assistive technology can be for some individuals. This is because, like for many, it is an issue not ordinarily spoken about to me when referring to equal treatment of people. This is why it was as I say such an eye-opening experience specifically to hear from other youth champions about their personal narratives, and how positive a difference assistive technology made to their lives. For example, one said it “gave me the independence to be able to take ownership of my learning” while another praised that “learning is a positive experience for me when people and technology work together to help me overcome barriers.” These are two of many that were enlightening to hear as I truly discovered how crucial assistive technology can be, and is why it is appalling to see that the majority of colleges fail to provide it. Not only are they not filling basic legal requirements, but it is also a matter of ethics. It is the basic principle of inclusion to accommodate for all diverse members in society, and those not doing so are clear examples of either negligence or insensitivity.
A review into support for students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) was launched in 2019, while we are nearly five years down the line and unable to see a shred of improvement. It’s claimed that the government are now “targeting guidance on the requirements at college leadership”, but yet again, we see them say that they are pushing for reforms while completely failing at the implementation of them.
It is time for Further Education colleges to take a proactive approach in fostering inclusive learning environments for students with disabilities. By embracing assistive technology, we can break down these barriers together and empower every learner to reach their full potential.
I urge all colleges to join us in this mission by committing to our five pledges which you can find explained in depth at the Access and Assistance for All website. Together we can pave the way for a more accessible and equitable educational landscape. By embracing these pledges, colleges can lead the charge in transforming the learning experience for students with disabilities. It is time to flip the script and turn words into action. Join us in making a difference today.