Disability and neurodiversity support

Disability is a broad spectrum and includes lots of different conditions and impairments. Here at the Dyson Institute, disability support is incredibly important to us. Our goal is to be as inclusive as possible from day one, with bespoke plans of support, including reasonable adjustments, in place for those who need it.

The Institute embraces and values neurodivergent individuals by fostering a culture of acceptance, support, and empowerment to continuously maintain a diverse and thriving work environment.

We take a three-pronged approach to disability:

We anticipate a level of need and ensure the course is inclusive from day one.
We design detailed packages of support for those with a higher level of need.
We celebrate the differences in our community by raising awareness.

Some of our adjustments are anticipatory measures that we put in place and benefit all students. Others are more bespoke including detailed conversations with individuals to see which adjustments might best meet their needs.

At the Institute, we are encouraged to learn the way that suits us best, and there’s lots of support to enable this.

Undergraduate engineer

The types of reasonable adjustments we can offer could include:

In order to support everyone, the following anticipatory measures are available for all students:

Laptops provided
Access to assistive software
24/7 site access with printing available in most areas
Notes in advance for lectures whenever possible
Lecture recordings with a transcript available after lectures
Access to the student support team when needed (as well as at planned intervals throughout the academic year)
Access to mental health support
Different areas to study
Onsite sensory rooms
Adjustable lighting in lecture rooms

You may need more specific adjustments in place to manage the learning environment. This might include:

Being able to take movement breaks
Sitting in a specific place in the lecture room (for example, to be able to see the lecturer better
Requesting to not be called upon to answer without preparation time
Colour overlay for any printed reading
Enlarged font on any handouts
An opportunity to learn from another part of campus if you need to manage any challenges in the moment
A BSL interpreter
A note taker

Exams can prove to be really challenging for those with a disability. Here are some of the adjustments our students may have for exams:

Extra time
'Stop the clock' rest breaks
A venue with a smaller group of people
A sole venue that allows you to manage the exam your way (such as using read aloud software)
'Stop the clock' toilet breaks (applicable if you have a medical condition that impacts this)
Use of noise cancelling headphones or ear plugs
Using a laptop for longer written answers
Specific colour paper
Use of read aloud software
A scribe
A prompter

There will be many forms of assessment as well as exams. This allows us to assess our students in many different ways, allowing people to play to their strengths. This might include written assignments, group projects, practical assessments and presentations. Some will need adjustments in order to show their best selves in these different types of assessment. This might include:

Flexible deadlines
Marking consideration for written work
Marking consideration for oral presentations

The workplace at Dyson is a very flexible place. You can speak with your line manager to decide the best way for you to work in their team. However, it can be important to note these down and keep track of what works best as this will equip you for your future career. Adjustments may include:

Movement breaks
Noise cancelling headphones
Regular check ins with your line manager
A chance to clarify instructions and actions after a meeting
Prior notice whenever possible for when you have to make contributions or give presentations
Option to have written material ahead of a meeting if you need more time to process
Specialist equipment (such as a rising desk, ergonomic IT equipment, footstool etc)
Different spaces to go and work

We offer all our undergraduate students the opportunity to take an online Cognitive Diversity Screening through Cognassist. This screening helps students to find out more about how their brain processes the world around them, and provides information about where their strengths lie, and also areas that could be developed further. This screening can also help start the conversation about learning differences, support needs and neurodiversity as early as possible.

Case study: Neurodiversity

Around a third of our undergraduates identify as neurodiverse. Find out how some of our neurodivergent undergraduates find studying and learning at the Dyson Institute.