(Cover page in original document) University of Dundee Disability Equality Scheme Annual Report 06/07 Approved by the Equality and Diversity Working Group November 2007 This document is available to download in text only and MS Word formats from the University’s website at http://www.dundee.ac.uk/studentservices/disabilityservices/dda.htm It can also be provided in alternative formats on request. Please contact the University’s Disability Services department on (01382) 385402 or email: disability@dundee.ac.uk (Page 1 in original document) Executive Summary 1.1 Introduction The University published its first Disability Equality Scheme (DES) on 4th December 2006 identifying the action it planned to take over a three-year period to promote equality of opportunity for disabled people in line with the requirements of the Disability Equality Duty (DDA 2005). The full scheme is available at: http://www.dundee.ac.uk/studentservices/disabilityservices/dda.htm Priorities for action in the University’s first DES were: * Information for prospective students * Student admissions procedures * Teaching and assessment practices * Work placement activities * Fitness to practice issues * Staff recruitment procedures * Staff services, development and appraisal * Communication and information * Disclosure and confidentiality procedures * Physical environment These priorities were identified with the involvement of disabled people and following extensive consultation with all staff and students and consideration of feedback from external users of the University’s services and facilities. 1.2 Progress Significant progress has been made in several of the above areas during the past year. In particular, a review of data gathering and reporting mechanisms for students has been completed, the development of a University-wide Admissions Policy is almost complete, a review of information for prospective students has been undertaken, the response to the Library audit has further improved access to services for disabled users, and the development of a web accessibility standard and policy for the University is due to be submitted for approval early in 2008. Progress has been limited in a few areas due to internal reorganisation, following the introduction of the new College structure, and staff changes through redeployment. Awareness raising and training for staff in new roles is planned to support further implementation of the action identified in the DES. Timescales have been adjusted accordingly to reflect these delays but remain within the DES’s original three-year action plan. Overall, timescales for action to be completed by the end of 2007 were met and some action was progressed sooner than anticipated (notably the development of the Admissions Policy). A detailed update of progress across all areas of the University’s first DES is provided after the Executive Summary. (Page 2 in original document) 1.3 Information Gathering and Impact Assessment Information has been gathered from a range of sources to monitor the University’s progress on disability equality issues during the past year. All senior staff with responsibility for progressing action identified in the DES were contacted at regular intervals throughout the year to ask for feedback on progress in their areas. As noted above, progress in some areas was more advanced than others but, overall, original timescales have been met or are on course for delivery as anticipated. Senior staff will continue to be asked for progress reports at regular intervals over the coming year. Feedback received from disabled people over the past year via questionnaires and focus groups, as well as informally from individual disabled students, staff and members of the public, has generally been positive. Some difficulties arose with physical access, due in part to ongoing building works, and with academic-related adjustments; the latter mainly due to changes in the University’s academic structure that impacted on the Disability Support Officer (DSO) network. DSOs are the dedicated contacts for disabled students in their School/Department and are responsible for communicating the adjustments required to meet students’ needs to other staff. A survey of DSOs is planned for 2008 to review this network and to identify any action required to ensure staff in this important role are supported and that adjustments for disabled students are implemented in a timely and effective manner. Almost 1200 students (6.8% of the student population), disclosed a disability to the University during Academic Year 06/07, including an increased number of students with complex needs and personal care requirements. Initial analysis of data gathered on the progression, attainment and achievement of disabled students indicated that there was no significant difference between disabled students and their non-disabled peers in these areas. Further analysis will be undertaken and reported in subsequent annual reports. Data on student applications and staff recruitment, development and retention is to be reviewed as a priority during the next year. Information gathered to date has been used to determine priorities for impact assessment and to review priorities for action (see 1.4 below). This resulted in the addition of a new action to the University’s original DES action plan relating to data gathering for disabled applicants (see Action 1.4.3). University-wide policies and procedures have been prioritised for formal impact assessment during 2008. These are: * Staff recruitment * Staff promotion * Staff development * Student admissions * Student complaints and appeals * Student assessment * Estates strategy * Emergency evacuation * Car parking The outcome of these impact assessments will be reported in the University’s next DES Annual Report. (Page 3 in original document) 1.4 Future Plans In addition to the planned impact assessments noted in 1.3 above, specific areas of University activity have been identified for action/further progress during 2008. Note that the numbers under ‘Action’ below relate to those in the tables on the following pages. 