Bridgend College awarded 'BCS Quality Mark for Accessibility'

Bridgend College was successful in achieving the "British Computer Society Quality Mark for Accessibility" at the BCS Accessibility Achievement Day on 27 October at the Institute's London offices. This was specifically for his pioneering work with Lyndon Hancock, a blind student who is undertaking an IT course, ECDL Extra, where Gareth has implemented screen reading software packages to make the course accessible. 

The BCS approved centres were judged according to the strategies they use to help disabled candidates achieve BCS qualifications such as the European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL).

Gareth, Lyndon and Jan Griffiths, ECDL Extra Tutor, attended the ceremony where Lyndon also received an award. Awards were presented to disabled candidates, who in the opinion of the judges have made a notable achievement.

Kath Jones, Disability Manager at Bridgend College says "I am delighted with this acknowledgment of the work done in this area of Specialist Student support. We are at the forefront of implementing Assistive Technology for blind and visually impaired students and to receive this prestigious award, and achieve this status amongst a cohort of competitors, who were mainly specialist Colleges, is monument to the great work of staff at Bridgend College and I am very proud of this recognition ."

The Institute supports centres and candidates by providing examinations for BCS qualifications in alternative formats such as large print, Braille, audio and British Sign Language (BSL). Centres can also request a range of reasonable adjustments for candidates, from extra time, to specialist hardware and software. Bridgend College is now recognised as a BCS Centre of Excellence

Pete Bayley, Director of Qualifications at the Institute, says: "People with disabilities can sometimes be put off attempting qualifications like ECDL or e-type because they think there are too many barriers to overcome. The work by the approved centres provides the opportunity for disabled candidates to undertake such courses, gain qualifications, and be involved in the information society."