The Accessibility Team

  • Transformational Use of Digital Technology
  • The Oaks Specialist College
  • Gold Winners
  • 2025
  • Tonbridge, Kent

The accessibility team at The Oaks has a profound impact on learners’ independence, aspirations and employment opportunities. By integrating use of everyday technology into the learning environment, learners demonstrate measurable improvements in academic performance, participation and self-esteem; the college’s employment rate for learners with learning disabilities is 72% where employment is appropriate, compared with the national average of 4.8%. As part of its drive to positively influence the communities that its young people live within, the team also conducts workshops for families, carers and businesses, fostering inclusive, accessible environments. What sets the accessibility team apart is its integration of speech and language therapy and occupational therapy and its creative, innovative use of everyday digital solutions to overcome barriers to learner success and independence. The team’s holistic approach ensures that all learners, regardless of ability, can thrive and succeed within and beyond the college.