DMU pledges to help those with autism by signing national charter


De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) has shown its support for students of all abilities by signing a national autism charter.

The pledge, created by Autism Alliance - a network of 18 charities which support thousands of adults and children with autism throughout the UK - outlines six ways a business or organisation can help support those with the condition.

Autism charter

It was signed by DMU's chief operating officer, Ben Browne, at an event held to celebrate the creation of DMU's Centre for Accessibility Needs, a new on-campus assessment centre.

Over 100 professionals from schools, colleges, DMU staff and students, and representatives and trainers from Autism East Midlands were invited to find out about support for disabled students.

Mr Browne said: "We are pleased to thank Autism East Midlands for their partnership and sharing our commitment to students with autism through the signing of the charter.

"At De Montfort University we thrive on our diversity. Just five years ago we supported 30 students with autism and this number is now 200 and through the range of support offered here at DMU this number will only grow "

DMU is the first university to sign the charter, which has also been signed by other organisations, including, Butlins, Support Dogs, Rolls Royce and St Andrews Health Care Trust.

The document, describes six ways to support people with autism, including training staff in autism awareness, creating an autism-friendly environment and creating means for staff or students to declare their autism.

Jane Howson, chief executive officer of Autism East Midlands, said: "De Montfort University already provides a range of support for its students with disabilities, including some great innovations for students with autism.

"Autism East Midlands is excited to be working alongside DMU staff to further increase both autism awareness for DMU staff and targeted support for those working directly with students with autism, as well as exploring the pathways into employment.

"It's a partnership with the potential to achieve great things for both students and staff at DMU. "

An on-going training programme is being delivered by Autism East Midlands at DMU with the official signing aligning the university with the Autism Awareness Charter.

Posted on Monday 18 July 2016

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