Learner voice matters

At National Star, learner voice is at the heart of everything we do. We believe in empowering students to share their experiences, advocate for themselves, and inspire others.

Students Jak, Erin, and Amber have all overcome their anxieties around talking publicly and have grown in confidence as a result of their public speaking experiences.

Jak, National Star’s Student Union President, proudly presented at the Down Syndrome
UK Annual Conference. Speaking with Meg Rogers, Director of Services, Jak presented to fifty families and professionals, providing an insightful overview of life at National Star. He shared how important college is to him and how he is preparing for life after National Star, before he took part in a live questions and answers session. Jak’s confident presentation inspired others and afterwards
he said: ‘That was really fun, I was nervous before, but everyone was friendly.’

Erin took centre stage at the University of Bristol Dental School, co-presenting alongside her Speech and Language therapist, Katherine Lee, to educate dentists of the future.

Erin shared: ‘I explained what I find difficult and what helps me to communicate. I also shared a positive experience during my last trip to the dentist, which I think the students were probably very pleased and relieved to hear.’

Her input offered dental students invaluable insights into caring for patients with disabilities and the need for accessible communication.

On International Women’s Day, Amber joined National Star’s Chief Executive Lynette Barrett to speak at the Circle2Success Women in Business event.

Amber spoke about her learning journey at National Star and her goals for the future. Her courage in stepping up to share her story was testament to her growth and overall confidence.

For Jak, Erin, and Amber, public speaking was initially daunting. However, with the right support and encouragement, they discovered their voices are powerful tools for change. Their experiences show that when students step up and speak out, they not only grow in confidence but also educate and inspire those around them. National Star is proud to champion learner voice, ensuring that students’ views are heard and valued.

Our vision is for a world in which people with disabilities are equal and active citizens in control of their own lives. We will continue to seek out opportunities for students to share their experiences, break down barriers and stereotypes, and lead the way for a more inclusive world.

We asked some of our students what education means to them