September 16, 2025
Structured Diabetes Education (SDE) plays a vital role in supporting people to better understand their diabetes and manage it day to day.
As highlighted by Donna Sutton, EMPOWER’s Clinical Lead, it’s essential to meet patients where they are if we want to see the best outcomes in attendance and engagement. That means accessibility must be at the heart of every course we deliver.
How do EMPOWER SDE courses support accessibility?
Shorter, flexible sessions
Our standard courses run for four hours, but we know that doesn’t always work for everyone. For people who find longer sessions difficult – whether due to learning needs, health, or personal circumstances – we can deliver the content in two shorter, two-hour sessions. And if a participant decides they’d like to continue after the first session, they can do so on the day.
Available in multiple languages
For many people, English isn’t their first language. We work closely with ICBs, commissioners and specialist translators to provide sessions in locally relevant languages. Recent examples include Urdu, Hindi and Gujarati.
Adaptations for vision and hearing needs
All course materials can be provided in accessible formats such as Braille or large print. We also work with British Sign Language interpreters to ensure our sessions are inclusive for people who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Physical accessibility requirements
All of our in-person courses are delivered in venues that are carefully risk assessed and designed with accessibility in mind. This includes wheelchair access, induction loops, accessible lifts and entrances, appropriate car parking and clear signage. Venues may also provide additional features such as audible lifts, braille, breakout areas for quiet time, suitable lighting and support from staff to ensure health and safety information is clear and understood.
Flexible formats and timings
We know people have different commitments. That’s why our courses are available online, in-person, or through a self-directed platform. Sessions run during the day, in the evenings and at weekends, making it easier for people to fit learning into their lives.
At EMPOWER, accessibility isn’t an add-on, it’s central to how we deliver education. By meeting patients where they are, we can ensure everyone has the opportunity to benefit from structured diabetes education.
If you’re looking to provide accessible SDE courses for your patients, we’d love to hear from you.
