Embedding Systemic Inclusion for Neurodiverse and Disabled Engineering Students

Funded by Royal Academy of Engineering (RAEng)

In partnership with EqualEngineers and funded by Royal Academy of Engineering (RAEng), the project aims to embed systemic inclusion in degree programme design and develop a range of activities co-created with students. These include micro-internships and bespoke mentoring schemes for students who are neurodiverse and have disabilities. A series of guest lectures and webcasts by EqualEngineers are also being delivered.
The School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics has around 21% of students in the three engineering subjects that are registered disabled. Evidence suggests that a large proportion of these students are mature and from a lower economic background, while there is an attainment gap of ~7%. The focus of the project is to improve the experience and sense of inclusion of disabled students within the existing population.
The immediate benefits for those people participating in this project are as follows:
  • paid micro-internships for one week over the summer of 2022 or 2023*
  • mentoring opportunities with industry members
  • a series of guest lectures delivered by industry members who identify themselves as disabled and/neurodiverse
  • an opportunity to sign up for the Pathways Programme delivered by EqualEngineers (our project partner)*
  • webcasts by EqualEngineers
  • improve employability skills and take part in careers events
  • an opportunity to contribute to and participate in the Inclusive Engineering conference on 26 April 2023
  • a diversity inclusion toolkit for embedding systemic inclusion across the HEI sector
  • an opportunity to learn more about inclusive practice for neurodiverse and/or disabled job applicants and employees
  • 'Creating Inclusive Cultures' training, delivered by EqualEngineers, which aims to help embed systemic inclusion both at the University and with our key employers. 
*Disabled and neurodiverse students will be prioritised for these activities. However, if we are unable to fill all the slots for these activities, they will be offered to other minority groups in SECaM and then open it to all the students in the School.
An estimated 15–20% of the world's population exhibits some form of neurodivergence. However, because neurodiverse employees may not disclose their disabilities or even have a diagnosis, employers may underestimate their prevalence and the importance of addressing their special needs.
From the employers’ perspective, this means overlooking the long-term benefits that include bringing creativity and innovation through inclusivity in the working environment, which can result in increased productivity through alternative and divergent ways of thinking and better understanding of stakeholders’ diverse needs.
Working with our students, staff, industrial and external partners, our beneficiaries will have a more inclusive learning experience, will have improved confidence and better attainment and improved employment outcomes.
This project aims to improve confidence, and raise the aspirations, of engineering students from neurodiverse and disabled groups to improve attainment and employability outcomes.

Inclusive Engineering Conference

Diversity conference theme – “Inclusive engineering”
The Inclusive Engineering Conference took place on 26 April 2023 in the Rolle Marquee. 
Conference - image courtesy of Getty Images