NEURODIVERSITY AT UNIVERSITY
Supporting Neurodiverse Students Embracing diversity As autumn unfolds and the new academic year is underway, Warwick Business School recognises ADHD Awareness Month and Dyslexia Awareness Day as opportunities to kickstart conversations around neurodiverse learners. Neurodiversity encompasses a range of cognitive variations, including ADHD, dyslexia, autism and more. At WBS, we understand that students may learn differently and we are committed to providing tailored resources to ensure all students can thrive. At WBS, the academic lead for neurodiversity on the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) committee, Dr. Redzo Mujcic, leads a range of projects to maximise support and enhance the educational experience for neurodiverse students. One significant initiative is the WBS Neurodiversity Library, a dedicated resource hub stocked with literature and materials that promote understanding and strategies for neurodiverse learning. This library aims to empower students by providing them with tools and knowledge to navigate their educational journeys effectively. In addition to the Neurodiversity Library, WBS offers neurodiversity dropin sessions facilitated by the specialist Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) team. Dr. Mujcic stated: “These sessions provide students with the opportunity to discuss their unique needs and experiences in a supportive environment. They are designed to foster dialogue and share best practices for learning and adapting to university life.” WBS recognises that the
traditional educational model may not always cater to the diverse ways of thinking and learning. Therefore, we are continually exploring new and innovative methods to enhance the learning experience. This includes the utilisation of our specialist ‘SmartStage’ technology, which allows for dynamic and interactive virtual lectures. This technology not only accommodates diverse learning preferences, but also creates an engaging environment for virtual learning. By utilising smart, adaptive platforms, we aim to make learning more accessible and enjoyable for everyone. As the first business school in Europe to use SmartStage, we’ve created an immersive, interactive environment that enables deeper learning, more questions and better discussions. Dr. Mujcic continued: “At WBS,
74 | EDUCATION CHOICES MAGAZINE | AU T U M N 2 024
we are dedicated to ensuring that all students, regardless of their neurodiversity, have equal opportunities to succeed. By providing comprehensive resources, personalised support and cutting-edge learning technologies, we are committed to fostering an inclusive academic environment.” “As we kick off this term, let’s engage in meaningful conversations about neurodiversity and continue to build a supportive community for all learners. Together, we can create a vibrant educational landscape that embraces and celebrates the uniqueness of each individual.” BROM MILLS Media Relations at Warwick Business School www.wbs.ac.uk TURN BACK TO PAGE 25 to read about supporting young people’s wellbeing
