Derby College Recognised As Autism Friendly

Derby College has become the first further education college in the East Midlands to be officially recognised by Autism East Midlands for its work to support students with Autism.

The College has developed a wide range of measures to support prospective and current students and to raise awareness of autism in the local community.

The College has been presented with a special plaque by Autism East Midlands which works to improve the lives of people with Autism including supporting them into education and work.

The charity’s learning and development lead Linda Wakeham said: “Derby College is the first FE establishment in the East Midlands to be recognised by Autism East Midlands as an Autism-friendly College and we are very impressed with the work that the College does to support its students.

“Education is key to changing people’s lives and I hope that other colleges follow Derby’s lead.

“We are particularly impressed with the work underway to support students into the workplace which is vital when you consider that 84% of people with Autism are not in employment.”

Derby College student engagement team manager Peter Benyon concluded: “We are obviously delighted for the work that we do to be officially recognised in this way.

“Our initiative Different is Brilliant is specially designed to support young people with Autism to enroll and thrive here at Derby College.

“It has gained national recognition and we are now sharing our work with other colleges to help them better engage with young people and adults who have autism and need additional support during their FE journey and then into employment.”