The University of Hull Policy Statement and Code of Practice: Students with Disabilities

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1 The University of Hull Policy Statement and Code of Practice: Students with Disabilities Approved by Disabilities Committee May 2003 Revised February 2004

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3 The University of Hull Policy Statement: Students with Disabilities INTRODUCTION The University of Hull is committed to a policy of equal opportunities for disabled people and is working towards creating an environment in which all individuals are able to participate fully in the academic and social life of the University. It is recognised that disability covers a wide range of impairments including physical and mobility difficulties, hearing impairment, visual impairment, specific learning disabilities including dyslexia, medical conditions and mental health problems. Different disabilities will have varying impacts on study, work and other aspects of life. Individuals may join the University with a disability or become disabled during their time at the University. Some individuals may be disabled temporarily by accident or illness. POLICY STATEMENT The University of Hull s policy is to comply with the statutory obligations in a positive manner.the University recognises that it has clear obligations to take all reasonable steps to enable people with disabilities to share in the opportunities available to all its students.the University strives to identify barriers and obstacles which exist for disabled people and to work towards their removal. Students who identify themselves as having a disability will be provided with access to the appropriate advice, support and adaptations to remove barriers and obstacles and enable them to be fully included in the life of the University. All students with a disability will be offered the opportunity to have their study and support needs assessed.their views will be taken into account at all times during assessment of their needs. The University will take all reasonable steps to ensure that courses and assessment are organised in ways which offer disabled students the best possible opportunities for equal participation and demonstration of learning outcomes.the University will also take reasonable steps to enable students who become disabled during their time at the University to continue in their course of study. So far as is reasonably practicable and within the constraints of existing buildings, the University will ensure that premises are accessible and at all times safe for disabled students. Members of staff will have access to appropriate information and advice and are strongly encouraged to participate in staff development opportunities to develop awareness of disability and equality issues. All students will be provided with the opportunity to identify themselves as having a disability on application to a programme of study and annually at registration.applications for admission from potential students will be assessed primarily on the basis of the applicants aptitudes, abilities and qualifications. Disability Statement and Code of Practice 3

4 The University of Hull Policy Statement: Students with Disabilities SCOPE OF THIS POLICY The University expects all staff to be aware of this policy and the related code of practice and to treat disabled people fair ly, with respect and in accordance with this policy. Deans of Faculties, Heads of Schools, Heads of Departments and Heads of Services and Administrative Sections will be responsible for ensuring that the policy is communicated effectively and is being fully implemented in their area. Disability Tutors will also have a specific role in monitoring the effectiveness of this policy. The Disabilities Committee has overall responsibility to monitor the implementation of this policy. This policy relates primarily to students. Please refer to Policy Statement: Staff with Disabilities for information relating to staff. Please note that within this policy document and the associated code of practice the terms students with disabilities and disabled students are used interchangeably. Please note that the term staff refers to all employees of the University of Hull. See Code of Practice: Students with Disabilities. In addition, Disability Services are responsible for developing policy and provision for disabled students in conjunction with the Disabilities Committee: providing a service to individual students this includes determining support needs, assisting students in applying for Disabled Students Allowance and other sources of additional funding and advocacy providing information and advice with regard to support for disabled students to staff in academic and other departments throughout the University promoting positive attitudes towards disabled people throughout the University through staff training and development 4

5 Code of Practice: Students with Disabilities This document should be read in conjunction with Policy Statement: Students with Disabilities. 1. DISABILITY SERVICES All students and staff of the University will have access to a disability advice and support service, which will: offer information and advice to students with disabilities and work to identify their support requirements assist with applications for Disabled Students Allowance coordinate a comprehensive Specific Learning Difficulties Support Service including referrals for psychological assessment and the provision of individual and group tuition for students with specific learning difficulties arrange for non-medical assistance: note-takers, readers and enablers provide specific advice and recommendations in areas including admissions, accommodation, approaches to study and examinations oversee the provision of specialist equipment across the University advise the University on the implementation of the Disability Discrimination Act and the development of policy and procedures for supporting students with disabilities coordinate and train Disability Tutors in order to develop a network of expertise across the University work in collaboration with local and national organisations to enhance University provision 2.ADMISSIONS The University is committed to the principle of equality of opportunity and seeks to apply this principle to all aspects of its admission process.the criteria normally applied in assessing an application will be the applicant s academic ability and determination to benefit from the chosen programme of study, but in relation to programmes leading to professional qualifications questions of fitness for the particular profession may also need to be taken into account. Discussions about the support requirements of students will be a separate but parallel activity from that consideration. Applicants should be aware that the information provided on their application will be retained on the University s records and made available to all involved in the admissions process and those concerned with student welfare so that the University may discharge its duties.the University will try to ensure that applicants declaring a disability have full information about the support available so that they may make an informed choice regarding the optimal place for their studies.those with impaired mobility are advised to visit the University before application to assess the suitability of the premises and their surroundings. Applicants who have declared a disability on their application form should be consulted about their needs and given advice as to how the University might meet those needs.they will have the opportunity to make their support needs known via a questionnaire and will be encouraged to arrange an information visit. Upon admission, students will be afforded an opportunity to provide additional information about their needs. Disability Statement and Code of Practice 5

