One of Scotland’s top universities is encouraging more students with learning disabilities to apply for places.
Charity Enable Scotland is behind the move to widen access to Strathclyde University.
Enable Scotland chief executive Theresa Shearer says moves to get people with learning disabilities into university are “groundbreaking”
The programme is known as Breaking Barriers. Under it, eight students have been studying for a Certificate in Applied Business Skills at the university’s Business School.
Students gain skills and experience
Enable says it has seen them gain skills and experience as part of an eight-week placement with utility firm Scottish Power.
As well as classroom-based learning, reports suggest the course focuses on social media marketing, people management and customer service.
Those who complete it gain a Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) Level 4.
SCQFs have eight levels, up to a higher national diploma.
Programme ‘a success’
The Scottish Government supports Breaking Barriers and backers of the programme say it has been a success.
Theresa Shearer is Enable’s chief executive. She said people with learning disabilities suffer because they are less likely to go on to university. It harmed their careers, ambitions and life opportunities, such as forming friendships.
But she said Breaking Barriers had been “truly groundbreaking”.
Reports suggest more than a third of graduates from a pilot programme for Breaking Barriers went on to work or further study.
Jamie Hepburn is the Scottish Government’s business minister.
He recently visited Scottish Power’s headquarters in Glasgow.
Accredited qualification
Hepburn said the programme helps people to hold down a job and “young people with learning disabilities to achieve an accredited qualification”.
Hamish Watson is Scottish Power’s human resources director.
He said placements were tailored to ensure students saw the “practical, workplace application of the topics”.
Applications are open for Breaking Barriers for the 2018/19 academic year. Applicants should be between the ages of 16 and 21. The prospectus and application form can be downloaded here.
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Published: 21 September 2018
