The RUG room 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), which is part of the autistic spectrum, and the designers Team a go-go.

The Centre was created, with funding from the Eastern Region Learning and Skills Council, to improve the choice and access into local colleges for people with Asperger Syndrome. People with AS can have unique skills and abilities but find social interaction, communication and change difficult. The RUG room which is at the heart of City College Norwich offers a safe haven for students throughout the day, and is designed to offer different social spaces in the form of pods and social seating: one piece of furniture was even designed by one of the learners. There are places to make drinks, eat and ‘sailed’ IT workstations for students to work at. Importantly there are spaces which also allow for students to withdraw and seek silence when needed.

 

"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."