6 Further detailed information is provided within the Equal Opportunities Code of Practice for Admissions. 3.ASSESSMENT OF NEED All students with a disability will be offered an assessment of their study and support needs (Assessment of Needs) at the earliest opportunity, either before they enrol or shortly after the commencement of their course. Assessments of Needs for the purposes of Disabled Students Allowance will normally be undertaken by staff from an accredited Access Centre. Students will be required to provide medical/ psychological evidence detailing the nature and extent of their disability or specific learning difficulty. The views of a student will be taken into account at all times during an assessment of their needs and the content of the assessment report will be discussed with them prior to the release of the report.the report, containing detailed recommendations, will be sent or copied to the student, the student s supervisor or course coordinator and the Disability Tutor. The Disability Tutor will monitor the implementation of academic support arrangements. 4. DISABILITY TUTORS Within each academic area, some members of staff will be designated as Disability Tutors. Disabled students may discuss with them course curricula and the teaching and learning activities entailed and raise any additional learning or other needs. Disability Tutors will: publicise their role to students and staff within their subject area provide a point of liaison between Disability Services staff and academic staff liaise with departmental staff and provide advice in the areas of admissions, examinations and programme boards make all teaching staff aware of a student s academic support requirements monitor the implementation of academic support arrangements (for example provision of overheads) provide information to individual disabled students relating to curriculum accessibility (including field trips, study abroad, work placements and other specialist learning environments) and assist in the arrangement of adaptations where necessar y refer disabled students to specialist support services within the University when appropriate record and keep accurate records of interactions in relation to disabled students; attend arranged staff development/training activities; monitor the implementation of disability policy in their area raise awareness of general disability issues including legislation and national frameworks for best practice 6

7 Code of Practice: Students with Disabilities 5. CURRICULUM The University will take all reasonable steps to ensure that courses (including placements, field trips, study abroad and other specialist learning environments) are organised to offer the best possible opportunities for full participation by all students.where a student with a disability is placed at a substantial disadvantage, the University will make reasonable adjustments to help alleviate this. Reasonable adjustments will depend upon the needs and difficulties experienced by the individual student. Some examples of reasonable adjustments are: provision of copies of overhead slides or typed lecture notes permission to tape-record lectures or seminars ensuring that rooms used for the delivery of courses are accessible (for example: usable by students who use a wheelchair, or equipped with an induction loop for students with a hearing impairment) Being flexible, sensitive and aware of the needs of students with disabilities (for example: a student with a mental health problem may have difficulty speaking in a group seminar) Disabled students may discuss the specific requirements of their intended curriculum in advance with Disability Tutors to ensure that learning support and other needs are identified and made known to relevant staff.this mechanism should also be used to enable disabled students to discuss any emerging needs and identify appropriate possible courses of action to address those needs. 6. EXAMINATIONS AND ASSESSMENT Appropriate modes of examination and assessment will be determined following an assessment of study and support needs, with a view to enabling students to demonstrate that they have met the criteria for progression or the conferment of an award.the purpose of any alternative arrangements shall be to level the playing field without compromising academic standards. Any request for additional arrangements in relation to examination, assessed work and assessment procedures must be supported by medical/psychological or other evidence and it is the student s responsibility to make that available to the University. Requests for an alteration to assessment conditions (for example, extra time for examinations) must be approved by the Disabilities Officer/Adviser and/or the Occupational Health Nurse. Requests for alterations to the form of assessment (for example, assessed work in place of an examination) must be approved by the Student Progress Committee. The University has a policy of anonymous marking of examinations and assessed work; scripts are identified by number, not name. Where appropriate, students with a disability can choose whether or not to have their disability declared on their script so that the marker is alerted to their disability (for example when a student has a visual impairment which may have affected written presentation). Further detailed information is provided within Guidance and Procedures for Alternative Assessment and Examination Arrangements. Disability Statement and Code of Practice 7

8 Code of Practice: Students with Disabilities 7. STUDENTS WHO BECOME DISABLED The University will take all reasonable steps to ensure that a student who becomes disabled (or becomes aware of their disability) during their course has every opportunity to complete their course through the provision of the same level of adaptations and support as for a comparable student who was disabled at the start of their course and through a constructive approach to the interpretation of degree regulations. 8. OTHER SERVICES The University will aim to ensure that disabled students have equal access to all student and academic services.while it is recognised that some of these services are located in buildings which have access problems, the University will ensure that the service can be provided in such a way that the needs of the disabled student are met. Examples of this would be assistance in libraries to obtain books, provision of information in large print, provision of accessible careers information and provision of accessible rooms for meetings. With reference to computer facilities, the University will aim to ensure that in the design of official University pages for the World Wide Web, within the limits of current technology, it observes best practice as suggested by the W3C's Web Accessibility Initiative. Details of this can be found at 9.THE ENVIRONMENT Following an access audit of the campuses, the University is working towards ensuring that all premises are accessible for people with disabilities. It is recognised that this has to occur within the constraints of existing buildings.where access is currently limited, the University will instigate reasonable alternative arrangements by,for example, changing venues and altering timetable. Disabled students will be encouraged to suggest improvements to physical access.all suggestions will be considered and, where appropriate, incorporated into the Estates Disability Strategy. It is an explicit policy of the University of Hull that all practicable steps will be taken to ensure safe access and adequate working conditions for all people on its campuses. 10. ACCOMMODATION Our policy of integrating students with disabilities into the University community extends to residential provision. Subject to availability, disabled students will be offered equal access to University accommodation. Each applicant with a disability will be given individual consideration and advice about accommodation.within the general residential stock the University will provide a variety of accommodation which has been designed for use by students with disabilities. We are happy to consider making adaptations to other residences in order to help students with particular difficulties or special needs. In the case of disabilities that do not require special adaptations to the environment, students may nevertheless prefer for various reasons to have a single room and we do our best to meet such requirements. Continuing students with a disability may remain in 8

