Northern Regional College has been recognised with Autism NI’s Impact Award for Education — a marker of the work underway across its campuses to make college life more inclusive for autistic and neurodivergent students and their families.
Staff took part in tailored Autism NI training and worked to a bespoke action plan focused on accessibility and inclusion. The college says the push was college-wide, involving teams across sites rather than a single department.
Practical steps already in place include drone videos of the Ballymena and Causeway campuses, published online so prospective students can familiarise themselves with the buildings before a visit, and student mentor days — with a residential peer-mentor programme planned every two years.
Autism NI singled out the drone footage and the involvement of students in mentor days as standout examples of the college’s approach. The award joins other Northern Ireland organisations recognised under the same scheme, including Belfast International Airport and Danske Bank.
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 with autistic people and families across Northern Ireland. The Impact Award for Education is open to schools, colleges and other education providers — see also how NIE Networks achieved the award in the workplace stream. The Education Champion plaque covering the award period runs from August 2023 to August 2026.
For more information visit www.autismni.org or call 028 9040 1729.
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