Case Study: See how Edge Hill University uses Inspiration across its entire Campus

At Edge Hill University, accessibility and inclusive learning are embedded into the student experience. Through the work of the University’s Specific Learning Differences (SpLD) team, students and staff are supported with a wide range of assistive technologies designed to improve organisation, study skills, accessibility, and independent learning.

A central part of this approach is the use of Inspiration - which has become a key tool across the whole campus for planning, structuring ideas, writing projects, and supporting neurodiverse learners.

A University-Wide Commitment to Inclusive Learning

Edge Hill University’s assistive technology strategy is built around creating an inclusive environment where all learners can access tools that enhance academic success. According to the University’s assistive technology guidance, software such as Inspiration is available free to both students and staff across the entire campus - no waiting for approval, no need to prove a need for assistance, no cost to the user!

The University’s SpLD team developed the toolkits to help learners:

Better understand specific learning differences and neurodiversity
Develop independent study skills
Explore assistive technologies that support different learning styles
Improve accessibility and confidence in academic work

The toolkits cover areas such as dyslexia, ADHD, dyspraxia, and wider neurodiversity support, while also introducing technologies that support planning, reading, note-taking, and organisation.

Edge Hill specifically promotes Inspiration as a way to help students “organise thoughts to create detailed plans” and support academic writing, revision, and study strategies.

Learning Support Officer, Iain Gannon - has played an important role in championing the software throughout the institution over the nearly 20 years he has been there. By embedding Inspiration within the wider accessibility support resources, the University demonstrates how assistive technology can benefit all learners - not only students with diagnosed learning differences. Iain says: “Inspiration has been an established part of the University for many years, and I’ve seen how effectively it supports clear communication and student engagement. Students can access Inspiration through a university-wide site licence. The software is user-friendly and easy to navigate, enabling students to create visual maps quickly to organise their ideas and aid their learning. It is available both on campus and on personal devices, providing flexible access with minimal barriers, so students can use it whenever and wherever they need'.

Supporting Neurodiverse Learning

One of the key strengths of Inspiration at Edge Hill University is its ability to support neurodiverse learners through visual and flexible methods of working.

For students with dyslexia, ADHD, dyspraxia, or executive functioning challenges, visual mapping tools can reduce cognitive overload and improve clarity when approaching assignments or revision tasks. Inspiration allows students to see relationships between ideas, sequence tasks effectively, and develop clearer structures for academic work.

The SpLD toolkits are designed around this principle of accessible, student-centred learning. They encourage learners to experiment with technologies and strategies that align with how they learn best and Inspiration has been one of their go-to tools for many years now. It is in fact deeply embedded into the university’s culture and way of working.

Accessibility Beyond The Classroom

Edge Hill University’s commitment to accessibility extends beyond specialist support services. The University promotes assistive technologies campus-wide through:

Library and Learning Services
UniSkills support programmes
Digital accessibility guidance
Inclusive learning resources
Staff development initiatives

Inspiration alongside other popular assistive technologies are integrated into the broader student support ecosystem. And most importantly, Edge Hill positions these technologies as mainstream learning tools rather than specialist interventions. This approach helps reduce stigma and encourages wider adoption among both students and staff.

The Impact of this Approach

By embedding Inspiration into its accessibility strategy and digital learning resources, Edge Hill University has created a more inclusive academic environment that supports:

Independent learning
Improved organisation and planning
Greater engagement with academic tasks
Enhanced confidence for neurodiverse students
Flexible approaches to studying and revision

The University’s proactive use of assistive technology demonstrates how higher education institutions can create accessible learning environments that benefit the entire campus community - students and staff alike.

Conclusion

Edge Hill University provides an excellent example of how assistive technology can be integrated successfully across a university campus. Through its SpLD toolkits, ongoing support from the Learning Support team - with Iain Gannon at the helm, and institution-wide promotion of accessible learning tools, the University has made Inspiration a valuable part of everyday academic life for everyone.

Rather than treating assistive technology as a niche provision, Edge Hill has embedded Inspiration into a broader culture of inclusion, accessibility, and learner empowerment - helping students and staff alike develop stronger organisation, planning, and study skills, with many of their students continuing to use Inspiration once they are in the workplace too.

More information about Edge Hill’s assistive technology support and Inspiration can be found here: Here's an overview of EHU Assistive and accessible technologies toolkit