Accessibility Guidelines for Neurodiverse Learners
This document outlines some of the support mechanisms Thames Gateway TSH can provide to support our neurodiverse learners. One of our values at Thames Gateway is ‘Support and Collaboration’, we want to make sure all of our learners are supported when attending our events whether these are face to face or online. We want to collaborate with our learners to ensure they have the support they need whilst working with us. At Thames Gateway TSH we will be sending this document to our facilitators with guidelines they should follow. We do understand that this document will not cover all needs however we hope this helps the majority of our learners. Please get in touch if you have any needs that are not listed in this document so we can provide the correct support for you (enquiries@tgtsh.org.uk).
Prior to the event we ask all facilitators to make sure the following best practice guidelines are being exercised:
Handouts and slides:
● Size of text between 12 and 15 💬
● Use Arial font style (avoid stylised typefaces)
● Titles should be in bold and minimum size 16
● 1 space between every word
● Use bullet points when creating a list
● Add extra space between sections when creating headlines
● Any links should be shown as a link rather than hyperlinking 🔗
● Over using capital letters can be difficult to read, only use capital letters when needed
● Italics and underlining can seem overcrowded to some learners
● Align text on the left to make it easier for learners to see where the sentence starts and finishes
● Use images or videos, we are aware not everyone learns the same so using visuals can be helpful 🖼
● For those learners who may have visual-perceptual disorder we can provide printed copies of the materials used in the session on different coloured paper.
Face to face training (prior to the event):
● At Thames Gateway we will ensure our learners know what adjustments we can make prior to their face to face sessions. 🙂
● Send slides in advance of the session for those who may want to print their own copies ➡
● Have a few copies of materials for those who may want them
● Changes to events will be clearly communicated to learners and sent more than once
● Instructions for the events should be in bullet points
● Time, date and venue should be in bold ⏰
● Ensure learners have been offered a refreshment prior to the event to create an open to learning environment 🥤
● In welcome emails , we invite participants to disclose any specific access needs. We will only use this data to support participants to access learning with us and it will not be shared wider.
Face to face training (during the event):
● Access to accessible toilets 🚽
● Refreshments should be provided for sessions longer than 2 hours 🥤
● Facilitators should not be talking too fast 💬
● Repeating key information is useful 🔁
● Ensure learners have enough time between slides to process the information
● Do not overload slides, using bullet points can be helpful
● Be clear when giving timings for tasks ✅
● Comfort breaks e.g every 2 hours ☕
● At the start of the session explain the expectations for example, where to sit, freedom to take additional breaks if needed, if the fire alarm sounds what is the protocol 🚨
● Ensure venues have accessible toilets and parking spaces 🅿
● If events are not on the ground floor, ensure learners can use the lift if needed 🛗
Online training (prior to the event):
● Please tell Thames Gateway well in advance of any online events if you require adjustments when engaging with online learning specifically. We will do our very best to accomodate you.
● Send slides in advance of the session for those who may want to print their own copies ➡
● Changes to events will be clearly communicated to learners and sent more than once 📢
● Instructions for the events should be in bullet points for example the link to join the event 📋
● Time, date and links should be in bold 📅
● Ensure videos are working and provide links for videos during the session in case participants want to revisit these after the session has ended 📺
Online training (during the event):
● Speak into the speaker and talk directly to the camera 🔊
● Facilitators should not be talking too fast 🗣
● Repeating key information is useful
● Ensure learners have time between slides to process the information ⌚
● Do not overload slides, using bullet points can be helpful
● Be clear when giving timings for tasks ✅
● Comfort breaks e.g every 2 hours ☕
● At the start of the session explain the expectations for example, what the session will cover, freedom to take additional breaks if needed 🚾
● Use blur background
Thames Gateway TSH are committed to ensuring all participants at our events have the best possible experience and high standards of service. If you feel your experience falls below expectations we encourage you to tell us on the day of your training or as soon as possible afterwards so we can make prompt changes.
If you feel the guidelines above don’t best meet your specific needs, please contact the team so we can make any necessary adjustments.
