MORE than 100 students and staff at Heart of Worcestershire College have taken part in an immersive autism awareness experience, funded through a regional housing provider’s diversity scheme.
The Autism Reality Experience Bus visited the college’s Bromsgrove and Worcester campuses last month after funding was secured from Platform Housing Group’s Diversity Grants programme.
Delivered by specialist organisation Training 2 Care, the mobile experience uses sound, visuals and sensory simulation to recreate how some autistic people experience everyday environments, including sensory overload.
A total of 107 learners and staff took part over two days. Feedback from participants highlighted the impact of the sessions in improving understanding and empathy.
One learner said: “I now have a better understanding of how I feel when I get overstimulated and know that I’m not the only one who feels that way.”
Another participant reflected: “One thing I will take away from this experience is being more aware of sensory overload and how it can affect people. Since I felt a bit overstimulated myself, it made me realise how important it is to be patient, reduce unnecessary noise and create a calmer environment when possible.”
The Diversity Grants programme forms part of Platform Housing Group’s commitment to supporting inclusive communities and raising awareness of the experiences of under represented and marginalised groups.
The organisation manages around 50,000 homes across the Midlands, including housing for many of the college’s students.
Tom Piotrowski, the group’s equality, diversity and inclusion manager, said the project plays an important role in raising awareness of neurodiversity and helping create environments where people feel valued, respected and included.
College staff also praised the initiative, with one describing it as 'a really worthwhile experience' that improved understanding of the challenges some students face.
Madeline Cozens, personal development and careers co-ordinator at the college, said the experience would have a lasting impact on how learners and staff support others.
The event forms part of the college’s ongoing work to promote inclusion and equality across its campuses.
