Disability
Last Updated: May 12th 2021
Disability Policy
Policy Statement
The Governors, Principal and senior management of Newman University are committed to promoting equality of opportunity and full participation for disabled applicants, staff and students. Disabled people have the right to equal access to courses, jobs, promotion and facilities offered through the University and an equal opportunity to work and learn and receive reasonable resources and adjustments to cater for their needs.
The University has developed a Disability Equality Scheme and Action Plan and is working pro-actively to identify and eliminate all forms of disability discrimination and to continually improve services to ensure an inclusive environment. The institution is committed to developing training and guidance for staff to promote sensitivity and awareness of disability issues. The University is also committed to providing equal access and reasonable adjustments for disabled people in order to increase their opportunities.
Newman University recognises the value of a diverse staff and student population and will provide equality of opportunity for all disabled students and staff by:
- Taking effective action to prevent discrimination, bullying or harassment
- Promoting equality of access for all staff to education, training and development
- Providing flexible learning and working opportunities to support differing aspirations and goals
- Promoting good practice in all activities such as recruitment, selection, promotion and curriculum practices
- Listening to and involving disabled staff and students in the development of services
This policy should also be read in conjunction with Newman University’s Equality and Diversity Policy.
See Disability Policy document below
Disability Legislation
The Disability Discrimination Act (2005) amends an existing act in order to address a number of disability rights issues. Some of the issues that this addresses are described below:
- The creation of a new duty aimed at disability equality within the public sector.
- To cover bodies that award qualifications such as GCSEs and A Levels
- To help people who suffer from mental illness receive more support from the amended act.
- Provide more cover for people with HIV, cancer and multiple sclerosis
Disability Discrimination Act – Full Documentation
The following is a list of documents that relate to the Disability Discrimination Acts. This list is in chronological order (oldest first).
- Disability Discrimination Act (1995)
- Special Educational Needs and Disability Act (2001) – SENDA (This amends part 4 of the DDA)
- Disability Discrimination Act (2005)
Help and Guidance on UK Legislation
Following are a number of external web sites providing guidance on UK disability issues:
- Disability Legislation Help and Guidance – Action on Access: The National Co-ordination Team for Widening Participation
- QAA Code of Practice – Section 3: Students with Disabilities
Disability Contacts
Disability Equality
Newman University
Genners Lane
Bartley Green
Birmingham
B32 3NT
Tel: +44(0)121 4761181
Fax: +44(0)121 4761196
Email: ssg@newman.ac.uk
For Students and Prospective Students
The Newman University website has a separate disability section that will be providing information for students on differing types of disability. Information that will be available within this section includes:
- Advice on coping with a disability with information on how Newman University is able to support you throughout your course
- Financial support information for individuals with disabilities.
Useful Links
General
Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC)
EHRC’s mission is to promote equality and human rights, and to create a fairer Britain by providing advice and guidance, working to implement an effective legislative framework and raising awareness of rights.
Disability Rights UK
National organisation which can provide advice to disabled students who are studying in England and support students who are studying in Wales and Scotland with general information on the Equality Act, welfare benefits and access to Higher Education.
AbilityNet
AbilityNet helps disabled adults and children use computers and the internet by adapting and adjusting their ICT.
Blind and Partially Sighted
RNIB – Royal National Institute of the Blind
UK’s leading charity offering information, support and advice to over two million people with sight problems.
Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Action on Hearing Loss
Action on Hearing Loss (the new name for the RNID) is the largest charity working to change the world for the UK’s 9 million deaf and hard of hearing people.
Deaf and Blind
SENSE – UK Deaf Blind Charity
SENSE provide services in the field of deafness/blindness for all age groups and has a worldwide reputation for working within these areas.
Autistic Spectrum Disorder or Asperger Syndrome
The National Autistic Society
The National Autistic Society exists to champion the rights and interests of all people with autism and to ensure that they and their families receive quality services appropriate to their needs.
Autism West Midlands
Principal provider of autism-specific services for children and adults in the West Midlands region.
Mental Health
MIND – National Association for Mental Health
Mind is the leading mental health charity in England and Wales. MIND is involved with:
- advancing the views, needs and ambitions of people with mental health problems
- challenging discrimination and promoting inclusion
- influencing policy through campaigning and education
- inspiring the development of quality services which reflect expressed need and diversity
- achieving equal rights through campaigning and education