As we approach the end of the 2024–2025 academic year, we’re excited to share an update on the FE Accessibility Training Matrix Project.
The FE Accessibility Matrix is a Jisc-supported initiative designed to create a structured, collaborative tool that maps accessibility knowledge and skills to job roles across the UK Further Education (FE) sector.
The matrix is not a training programme in itself, but a navigation framework. It organises existing accessibility-related training and guidance resources, making it easier for institutions to direct staff to relevant, role-specific learning. This approach supports sector-wide consistency, improved accessibility confidence, and clearer pathways for professional development.
Why This Project Matters
Accessibility in education isn’t just a legal requirement, it’s a moral imperative. Ensuring that all learners, regardless of ability, can access digital content is central to inclusive and equitable education. But for many FE institutions, knowing where to start with accessibility training can be daunting.
The co-created Accessibility Training Matrix will map existing accessibility training materials to common FE job roles and staffing structures. The goal is to help institutions deliver the right training to the right people, without duplicating effort or starting from scratch.
As Laura Hutton, Subject Specialist (accessibility) at Jisc, explained in the Digifest Community Hub podcast, the project is about “sharing the load” and making accessibility training more manageable and sustainable across the sector.
Co-Creation in Action
Since launching in September 2024, the project has brought together a passionate group of FE professionals, including eLearning Coordinators, Technology Instructors, and Heads of Digital Learning. These contributors have been meeting regularly, working in three sub-groups focused on:
- Mapping typical FE staffing structures
- Exploring platforms to host the final resource
- Curating existing accessibility training materials available online
This collaborative model has been key to the project’s success. As Vicki Penny, Head of Digital Learning at Hartpury University and College, shared:
“It’s an incredible opportunity to collaborate with colleagues from a range of backgrounds and experiences. Accessibility is such an important area, and I’m excited to see what we create together.”
Reflections from the Community
The enthusiasm and commitment of the project group have been inspiring. Here’s what some of our contributors had to say:
- Colin Smith, eLearning Coordinator at The Cornwall College Group:
“I have personal experience with dyslexia and faced challenges during my early education. My goal is to make a positive impact on individuals with educational disabilities.” - Jess Rooney, Technology Instructor at Hedleys College:
“The work we’re doing has the potential to make education more accessible for so many students. I’m looking forward to developing resources that will support staff in creating accessible learning materials.” - Lynne Park, Interaction Designer at Edinburgh College:
“The collaborative Matrix environment brings out the best in us, sparking ideas and letting us learn from each other.” - Beth Brownlee, Head of Student Experience and Improvement at West Lothian College:
“Sharing good practice and learning from each other, including the Jisc facilitators, is such a powerful way to meet the accessibility needs of all our students.”
What’s Next: Phase Two
As we wrap up Phase One, we’re already looking ahead. Phase Two will launch in the 2025–26 academic year and will focus on testing, refining, and rolling out the Matrix across the sector. We’ll be working closely with pilot institutions, gathering feedback, and continuing to build a sustainable, community-driven resource.
How You Can Get Involved
We’re calling on FE and HE professionals, accessibility advocates, and assistive tech specialists to stay connected and support the next phase of the project.
We have an advisory group of accessibility specialists and education professionals supporting the project and will be utilised during Phase Two to provide input into the testing and refining of the Matrix resource. If you’d like to get involved, please don’t hesitate to contact project lead Laura Hutton at laura.hutton@jisc.ac.uk.
Follow our progress and join the conversation via our blog.
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