9 Code of Practice: Students with Disabilities University accommodation if necessary by reason of their disability, provided that they observe the application procedures of the Accommodation Office. 11. CONFIDENTIALITY AND ACCESS TO INFORMATION All students declaring a disability to Disability Services will be provided with a written leaflet setting out the policy on and procedure for the handling and disclosure of personal information. They will then be asked to sign a form to show they have read and understood this leaflet. Further detailed information on this is provided within the leaflet Student Support Services Confidentiality and Information Access: Guidelines for Students. 12. COMPLAINTS The complaints procedure is set out in the Student Handbook: The University complaints procedure should be applied in all cases of complaints from disabled students.the Disabilities Officer should be informed of all such complaints. In line with the University complaints procedure, complaints relating to any aspect of services provided by Disability Services should be raised in the first instance with the Disabilities Officer/Adviser at the relevant campus.where a person is not satisfied with a response the complaint can be taken up with the post-holder responsible for student support and welfare at that campus. 13. STAFF DEVELOPMENT All members of staff are strongly encouraged to participate in staff development opportunities to cultivate awareness of disability and equality issues. General sessions on disability equality issues and an annual training event specifically for Disability Tutors will be arranged.the University will provide sessions to address specific aspects of disability such as deaf awareness, dyslexia awareness and visual impairment. Specific sessions can also be arranged on request for groups of staff as required.the Higher Education Teaching Certificate includes an opportunity for the consideration of diversity issues. 14. DEGREE CEREMONIES The University will make every effort to ensure that students with disabilities are able to participate fully in their degree ceremony and enjoy this day along with all their fellow graduands. With prior notice, special arrangements can also be made for guests with disabilities. 15. HULL UNIVERSITY UNION Hull University Union is committed to equal opportunities and recognises that society discriminates against individuals, minority and majority groups and that they have rights that should be upheld, enforced and protected. Hull University Union has its own Equal Opportunities, Harassment and Bullying policy. This is available from the Vice-President (Welfare Support) or the Union Secretary and Treasurer. Both are located on the first floor of the Union Building. The Union also recognises that disability covers a wide range of impairments and that these will have varying impacts on a student s life. Hull University Union has an obligation to ensure that all people with disabilities can take part in all Union activities, Disability Statement and Code of Practice 9

10 Code of Practice: Students with Disabilities including Union events, the sports clubs and the Athletic Union, societies, HUSSO SCA and all other volunteering opportunities within the Union. Through the use of equal opportunities monitoring forms we will attempt to assess levels of participation within the Union.The results of this monitoring will be used positively to remove any barriers to participation.this is to ensure that all students, regardless of any disability, have the opportunity to complement their studies with the full student experience. Hull University Union is committed to working with the University and Disability Services to identify any barriers and obstacles that exist for disabled people and to work towards their removal.the Union will take any disability discrimination seriously and any complaint made will follow the Union s complaints procedure. If a student makes a complaint regarding another student, the complaint should be lodged with the Union Secretary and Treasurer. If the complaint is against a Union member of staff, it should be lodged with the Human Resources Manager. Both of these people are located on the first floor of the Students Union. 16. FURTHER HELP, ADVICE AND GUIDANCE The University has a Disability Forum, which comprises representatives from various departments, all Disability Tutors and students and meets regularly to discuss issues relating to disability. The University also has a Disabilities Committee, which includes disabled students and staff.the Committee considers policy and provision and works strategically within the University. It has a number of sub-groups with specific remits and has reporting links to the central policy-making committees of the University. The Disability Services website contains a range of relevant information: Further information is also available from Disability Services (Hull Campus: 6833; Scarborough Campus: 7253). Working with Disability Services, all sabbatical officers receive training on disability awareness and issues at the start of their term in office. All other Union staff are encouraged to attend training and awareness sessions when opportunities occur.to ensure that Hull University Union is kept informed of changes in legislation and changes within the University, the Vice President (Welfare Support) is a member of the Disabilities Committee and other relevant bodies. 10

11 The University of Hull Policy Statement and Code of Practice: Students with Disabilities