College students launch new business providing accessibility audits

College
Let me in team photo with Microsoft team in a classroom.

Last month, students from Treloar College Employability and Vocational Pathway welcomed guests Dave Baker from Microsoft and Susie Jeffcott from Westfield Arts College, Weymouth. They presented their business venture, 'Let Me In', showcasing their progress in developing a website and building their social media presence. Their business ‘Let Me In’ offers accessibility audits to local business premises to help them improve access and improve employment opportunities for disabled people. Susie is keen to learn about the project and take it forward at Westfield College.

We’re delighted to see other colleges taking this business idea forward and influencing their own local communities. We know that our students are passionate about increasing the visibility of disabled people in the workplace, and keen to contribute to their community and improve accessible employment opportunities. This week the students will be presenting online to the NATSPEC students parliament, a wonderful opportunity to promote their business and encourage other Colleges to get involved.

We’re very proud of our students, their entrepreneurial skills and their devotion to furthering their mission of creating inclusive and accessible communities. The ‘Let Me In’ initiative was born from an idea in Digital Skills for Business classes and has grown into a fully formed business. To date, the students have completed accessibility audits in the Alton Sainsburys supermarket, The Ivy House in Alton, a local church, Mansion House in the City of London, and Microsoft HQ in Reading.

This term they presented their business pitch to senior leaders from Asmodee Games in Bordon. We’re hoping this new partnership will create opportunities for more students to do work experience and supported internships in the future. Many of our students enjoy gaming and are excited about the potential to be involved with new games, product development and user testing of prototype games.

It’s not all about gaming, the ‘Let me in’ students mean business, future accessibility audits are planned for Frimley Park Hospital, Adobe and Southampton Airport. If you know a business who are keen to become more accessible, get in touch with: letmein_uk@outlook.com  or visit their website.