Accessible by Design: Embedding Digital Inclusion Across the College

About 

City College Plymouth reimagined assistive technology through the institution-wide implementation of literacy support software Read&Write by Everway, in a bid to transform accessibility in education from a specialist intervention into an inclusive, digitally enabled learning experience for all.

Following the identification of gaps in traditional support models, we replaced fragmented, hardware-dependent interventions with a scalable, exam-compliant digital platform providing text-to-speech, speech-to-text, visual overlays and literacy support tools across all curriculum areas. Working seamlessly across existing devices, the platform enables students to access personalised support wherever and however they learn.

Rather than limiting provision to students with identified needs, Read&Write was intentionally deployed to all staff and students, removing stigma and embedding accessibility into everyday teaching, learning and assessment. In doing so, we created a more equitable, sustainable and digitally empowered learning environment that improves access, confidence and independence at scale. 

The solution has significantly enhanced productivity, reduced administrative burden for teaching staff, and enabled greater personalised support for students, while ensuring student feedback remains central to its ongoing development.

Together, these achievements demonstrate our position as a digitally advanced, forward-thinking institution that is leading the way in the innovative use of technology and artificial intelligence to enhance educational outcomes, improve efficiency, and deliver an outstanding learner experience.

Top 3 learnings

1. We learned digital support can scale inclusion more sustainably than specialist equipment.

2. We discovered staff champions accelerate student adoption and engagement.

3. We learned implementation matters more than technology alone.

What it would mean to win

Winning a Green Gown Award would provide national recognition for City College Plymouth’s commitment to creating a more inclusive, sustainable and digitally enabled learning environment. It would validate our innovative approach to accessibility, demonstrating how digital technology can remove barriers, reduce reliance on specialist equipment and improve outcomes for all learners. The award would also provide a platform to share our model with the wider education sector, inspiring others to adopt more sustainable and equitable approaches to supporting students.

SDGs

10. Reduced inequalities