Information for University staff

*As from 24th September 2011 (Welcome Week), the Disability Resource Centre changed its name to AccessAbility.  The new name focuses on an inclusive and accessible environment rather than disabilities, and more accurately reflects the type of support we provide to students and staff.  It also reflects the social model of disability. 
At the same time, the Mental Health team are preparing to come under the developing Wellbeing Service.  They can still be contacted in the Old Library in the same way. 

AccessAbility is a University Service which aims to support students with disabilities to access learning & teaching opportunities whist preparing for and studying at the University of Exeter.

We also aim to be a source of advice and support for University staff in terms of supporting them to support students. We assess the needs of students and make recommendations for support so that staff in Schools can be reassured that by acting on the advice their students are adequately supported to reach their best academic potential.  We also maintain the Access to Learning website, www.access2learning.org.uk, which can provide a wealth of information about accessible learning and teaching.  The Equality Challenge Unit and Higher Education Academy have produced Disability legislation: practical guidance for academic staff (revised), which can be downloaded from: http://www.ecu.ac.uk/publications/disability-legislation-practical-guidance-for-academic-staff-revised

Students bring a range of sometimes complex needs with them to University and we aim to support staff in developing an awareness of how some of these may impact on the way that students study, behave and communicate.

We also can advice on legislative responsibilities that we as a public body and a higher education institution have with regard to disability, equality & diversity.

Policy development necessarily involves consideration of these issues so that all of the work that we do as a University includes a commitment to accessibility and inclusion at all levels. AccessAbility has a role in this work. The Fitness to Study policy is currently being reviewed which will act as a supportive alternative to disciplinary procedures for students who are experiencing health/disability difficulties.

We are happy to advise staff on any disability related issues.For practical assistance and advice, staff should liaise with their line manager and the Occupational Health Service.

The University of Exeter recently undertook a survey of buildings around the campus.  For information on the accessibility of buildings around the campus, including accessible parking bays, please see: DisabledGo's website: http://www.disabledgo.com/en/org/university-of-exeter