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- About Us
1 Introduction
2 Admissions
3 Examinations and Assessment
4.1 Physical Access
4.2 Accommodation
4.3 Student Support
4.4 Learning Resources
5 Quality Monitoring
6 University Contacts
The
ethos of any support we provide is to offer a student the opportunity
to retain their independence and encourage them to gain maximum benefit
from the whole student experience.
The extent of provision
offered to disabled students includes both personal and academic,
ranging from pre-enrolment information and advice and assessment of
personal equipment and examination needs, to specialist study skills
tuition.
Information about the support available at the
University of Bedfordshire for students with disabilities or additional
support needs is published in our prospectus, web pages, the University
Disability Policy and Student Information Directory and leaflets.
Information can be supplied in alternative formats such as enlarged print or audiotape on request.
We
welcome applications from students who have a disability or medical
condition and are committed to promoting recruitment from the diverse
communities we serve. The aim of the recruitment process is to ensure
that support needs relating to a disability are separated from
consideration of academic suitability.
Potential students who
apply through UCAS, or directly, are asked to indicate their disability
on their application and outline any support needs. Where appropriate,
applicants are encouraged to visit the campus where they will study to
satisfy themselves that their needs can be met.
We stress the
importance of coming to a mutually informed conclusion, not only about
the choice of course, but also that applicants can be confident that
their support needs will be met when making institutional choices.
Applications
from students who have the necessary academic qualifications/experience
are passed to the Disability Advice Team to make a provisional
assessment of educational and related personal support needs.
Applicants
may be invited to visit the University to discuss support requirements
with the Disability Advice Team and a member of the relevant academic
department responsible for their course of study. Based on these
discussions the Disability Advice Team makes recommendations relating
to any support needs that can be met.
All
information received from applicants is treated in a confidential
manner, however, with agreement, academic departments are provided with
information about disabled students' needs in order to assist in
resolving any difficulties which students may encounter with course
work arising from practical, disability related issues.
This is
particularly important when students are engaged on courses involving
field trips, laboratory activities, etc. and to meet health and safety
requirements including evacuation procedures.
Adjustments
or additional support arrangements for formal examinations are
permitted on the recommendation of the Disability Advice Team.
We
are committed to ensuring that students who have a disability or
medical condition, which could affect their performance in an
examination, are able to demonstrate their ability in an examination
setting while ensuring that they are not put at a disadvantage compared
with other candidates.
In the past arrangements have included additional time, use of appropriate technology and the provision of a separate room.
Special
examination needs are normally discussed as part of the initial
assessment process. However, it is recognised that a disability or
medical condition may arise or circumstances change at any time after
enrolment and/or during a course of study.
It is the
responsibility of the student to contact the Disability Advice Team for
an examination assessment within published deadlines. Supportive
evidence such as a medical report or diagnostic assessment must be
provided.
The university is currently implementing a staged programme of works to improve physical access for people with disabilities.
As part of this process - disabled toilet facilities are being increased or in some cases upgraded to ensure that hoists can be used.
Automatic doors have been installed at the main entrances to teaching buildings, disabled car parking provision has been upgraded and new ramps built.
Physical access to the estate is periodically reviewed as part the university estates management strategy.
The new Student Services building included in the Phase 1b redevelopment project of Luton campus has been designed to ensure all students are able to gain complete access. Impact assessments will take place to ensure inclusiveness for all and that it's fully compliant with the DDA.
Accommodation suitable for wheel chair users with accessible kitchen and bathroom facilities is available close to the main campuses at Luton campus, Park Square and Bedford campus, Polhill Avenue.
Adaptations can be made to suit individual requirements such as rooms for personal carers or installation of visual fire alarms and doorbells for deaf students.
Students with a disability or medical condition may remain in halls of residence for the duration of their course. It is the student's responsibility to make their own personal care arrangements.
The University has developed effective local and national links with specialist agencies and organisations supporting people with disabilities, and contributes on a regional level to the development of support for people with disabilities in higher education.
The University is a long-standing member of Skill and participates in regular regional meetings. The University was involved in setting up the Luton Disability Forum, which advises and consults with Luton Borough Council on issues related to access for disabled people within the borough.
Staff work closely with students in a
variety of ways helping them to solve problems relating to their
personal, social, financial and academic concerns. The Disabilities
Advice Team co-ordinates support provision for a range of needs
including support for dyslexia, assistance with arranging BSL signers
and interpreters, personal helpers and note takers can also be provided.
Advice
is offered on funding for personal care, academic support and purchase
of specialist equipment to meet individual study needs via the Disabled
Students Allowances.
There are learning resources facilities at all the University's campuses. The sites offer services and equipment intended to enable students with a range of disabilities including sensory impairments and specific learning difficulties, such as dyslexia.
Main library and IT facilities are available to students at both Luton and Bedford campuses. All student areas are independently accessible for wheelchair users and people with mobility problems. Staff can provide assistance with activities such as book retrieval and photocopying if required.
Individual orientation sessions can be arranged to familiarise students with the library and IT facilities and instruction in the use of adaptive equipment and software, which has recently been upgraded.
The Disability Advisory Group is a subgroup of the University Student Equalities Committee, which reports to the Academic Board.
A member of the Senior Management Team, The Director of Learning Resources, chairs the Group.
Membership comprises the Disabilities Adviser, Head of Pastoral Care And Welfare, Head of Learning Support, Training and Development Officer, Head of Teaching Quality Enhancement, a Student Union Vice President, academic staff nominee, a nominee from Facilities and a disabled student.
Additional members from the university community are co-opted as necessary to provide expertise and inform decision making.
