Let’s face it: higher education can be tough for anyone. But for students with Special Educational Needs (SEN), the challenges can feel like trying to climb Mount Everest with a backpack full of bricks. At AIHM, we’re all about helping our students lighten that load, so they can focus on what really matters—learning, growing and thriving.
As the Head of Student Engagement at AIHM, one of the most rewarding parts of my job is seeing students blossom in an environment that truly supports them. While much attention is given to SEN in primary and secondary education, it’s equally important to consider the challenges and strategies for supporting students with SEN in higher education settings. For students with Special Educational Needs, the journey through higher education can come with extra hurdles. That’s why we’ve made it our mission to not just remove those hurdles but to build bridges—ensuring every student feels valued and equipped to succeed. Let me take you behind the scenes of what that looks like at AIHM.
Understanding SEN in Higher Education
The term "Special Educational Needs" encompasses a wide range of conditions that can impact a student's ability to learn and participate in education. These may include physical disabilities, learning difficulties, mental health conditions and developmental disorders, among others. In higher education, students with SEN face distinct challenges, including:
Academic Demands
Higher education typically involves more complex and rigorous academic tasks, such as reading dense texts, writing lengthy papers and engaging in critical analysis. Students with SEN may require additional support to meet these demands. Here at AIHM we work tirelessly to ensure reasonable adjustments are made to create equitable chances for those with SEN.
Independent Living Skills
Higher education often involves living away from home and managing tasks such as cooking, cleaning and budgeting. Students with SEN may need support in developing these skills. Our pre-induction and induction programme cover these aspects of living away from home and nurturing these skills so that their academic studies are not impacted by the challenges of day-to-day tasks.
Social Interaction
Higher education is also a time for developing social skills and forming relationships. Students with SEN may face challenges in social situations and may require support to navigate these interactions. Our Student Engagement programme is designed to offer an inclusive environment for all students, allowing them to create the social bonds that help them enjoy their university experiences to the fullest, while forging new relationships that may last a lifetime.
Support Strategies for Students with SEN
To create a more inclusive environment for students with SEN, AIHM focuses on the five following strategies:
Accessibility
We strive to ensure that campus facilities, classrooms and online resources are accessible to students with disabilities. For example, at AIHM we have ramps, elevators, accessible bathrooms and encourage the use of digital resources compatible with screen readers.
Individualised Support
AIHM offers individualised support services, such as academic tutoring, counseling and assistive technology, to meet the unique needs of students with SEN. Each person is an individual, and we offer the customised support students need to make the most of their university experience. Because of our relatively small student body, AIHM faculty and staff are able to give each student a high degree of individual attention and support, allowing them thrive during their time with us.
Inclusive Teaching Practices
At AIHM we adopt inclusive teaching practices that cater to diverse learning styles and abilities. This may include providing alternative formats for course materials, allowing extra time for exams, and using multimedia to enhance learning. We prioritise ongoing professional development for faculty, keeping them up-to-date with the latest developments in pedagogy and teaching practices.
At AIHM we are now offering a pre-induction programme developing links between the Student Committee to establish peer support where all students with or without SEN can connect with peers before they arrive and who can offer support and understanding.
AIHM provides specialised training for faculty, staff and students on issues related to SEN to raise awareness and promote a more inclusive culture on campus. Throughout the tutorial curriculum for all students, we cover aspects of equality, diversity and difference as well as safeguarding mental health and well-being.
By implementing these strategies, higher education institutions like AIHM can create a more inclusive environment where students with SEN can thrive academically and socially. We’re preparing students for the working environments and societies of tomorrow. AIHM empowers leaders—and part of this leadership is achieving individual successes as well as creating a more just and equitable society for all. Understanding difference and supporting it is essential to our mission.
At AIHM, we believe that supporting students with SEN in higher education requires a multifaceted approach that addresses their unique needs and challenges. By creating an inclusive environment that provides access to support services, accommodations and inclusive teaching practices, we can empower students with SEN to succeed in their academic pursuits and beyond. At the same time, we’re developing citizens who understand how to support other individuals to thrive. The values, skills and individualised support students at AIHM receive will enable them to continue to grow—and assist others in their growth—long after graduation.
Achieve Your Full Potential with AIHM
AIHM’s diverse student body embraces a wide range of nationalities, backgrounds, talents and abilities. Our students enjoy an ideal environment that reflects the globalised workplaces and diversity they will encounter as they embark on their careers and chart their own paths to success.
Explore our Bachelor’s degree programme and other educational tracks now, or speak with Head of Student Engagement Alison Stanworth to discuss how AIHM can support you in your journey.