Course accessibility, Inclusion and Reasonable Adjustment(s) at Code First Girls

At CFG, we aim to ensure our learning offering is as inclusive as possible for all learners in an online learning environment. We are committed to ensure that the learning space, delivery and content is effective, inclusive and supportive to all. 💛

 It is the responsibility of learners to be aware of the support available from Code First Girls and to seek it when needed and/ or in line with the information below. It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that they have access to an appropriate learning environment, including any necessary technology and devices, in order to fully participate in the programme. Additionally, students are required to communicate any additional learning needs or requests for reasonable adjustments to the organisation. 

All requests for reasonable adjustments on advanced programmes will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis in accordance with our Reasonable Adjustment Policy. Adjustments deemed reasonable for both the student and the organisation will be implemented, where appropriate. In some cases, supporting medical evidence may be required to validate the request.

Learning support

MOOCs

Our MOOCs are accessible in several ways and are suitable for individuals whose schedules aren't so flexible and who would like to learn in their own time. 

Accessibility support: 

• Platform: All of our MOOCs are recorded on YouTube, and accessible for rewatching. 
  • Closed Captions: We encourage learners to utilise the subtitles/closed captions function on the recordings. 
  • Playback speed: We encourage learners to choose a pace which is most supportive in their learning. 
• Time: MOOC sprints are accessible online for three months in total (from the start of the sprint to the end of the on-demand time frame), allowing learners the chance to re-watch and access content at their own pace.
• Access to learning materials: Learning materials are shared with learners to enhance learning. This also allows learners to access prior course content at any point, e.g. slide decks, code snippets, etc. All learning materials are shared in line with our Intellectual Property clause in the Community Code of Conduct. 
• Programme support: The Code First Girls team are available to support via Slack, with any questions or queries a learner may have.

Coding Kickstarter Classes 

Our Coding Kickstarter classes are accessible in several ways. Our class offering has been designed for  those learners who are able to commit to one evening per week of learning (two hours in duration).

Accessibility support: 

• Platform: We use a dynamic, online learning hosting platform named Butter which is highly supportive for learners, allowing the following:
  • Access to class recordings
  • Closed captions
  • Auto-generated transcript
  • Auto- generated class summaries
  • Chat function

• Delivery: Kickstarter classes are hosted virtually and in the evenings to ensure they are accessible around study/work commitments and do not require any costs for travel. 

• Instructor support: Learners in our Kickstarter classes may be assisted with technical support, during live sessions, where appropriate and feasible. 

• Programme support: The Code First Girls team are available to support via Slack, with any questions or queries a learner may have.

• Access to learning materials: Learning materials are shared with learners to enhance learning. This also allows learners to access prior course content at any point, e.g. slide decks, code snippets etc. All learning materials are shared in line with our Intellectual Property clause in the Community Code of Conduct. 

Advanced Programmes: CFGdegree, +Masters and MLA

Our advanced programmes are accessible in several ways. Each programme offers learners the opportunity to learn in a more intensive and in depth way, with a greater time and learning commitment required from each individual.

Accessibility support, upon request: 

• Access to TextHelp:
  TextHelp is a useful resource that offers an array of tools aimed to enhance accessibility for learners. Its diverse set of features includes text-to-speech capabilities, customisable fonts, and more, catering to a variety of learning preferences and needs.
• Access to Spill: Spill is a Slack-integrated application which allows students on our advanced programmes to message and book sessions with a trained therapist, completely free of charge. 
• 1-1 Check-In Calls:
  Recognising the value of personalised support, students enrolled in the CFGdegree and +Masters have the opportunity to engage in 1-1 check-in calls. These calls provide a dedicated platform for students to address their concerns, seek clarification, and receive guidance directly. 
• Early access to course content, weekly:
  To further facilitate effective learning, students enrolled in one of our advanced programmes  gain early access to weekly course content. This advanced access provides learners with additional time to engage with the material, review concepts, and prepare for upcoming assignments. By extending this privilege, we aim to create an inclusive learning environment that values every student's journey. All learning materials are shared in line with our Intellectual Property clause in the Community Code of Conduct. 

Reasonable Adjustment(s), upon request:

If you feel there is something that may support your learning further, please complete a reasonable adjustment request form, at least two weeks in advance of your course starting. Each request will be carefully reviewed and considered on a case by case basis, and in some cases, further evidence may be requested. We cannot guarantee all requests will be granted. We remind learners that, as a business training and learning provider, we are committed to providing you with what may be a reasonable adjustment(s) for both the learner and Code First Girls.

An outline of reasonable adjustments we can provide are outlined below:

• Extensions for homework/assignments (CFGdegree / +Masters/ MLA):
  We acknowledge that unforeseen circumstances may impact a student's ability to meet assignment deadlines. If our CFGdegree team, who are dedicated to answering your queries whilst on the course, are informed beforehand by any students enrolled in the CFGdegree and +Masters course, there may be a chance to offer an extension on assignments. This will be managed on a case by case basis. 
  
  
• Additional time for Live Examinations   (CFGdegree / +Masters/ MLA) with proof of diagnosis or supporting evidence):
  Understanding the unique challenges faced by individuals with accessibility issues, we recognise that some students may need extra time to complete assessments. Students who present proof of diagnosis or supporting evidence are eligible for up to 25% additional time. This will be managed on a case by case basis. 
  
  
• Any other request(s) will be reviewed in line with our Reasonable Adjustment Policy.