Welcome to the Rug Room

Hello and welcome. The Rug Room is a physical and virtual space which provides opportunities for learning and creativity for students with ASD at City College Norwich.

Rug Room members may login to the site using the 'log in box' at the right of the page. Visitors can find out more about the Rug Room here.

 

What is the RUGroom?

The RUGROOM is the base for the Regional Centre for Learners with Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD) in City College Norwich. It is a unique space which is the result of a collaborative development partnership between the learners with Asperger Syndrome (AS) and the designers Team a go-go. A student conference (organised and presented by the learners) began the process of working with the designers to develop the designs for the RUGROOM. A smaller group of learners continued this work until a final design was agreed. 

The RUGROOM is an innovative design which meets the needs of the individuals with AS and has had a direct impact on the way learners work and how learners and staff interact. Situated in the main building, it is an inclusive environment allowing students to access further education.

 People with AS can have unique skills and abilities but can find social interaction, communication and change difficult, the RUGROOM offers a safe haven for students throughout the day, and is designed to offer:

• Different social spaces in the form of two different pods and social seating

• A den which is used for lunchtime clubs,meetings,lessons and gaming

• A kitchen where there are places to make drinks and eat

• Individual IT workstations for students to work at

• Importantly there are spaces which also allow students to withdraw and seek silence when needed

• A group of specialist support and lecturing staff who are based in the RUGROOM who are availiable at anytime.

  The Centre was created, with funding from the Eastern Region Learning and Skills Council, to improve the choices and access into local colleges for people with Asperger Syndrome.

What Students are Saying about RUGroom

"I think it is a great place and I love the design. I think that the staff are very supportive."

"Basically I am surrounded by people who are in the same boat as me. I feel relaxed enough to catch up on my course work."

"Its really nice and the staff are really nice."

"I like using the computers to do my work. My support worker helps me by writing notes so then I can take my time."

"It is a good place to come to because it gives students with Aspergers a place to go."

"It helps me make friends and makes me feel like I belong."

Sam Evans, learner at City College walks you round the RUGROOM on launch day (8 February 2008) showing the various elements that make up the space (please note the space is very busy due to the celebrations, it is usually much quieter than this!):