DIVERSE: Disability in Veterinary Education - Resources for Sustainable Enhancement
What is the DIVERSE project?
DIVERSE is the largest project to be funded within the 2003-2005 HEFCE special funding programme: Improving provision for disabled students. 23 projects were awarded funding to develop and disseminate resources relating to the learning and teaching of disabled students.
All projects are expected to have a sector-wide impact; the DIVERSE project includes work reaching out to other professions including medicine and dentistry.
Which institutions are involved in this collaborative project?
The Royal Veterinary College, University of London, is leading the project, working in collaboration with the other 3 English veterinary schools at the Universities of Bristol, Cambridge and Liverpool. Anne Tynan, the project Director, is based at The Royal Veterinary College. The 2 Scottish veterinary schools at the Universities of Edinburgh and Glasgow are also providing support and assistance to the project.
The project is also supported by LTSN-01 (Learning and Teaching Support Network subject centre for Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Medicine and by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS).
What are the aims of the project?
The DIVERSE project will produce a range of resources for two key areas of teaching and learning
- link the essential competences for veterinary surgeons currently being developed by the RCVS with the coping strategies of students with different disabilities, to ensure that the appropriate accommodations are made whilst students are at veterinary school
- analyse the accessibility of Extramural Studies (EMS) placements, so as to assist placement providers and veterinary school staff and students to identify the most suitable placement for each student with a disability
The project will also reach out to other professions including medicine and dentistry, with colleagues from both disciplines included on the steering group.
"The introduction of the Disability Discrimination Act means that both the veterinary schools and the wider profession need to face up to their responsibilities towards people with disabilities. Until now we have not had the wherewithal to do that. This exciting and innovative project will develop knowledge and skills that will assist not only students with disabilities but also the many practising vets who have disabling illnesses or injuries", said Professor Mac Johnston, Senior Clinical Tutor and Chair of the Practical Clinical Studies Committee at The Royal Veterinary College.
You can find out more about the foundation work of DIVERSE.
