Northern Regional College recognised for making college life more accessible for autistic students
Carly Heggarty, Equality and Wellbeing Manager at Northern Regional College and Shannon Murphy Education Support Co-Ordinator pictured with the Autism NI Award
Monday 21 September 2026
Northern Regional College has achieved Autism NI’s Impact Award for Education after introducing practical measures designed to make college life more accessible and supportive for autistic and neurodivergent students.
The recognition follows tailored Autism NI training for staff and the development of an action plan aimed at improving accessibility and autism inclusion across the College.
Helping students know what to expect
Among the measures singled out by Autism NI are drone videos of Northern Regional College’s Ballymena and Causeway campuses, allowing prospective and new students to familiarise themselves with the surroundings online before their first visit.
For students who may find unfamiliar environments challenging, the footage provides an opportunity to see the campus layout in advance and gain a clearer idea of what to expect before arriving.
The College’s student mentor days were also highlighted, including a residential programme for peer mentors which is planned to take place every two years. Experienced students provide practical advice, encouragement and informal support to help newer or less confident students settle into college life and build their confidence.
Award reflects collective effort
Carly Heggarty, Equality and Wellbeing Manager at Northern Regional College, said:
“Achieving the Autism NI Impact Award for Education is a proud moment for Northern Regional College and reflects the commitment shown by everyone involved.
“The training encouraged us to look closely at how autistic and neurodivergent students experience College life and identify practical ways in which we could make that experience more inclusive and supportive.”
She said the work had been a collective effort across the College, with Autism NI particularly highlighting the drone videos and the involvement of students in mentor days.
“This was very much a collective effort. We are particularly pleased that Autism NI highlighted the drone videos and the involvement of students in our mentor days. The videos give students an opportunity to familiarise themselves with our campuses before they arrive, while peer mentors can offer practical help and reassurance to those settling into College life.
“The award is an important milestone, but our work will continue as we build on the progress already made.”
Autism NI welcomes practical changes
Christine Kearney, Director of Development at Autism NI, said:
“We are delighted that Northern Regional College has achieved the Impact Award for Education. Through its training and action plan, the College has implemented a range of practical and meaningful changes to promote accessibility.
“By achieving the Impact Award, Northern Regional College has demonstrated a clear commitment to building an inclusive culture for its students and will continue working to develop positive and accessible opportunities for them.”
Autism NI works alongside autistic people and their families and develops partnerships aimed at improving understanding, accessibility and services. Its Impact Award for Education is available to schools, colleges and other education providers seeking to strengthen their approach to inclusion.
Northern Regional College says the award marks a milestone rather than the end of the work, with further efforts to build on the changes already introduced and improve the experience of autistic and neurodivergent students.
Further information about Autism NI and the Impact Award is available at www.autismni.org or by calling 028 9040 1729.
