Testimonial: Hannah Bannister, Imperial College London

Director of Student Services

Imperial College London, in collaboration with D&A, set up and delivered a project to refresh our information technology offering to both staff and students. The focus was inclusive technology – what software and applications did we want to make available to enhance the learning, teaching and research experience across campus? The conversation started with the pressing need to update what we could provide for disabled students but it very quickly expanded to become an inclusivity project.

In the same way that we all learn differently, we all use technology and look for ways to use it to suit our own needs and preferences. This is incredibly unifying and D&A were able to bring their perspective and expertise into the discussion. They helped to win the understanding and support of colleagues from various different constituent parts of the College; we developed a shared understanding of why we needed to do this project, the importance of an inclusive rather than disability focussed approach and what we should be looking for in terms of outcomes.

D&A carefully advised us on a selection of software and apps to be networked, based on the needs of our students and staff, the courses we offer and the College environment. We have now got a fantastic range of tools and resources in place that staff and students can use to support all aspects of their learning or teaching. Alongside this, D&A has been providing in-depth training for small groups to illustrate how the tools can be used effectively in integration with essential study skills. These sessions are open and accessible to all and are designed to get our students ‘study ready’. 

This is a great triumph, where we can proudly say that our Institution is ready, willing and able to support all of our students, both domestic and international, to reach their potential, whether they have a formal diagnosis or not!