A campus for all!
16th November – 16th December marks Disability History Month, an opportunity to celebrate the lives of disabled people and challenge disablism.
And where better to start than our own building. The Student Officers and the wider Guild staff team have been working alongside Disability Society and the University, in order to make improvements that ensure our building and campus are more inclusive – you deserve a campus for all students.
Acting on your feedback:
In February 2019, an idea was submitted to the Guild’s Change It platform that expressed concern for the accessibility of the University of Liverpool’s campus and buildings, making it “particularly difficult or frequently impossible for disabled staff and students to access vital resources and facilities.”
This idea called on the University to:
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Hire a third-party auditor to assess the accessibility of the entire University campus, and buildings
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Uphold the Equality Act 2010 to make sure disabled staff and students are fully included
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Uphold our reasonable adjustments, not just as recommended but as a requirement
Facilities, Residential & Commercial Services (FRCS) is responsible for planning the capital development of the University estate, and managing the maintenance of the University’s built environment. The Guild occupies premises on the estate and is a key stakeholder. FRCS considers future development needs in relation to Guild activity and to manage on-going maintenance issues.
The University established an “Inclusive Campus, Building & External Environment Sub-Group”, in order to ensure improving accessibility continues to be a strategic priority. A Student Officer and Guild Staff member also sit on this committee, giving updates on access issues in the Guild and making sure the student voice is heard on these key issues.
Through this committee, we have been able to raise the need for a review - an audit of campus to highlight the areas that need to be made more accessible started in 2019 and is due to be completed in early 2023. The University initially progressed the audit’s recommendations with a focus on the Libraries, Sports Hall and the Guild; due to these buildings’ positions as key hubs for students on campus. Now they are focussing initially on buildings accessible to the public, next on key teaching hubs, and lastly looking at research and professional services. Accessibility is incorporated into all new buildings and refurbishments, as seen in the Yoko Ono Lennon Centre and the Chadwick building refurbishments. This accessibility extends to the provision of gender-neutral toilets as well.
Access Improvements in the Guild:
We have recently completed works on the balcony in the Mountford Hall, to provide an accessible viewing area for event attendees. We are also continuing to work with our event partners to improve the experience for these attendees; from booking their space, to attending the event.
We are aware of the on-going issues with the Reilly Platform Lift, and this has now been recognised by the University. We are working with the University on a wider programme of works, to make our building even more accessible. An audit for these works is happening in the coming months.
Support for Disabled Students:
The University is required to uphold the Equality Act 2010, and protect disabled staff and students from discrimination. If you do not feel that this is happening in practice, please get in touch with us or speak to one of our advisors at guildadvice@liv.ac.uk .
The University has a duty to make reasonable adjustments. This requires a Higher Education institution to take positive steps to ensure that disabled students can fully participate in the education, facilities, services, and other benefits provided for students. It goes beyond simply avoiding discrimination but requires Higher Education institutions to anticipate the potential needs of disabled students, in terms of reasonable adjustments.
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If you require reasonable adjustments, you can contact the Disability Advice and Guidance Team here.
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The Guild Advice team are also here to help, you can contact them at guildadvice@liv.ac.uk
We continue to advocate for our disabled students’ rights. If you would like to raise any issues, you can contact your Student Officers at: Kathryn.Manley@liverpool.ac.uk, Vasiliki.Samuels@liverpool.ac.uk, Lina.Dubbins@liverpool.ac.uk, Ella.Hatch@liverpool.ac.uk.
Continue to Make a Change:
Our online Change It platform gives each and every student the opportunity to share ideas which will have a positive impact on your time at University. Tell us what your suggestion is – no matter how big or small – and we will use our democratic processes to support your suggestion every step of the way. Your idea could be the next catalyst for change on our campus – submit your idea now, and students could be discussing your proposal at our next Guild Summit.
If you want to connect with likeminded students you can:
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Attend one of our Disabled Students' Meet-Ups, which take place regularly throughout the Semester
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Find out more about our activities for Disability History Month
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Join Disability Society, who run events for disabled students, and offer the opportunity to be a part of an inclusive community
