Accessibility and Inclusive Learning - Professional Writing Academy

Breaking Down Barriers to Education

At PWA, our mission is to create a welcoming, inclusive and accessible learning environment where all students can thrive, regardless of background, experience, geography and ability. Accessibility in education is not just about accommodating disabilities; it’s ensuring everyone has the tools and support they need to succeed.

We understand that learning needs vary widely. Our commitment to accessibility encompasses support for anyone with chronic illness, neurodivergence, disabilities, anxiety and mental-health challenges. We regularly consult our students and experts and update our courses and platform based on their feedback and advice.

We continuously strive to set the standard for accessible online teaching, ensuring education is inclusive, flexible and empowering. If you have specific needs or suggestions for further improvements, you can share them with us in confidence. Together, we can build a creative learning environment where everyone feels confident, valued and supported as you learn new skills and watch your talent develop.

We offer some bursaries and support applications for funding from organisations funding access for people from marginalised communities and facing socioeconomic barriers.

For more information or assistance, please contact us directly.

8000+

Satisfied students

12 Years

Delivering to universities, publishers, corporates and talent-development agencies

96%

Course completion rate

Learn with us

High-quality learning opportunities that:

Overcome barriers

Whether geographical, financial or cultural, we’re committed to minimising obstacles to education.

Support diversity

We welcome all students, regardless of educational or socio-economic background, geographic location, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, age, disability, neurodivergence, religion or culture, and we are committed to making sure everyone feels able to do their best.

Address specific needs

We actively encourage students to make the course team aware of any personal circumstances or needs in confidence, so we can tailor specific support.

Foster flexibility

Our courses are designed to work for different learning needs, styles and preferences to maximise engagement and fun.

Our features

: Our courses are 100% online, and mostly asynchronous, allowing you to work at your own pace and fit learning around your week

Compatible with screen readers and read-aloud software for visually impaired students or anyone who prefers auditory learning

Compatible with mobile devices, so you can learn on the go or from settings that suit your comfort

Built to internationally recognised standards enabling compatibility with as wide a range of accessibility tools as possible – including new and emerging technologies

Accessibility toolbar with options to:

Adjust text size

Select dyslexic-friendly fonts

Modify colour palettes to suit your needs (such as pastel colours to reduce eye strain)
: Captions and transcripts for videos, for Deaf and hearing-impaired students, and anyone who finds it easier or prefers to read rather than watch

Transcripts for all podcasts and audio materials

PDF extracts optimised for screen readers

British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters available for live Zoom sessions on request

Transcripts and captions for live sessions on request.
: Study and complete assignments at a time to suit you. No need to be online or live at a set time – although there are opportunities to do so

All live sessions recorded and available for playback

Submit assignments as audio or video files, as well as in text form – whichever works best for you.
: Short, introductory videos help you navigate the platform and key features

Option to submit assignments in text, audio or video formats

Clear navigation tools and manageable content chunks to reduce cognitive load

Where possible, content broken up visually using narrow columns, alternating colours and clear design patterns

Content warnings on readings and extracts, where necessary

Accessibility feedback and focus groups ongoing with students and staff who are neurodivergent and/or have chronic illnesses and disabilities as part of our commitment to making what we offer as accessible as possible.
: Our tutors and moderators have extensive experience supporting students with diverse needs, including neurodivergence, chronic illnesses and disabilities

Proactive signposting to additional resources and support services, including mental-wellness resources

Staff trained in mental health first aid

Our tutors and course team are open about their own neurodivergence and chronic illness – so as well as being empathetic with learners’ needs, are constantly feeding back on the teaching model and content presentation.

Course Alumni

Meet our writers

Steph

Student experience

Quotes

Student Perspective

‘There’s much to love about the way the course is designed: I especially enjoyed the asynchronous study. Not having to meet up for weekly Zoom sessions meant I could work at my own comfortable pace, and it made the occasional Zoom meet-up with authors and agents and publishers and peers that much more of a treat.’

‘Everything I write on this course, I write by dictating to a computer. Everything I read is through a separate program reading aloud to me. I comment on my fellow writers’ work by reading my thoughts aloud to my computer.’

‘There are so many writing courses available, but for those of us that don’t have the financial means to do a Masters, it feels hard to find courses that focus on literary excellence.’

‘Being on the course has melted an intransigent, decade-long block. I can write now and I’m finally having fun writing. I didn’t know this was what I needed.’

Tutor Perspective

‘One of the things I value most about PWA’s courses is their flexibility. The ability to work at your own pace and in your own time is invaluable—not just for me as a neurodivergent tutor, but for anyone balancing other commitments. Courses are easy to navigate, with manageable chunks of content, and I really appreciate PWA’s willingness to find solutions for any individual challenges my students might face.’

‘The atmosphere is something special! The support from PWA, combined with the encouragement and camaraderie among peers, creates an environment where students can truly grow as writers. For anyone seeking a supportive, inclusive space to develop their writing, PWA offers a thoughtful and creative experience.’

Got a question?

Speak to one of the team.

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