SAPSO

Supporting Access, Progression and Successful Outcomes in Disabled Student Communities

Supporting disabled learner journeys across the Scottish tertiary sector

The SAPSO (Supporting Access, Progression and Successful Outcomes) project seeks to gather meaningful feedback from disabled students across Scotland’s tertiary education sector. Its primary aim is to deepen understanding of student access, progression, and successful outcomes by placing lived experience at the centre of inquiry.

Previous research in this area has focused largely on university settings. However, the establishment of STEP has created new opportunities for collaboration between colleges and universities. SAPSO benefits from this context by bringing institutions together to address shared challenges. A key strength of the project is its 'by students, for students' ethos, supported by the active involvement of student associations.

Two students, Volo and Olex, standing in front of a projector screen, modelling their yellow SAPSO hoodies

Students play a central leadership role within SAPSO, working alongside staff through structured roles such as Student Mentor, Milestone Lead, and Communication Lead. This model not only supports project delivery but also builds confidence, skills, and ownership among participants.

Data collection is undertaken through interviews, podcasts, and short-form videos, with media students contributing to the production of high-quality outputs. Importantly, questions are designed by students, ensuring authenticity and relevance. Disabled participants are encouraged to share their experiences openly, with assurances that their contributions will be reviewed and used sensitively.

Year two of this four-year project included Edinburgh College, West Lothian College and the University of Edinburgh as the pilot institutions, and has demonstrated significant impact. Students have grown in confidence and professionalism, while strong collaboration across institutions has enhanced engagement. Outputs, including a pilot film and workshop presentations, have amplified student voice and influenced practice. Notably, participation has opened further opportunities for students, empowering them to lead, advocate, and contribute to the development of more inclusive tertiary education.

Feedback after SAPSO Film Premiere

This video captures feedback on the SAPSO film after it premiered at the STEP Conference in May 2026.

Jakki Jeffery is Assistant Principal for Creative Industries, Culture and Languages at Edinburgh College. She leads on the SAPSO project, which focuses on student access, progression and successful outcomes for disabled learners, bringing together staff and students from 18 Scottish tertiary institutions to drive inclusive educational improvement.

Student Posters

Quote by Adam Mohammad at Edinburgh College, "I had to be a bit more specific on what I wanted, and that was quite challenging because I'm not good with communication"

Quote, "I have a hearing problem. But my biggest challenge is the noise in our large classroom, which is amplified by hearing technology. That's why my teacher has to be extra attentive. And subtitles in my Listening exercises would be a huge help to me."

Quote by Dilys Cornford from the University of Edinburgh, ''Sometimes, even though I still get waves of shame and guilt and it can be debilitating, I get back up a lot quicker than I used to, and to me that's success."

Quote by Alex Harrison, "I've lost a classmate like they've dropped out this year because they felt unwelcome, that no one was talking to them. I could have possibly talked to them more and tried to make them feel welcome and not like I was welcomed..."

Quote by Findlay Menzies from West Lothian College, "Success would look like passing my course and getting a stable job within the industry ... in sports development."

Quote by John McMurray from the University of Edinburgh, "I don't feel I've lived up to my own estimations. I also haven't really been able to interact with the student community or town societies or, you know, make the most of the student experience."

Quote by Robin Lind-Leme at the university of Edinburgh "I received kind of the basic, which was extra time that I won't need, I can request for late submissions without like being in the limit."

Quote by Arron Hume from West Lothian College, "I'm a multi-disabled person. Having weekly study skills support has helped massively by allowing me to express my ideas clearly and build confidence in my work."

Quote by Sarah Dunn from the University of Edinburgh, "I've now just won an international student research competition because research has allowed me to really grow as a person. I'm finally carving a place for myself that I feel happy and being able to."

Quote by Alistair Glasgow at West Lothian college, "It means I can prove I'm actually doing the work, and take pride in what I've already achieved. And all my achievments over the last few years show that I'm doing a great job of meeting my targets."

Quote by Ethan Hughes, Edinburgh College, "Difficulties in the induction part come from a lack of communication between lectures and learning support. Sometimes lecturers don't communicate seemingly viral information. It can be a little bit frustrating."

Quote by James Kelly from Edinburgh College, "My mentor and I felt I wasn't getting necessary help from the NHS or disability services. They couldn't provide this specialist support or advocate for me within the NHS because they aren't qualified."

Quote by Kim west from the University of Edinburgh "I was really worried about the exams with my memory, and I got an email saying that I got an adjustment to do the exams from home."

Quote by CJ Airline from West Lothian college, "Because of the support I receive in my business course, I'd been able to go on to do extracurriculars. I volunteered as an executive officer, which ended up getting me into a job as Student President."