STRATEGY
In fact, I can do so in all but the castle, which was built hundreds of years ago. Our location in Amsterdam is also accessible to those with unique requirements. Meanwhile, improving the way in which information is delivered to those with learning disabilities can make teaching, and the curriculum, more accessible and welcoming; for example, using assistive technology or audio formats to encourage multi-sensory learning and to cater to the different ways in which a student may engage with information. This might include providing readings and printouts in a larger font, using Braille worksheets, or something as simple as improving the lighting in classrooms to make for a more comfortable learning environment. Simply facilitating a discussion between faculty and students on what, and how, improvements can be made can make a difference. This is something that happens at Nyenrode. Everyone is welcome here, as long as the study is suited to them. We discuss students’ needs, and together we will look for solutions. It doesn’t matter whether a student has a disability or not. Giving people the opportunity and tools to talk about their disability creates an open and transparent environment at a Business School, and this is a really important way of bringing disability inclusion to the forefront of a School’s agenda. Through facilitating discussions, Schools enable students to offer their own ideas and bring first-hand experience to the table around how to promote change in terms of the School’s facilities, organisations, curricula or policies. We find the conversations with prospective students to be very important.
Many people within universities – students and academics alike – have had little experience of disability
Bridging the gap between education and employment
Having addressed these practical issues, the next step for many Business Schools and universities to consider is bridging the gap between study and employment for those with disabilities. When looking at my own situation a number of years ago, I recall that the School I attended in Utrecht provided little in the way of help when I was considering life after university. As a result, I had trouble find an internship and was apprehensive about applying for jobs subsequently, expecting to face similar issues. Writing my résumé was also a challenge due to the lack of guidance. For example, I struggled with whether or not to state on applications that I was in a wheelchair. I wasn’t sure whether to introduce the subject during the first few emails. However, fortunately, at my School, I spotted a flyer on the bulletin board advertising an employment agency for people with disabilities – named
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Ambition | BE IN BRILLIANT COMPANY
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