Making Tech Education More Accessible with Lighthouse Labs’ Accommodations Services

Learning tech skills has become one of the great equalizers of our time. Nearly anyone can learn tech skills. And with the abundance of tech education programs offered both online and offline, more and more will be ready to further their career prospects and take on the new jobs of tomorrow.

But while this is encouraging, becoming a truly skilled tech professional is easier said than done.

For one, if you’re a career starter or a career shifter looking to build a tech career, you’ll need to commit countless hours to skills training. And if you’re like most other students, you might have to juggle financial setbacks, family duties, and a part-time job with your studies. You might also have to grapple with learning disabilities or even a lack of tools, conducive learning spaces, and the means to travel to campus.

Although education companies have started creating environments that foster accessibility and inclusivity, there’s still a huge gap in providing equal opportunities to everyone. But let’s say this segment of society possesses the tools to thrive. Can you imagine the impact they (rather, you) can create in the tech sector and the world?

Here is where Lighthouse Labs, a tech education company that offers immersive courses in web development, data science, and cybersecurity, steps in with a mission to equip tech hopefuls with future-proof skills.

Why Inclusive Learning Matters

Traditionally, inclusive learning focused on accommodating students from underserved communities and those with disabilities and special needs. Over the years, this has evolved to the simple yet impactful practice of respecting student diversity – whether racial, physical, cognitive, academic, social, or economic – and making each and every learner feel valued.

It also means removing barriers so students gain access to opportunities that would allow them to skill up and create innovative solutions that transform the lives of others. As the Lighthouse Labs (LHL) team explains, “Inclusivity in the tech industry enhances representation. And representation is important because the team that builds the tech of the future should be representative of the people who will use this tech.”

The call for accessibility and inclusivity has reached the classrooms—virtual and in-person. And companies like Lighthouse Labs are making it known that they heard you. Take the removal of character restrictions in name fields, for example. The simple effort of doing so allows anyone to enter their names, however long, with ease so no one feels excluded.

Another example are classes or lectures offered in different formats—audio, video, and live—to match various learning styles. Do you prefer to learn by listening? Or do you absorb material better through interactive activities? There are several training programs that cater to your learning style and needs.

But that’s not all. To learn more about how Lighthouse Labs meets the needs of its diverse pool of students, we sat down with Academic Accommodations and Accessibility Specialist Amanda Sterling who takes us through the process.

How Inclusive Learning at Lighthouse Labs Works

Prior to joining Lighthouse Labs, Amanda Sterling was already a keen campaigner of diversity and inclusivity. “I have been involved in volunteer work in my community, including serving the board of directors for a private education institution and chairing an income security working group.”

Sterling brings this rich background to Lighthouse Labs. Her goal: help shape a learning community that empowers students as they work their way toward their careers. If students have concerns or requests regarding accessibility and accommodations, Sterling is the person they can count on. “My role helps streamline the accommodation process by providing students and staff with a consistent point of contact for all things student accommodation and accessibility-related,” Sterling explains.

Once a request is made, Sterling’s team works closely with the Education Delivery team to assess and implement the best accommodation measures for the student. At this stage, collaboration and timing are crucial in providing students with the best possible assistance. The process involved in obtaining such assistance is pretty straightforward:

• Step 1. Identify your accommodations and accessibility needs.
• Step 2. Fill out and submit the Accommodation Request form, and schedule a consultation.
• Step 3. Meet with the Academic Accommodations and Accessibility Specialist to discuss challenges and possible steps to enhance a student’s learning journey.
• Step 4. Receive the approved Accommodations Plan.

An early intervention means that nobody gets left behind during the program, which cannot be stressed enough given the training program’s rigorous nature. Lighthouse Labs’ approach is a big part of why 90 percent of their students successfully graduate from the program. By supporting students from the get-go, they build trust and optimize their students’ learning experience.

“I check in with the students several times throughout the Bootcamp,” says Sterling. “They can reach out to me any time.”

Tech Education for All

Learning new skills to prepare for a new career is hard enough without taking into account financial, health, or personal challenges. That’s why Lighthouse Labs finds ways to make the experience more accessible and seamless to learners.

“Our Admissions and Enrollment teams are well-versed in the program structure. We can guide prospective students into making informed decisions about whether our programs are a good fit for them,” Sterling says.

In other words, you’re in good hands!

For more questions, you can always reach out and schedule a chat with Lighthouse Labs’ admissions team.