DART Project (2003-2005)

Focusing mainly within engineering and the built environment, the DART project sought to enhance the experience of disabled students by enabling academics to assess their learning and teaching strategies used to deliver the curriculum as it affects disabled students, and by offering clear advice and guidance on how to overcome barriers to accessible practice.

The project produced 25 Case Studies detailing the experiences of disabled students across a range of HE Institutions. These Case Studies were used, along with other relevant materials and resources, to populate a web-based auditing and diagnostic tool for use at various levels within Institutions.

A central feature of the tool is a searchable database that can offer immediate bespoke feedback and specific advice to academics seeking to meet the needs of their disabled students. Users are able to search in relation to ‘barriers’ (e.g. inaccessible resources), the ‘context’ (e.g. lectures, laboratory work etc.), and the specific ‘disability’ at issue. By offering such a facility the DART diagnostic tool provides immediate and accessible advice for academic providers.

The DART Tool was piloted within 5 Higher Education Institutions (University of Bolton, University of Central England, Loughborough University, Nottingham Trent University, and Sheffield Hallam University) during 2005. This involved a comprehensive evaluation involving academics, disability specialists and disabled students. The feedback received was used to enhance the appearance, content and functionality of the tool.