The latest survey by Student Beans revealed a startling reality: nearly 22% of students have been diagnosed with neurodiversity, while over 28% experience symptoms of neurodivergence. With autism diagnosis wait times now averaging 300 days, it's clear that the PBSA (Purpose Built Student Accommodation) sector must take a proactive role in creating inclusive, supportive communities where all students can thrive. But the question remains: are we doing enough?
At Includability, we believe the PBSA sector is uniquely positioned to foster a supportive environment for neurodiverse students. Through our collaborations with members such as CRM Students and iQ Student Accommodation, we are developing solutions that truly make a difference. Leveraging our expertise in workplace inclusion, diversity, mental health, and accessibility, Includability is working to ensure PBSA providers are not just inclusive, but impactful.
Supporting Neurodiverse Communities in PBSA
A student’s journey begins the moment they step into their new home. Moving to a new city and building a support network from scratch can be challenging for anyone—let alone for neurodiverse individuals. Includability’s Ambassadors and Partner Experts are helping PBSA providers bring practical strategies from the workplace into student communities, addressing critical challenges like:
- Simplifying Communications: At Includability, we support PBSA providers by connecting them with experts who can deliver information in engaging, accessible formats. Whether it’s creating bite-sized content, designing visually engaging resources, or improving team communication, our focus is on clarity and effectiveness.
- Reducing Noise Impact: Everyday maintenance noise can be intrusive for neurodiverse students. Includability provides access to mindfulness and wellbeing strategies that help students and staff alike manage disruptions and foster calm environments.
- Inclusive Events: Traditional event metrics often equate high attendance with success, but for many neurodiverse students, sensory overload creates barriers. Includability is driving inclusive training to help PBSA teams create events that are diverse, supportive, and mindful of accessibility.
- Team Training & Awareness: Empowering PBSA staff with knowledge is key. Through Mental Health First Aider training and neurodiversity workshops, we’re equipping teams to confidently engage with and support neurodiverse students.
From Training to Action
Includability’s expertise in workplace inclusion includes supporting neurodiverse employees and leaders in achieving better outcomes. Now, we’re adapting those strategies for PBSA providers, ensuring they translate into high performance teams and meaningful action. Our tools and resources include:
- Mental Health First Aider Training for PBSA staff, equipping them with practical skills.
- Bite sized Video Insights from Ambassadors and Experts specialising in every aspect of inclusion from neurodiversity to mental health and wellbeing.
- Access to community events and speakers spanning EDI, wellbeing, mental health, sustainability, leadership & Governance, and talent management.
Collaborating with DiSRUPT Property Recruitment Agency
Talent is the backbone of any organisation, and ensuring you have the right team in place is essential. That's why Includability is proud to collaborate with our partner DiSRUPT Property Recruitment Agency, specialists in connecting the property sector with diverse and inclusive talent. Together, we’ve developed tailored solutions to help PBSA providers recruit, manage, and engage talent more effectively. Whether it's through recruitment processes designed to eliminate bias, talent engagement strategies, or management solutions, this partnership ensures that the values of inclusion extend beyond the residents and into the teams that support them.
By working hand in hand with DiSRUPT, we’re not only creating better environments for students but also empowering PBSA providers to build stronger, more inclusive teams that lead the way in the sector.
Creating PBSA Communities
Creating inclusive PBSA communities isn’t just about service delivery; it’s about collaboration. Includability actively works with PBSA providers and property leaders, engaging directly to understand their needs and co-create solutions. Together, we aim to foster spaces where neurodiverse residents feel safe, valued, and included.
Rewarding Impact
Every step taken with Includability drives community and global change. Through Rewardability, PBSA providers earn points that fund impactful B1G1 projects, ensuring every action contributes to a better future for all.
The Includability PBSA Solution
At Includability we Analyse, Identify and Support organisations to become inclusive employers. We’re thrilled to launch our Includability Certification and Services for the Real Estate, Property, PBSA, and BTR sectors. This certification goes beyond verification—it’s a framework for continuous improvement. By empowering PBSA providers to meet the needs of all students, particularly neurodiverse individuals, we’re creating thriving communities for the future.
With re-verification every two years, our process encourages ongoing growth by resetting goals and driving continuous impact. This isn’t about checking boxes; it’s about building communities where students of all abilities can thrive, setting them up to be the leaders and workforce of tomorrow.
Join Includability
Want to know more about how we’re transforming neurodiversity support in PBSA? Contact us at hello@includability.co.uk. Together, we can create communities where all students can succeed.
Sources:
Student Beans
PBSA News