1. Management and Strategic Planning: - Impact assessment of prioritised University functions: Action 1.1.1 - Data gathering on external disabled users: Action 1.4.1 - Confidentiality and disclosure procedures for staff: Action 1.4.2 - Data gathering for disabled applicants: Action 1.4.3 - In-house alternative formats service: Action 1.5.1 - Information for prospective staff: Action 1.5.2 - Question Mark Perception and Blackboard accessibility: Action 1.5.3 - Web accessibility standard and policy: Action 1.5.3 - Library extension plans: Action 1.7.1 - Emergency evacuation procedures: Action 1.8.1 - Guidance and training on inclusive risk assessments: Action 1.8.2 - Procurement arrangements: Action 1.9.1 - Research opportunities: Action 1.10.1 2. Staff: - Staff recruitment procedures: Action 2.1.1 - Disabled staff disclosure, adjustments and support: Action 2.3.1 and 2.3.3 - Sickness absence procedures: Action 2.3.2 3. Students: - Student recruitment procedures and information: Action 3.1.1 and 3.1.2 - Student admissions policy: Action 3.2.1 - Learning and Teaching Strategy: Action 3.3.1 - Student placement policy: Action 3.3.2 - Professional competence standards/fitness to practice: Action 3.3.3 - Student assessment policy and procedures: Action 3.4.1 - Student induction information: Action 3.6.1 4. Members of the Public: - Feedback from external disabled users: Action 4.1.1 - University’s external profile: Action 4.2.1 - External disability organisations: Action 4.2.2 5. Physical Estate: - Pre-tender information for contractors: Action 5.1.2 The University is committed to promoting disability equality and will support the implementation of the action identified above and in the following tables and any additional action arising from impact assessment activity or through annual monitoring of services and facilities. The involvement of disabled people remains central to this implementation and priorities for action will be revised as necessary to respond to individual needs/emerging issues. (Page 4 in original document) DISABILITY EQUALITY ACTION PLAN – PROGRESS DURING FIRST YEAR (06/07) 1. MANAGEMENT AND STRATEGIC PLANNING Area: 1.1 Disability Equality Functions Action: 1.1.1 Identify, prioritise and assess the impact of all disability equality relevant functions, policies, practices and procedures with the involvement of disabled people. Progress: Key University functions have been identified for relevance to disability equality and prioritised for impact assessment. Initial priorities for assessment are: - Staff recruitment - Staff promotion - Staff development - Student admissions - Student complaints and appeals - Student assessment - Estates strategy - Emergency evacuation - Car parking Difficulties/Plans: Impact assessment will be progressed in each of these areas over the coming year. Timescale: By December 2008 Area: 1.2 Committee/ Decision Making Structure Action: 1.2.1 Review University committee/ decision-making structure to clarify mechanisms for consideration and monitoring of disability equality issues. Progress: Review identified that the Equality and Diversity Working Group (EDWG) reported to the Human Resources Committee and subsequently to Court but there was no formal link to the University's academic committee structure. The minutes of the EDWG will therefore now be routinely circulated to the Learning and Teaching Committee to enable formal consideration and progression of any academic-related equality and diversity matters. Difficulties/Plans: Committee structure will continue to be monitored to ensure disability equality issues are routinely considered and monitored across all areas of University activity. Timescale: Ongoing Action: 1.2.2 Identify key staff and respective responsibilities. Progress: Staff responsible for the implementation of the DES Action Plan have been identified and have reported on progress in their areas of responsibility. Changes to the University’s academic structure and staff redeployment have delayed progress in some areas. Timescale: Ongoing (Page 5 in original document) Area: 1.3 Resource Allocation/ Financial Planning Action: 1.3.1 Review resource allocation for disability equality functions and identify funding priorities. Progress: This was discussed at the Finance and Policy Committee meetings on 14th May and 20th August. Disability Services was identified as the main recipient of funding to address the University’s disability equality issues. Priorities for 07/08 were identified as: - Provision of advice, guidance and support to academic units and central support services - Provision of advice on capital works so that resources are used in ways that facilitate the fullest possible involvement of disabled people in University life - Provision of advice and support, including diagnostic/needs assessment services, to individual disabled students and staff - Monitoring of the implementation of the Disability Equality Scheme - Contribution to the further development and implementation of the University strategy for student services Difficulties/Plans: Review of funding to academic units and central support services will need to be undertaken to ensure the needs of disabled students and staff are met. Reliance solely on Disability Services or on access to Disability Premium/ Access to Work funding may be insufficient to ensure that reasonable adjustments to services are made in a timely and appropriate manner. Timescale: Ongoing Action: 1.3.2 Monitor the implementation of the DES Action Plan and review resource allocations. Progress: as 1.3.1 Difficulties/Plans: as 1.3.1 Timescale: Ongoing (Page 6 in original document) Area: 1.4 Data Gathering and Reporting Systems Action: 1.4.1 Review quantitative and qualitative data gathering and reporting systems for students, staff and visitors. Progress: Data gathering systems for students have been reviewed and reporting systems developed that enable monitoring of the recruitment, progression and attainment of disabled students compared to their non-disabled peers. Similar systems are in place to monitor the recruitment, development and retention of disabled staff. Figures for visitors are less robust and currently dependent on informal feedback from external users of services. Difficulties/Plans: The potential for developing systems for obtaining data on, and feedback from, external users of the University’s services needs to be explored. Systems for staff need to be formally reviewed together with disclosure opportunities (see 1.4.2). Timescale: By December 2008 Action: 1.4.2 Review confidentiality and disclosure procedures for staff and students. Progress: Confidentiality and disclosure procedures for disabled students have been reviewed and the student disclosure form revised to clarify the University’s responsibilities in this regard. Revised form and guidance have been circulated to all DSOs. A similar review remains to be undertaken for disabled staff. Difficulties/Plans: A review of confidentiality and disclosure procedures for disabled staff will need to be undertaken as a priority during the coming year. Timescale: By December 2008 Action: 1.4.3 Review all offers to ensure compliance with equal opportunities (new action). Progress: New action added to DES in December 2007 Difficulties/Plans: Reports will identify offer patterns to disabled applicants in comparison to non-disabled applicants. Data will be reviewed throughout the cycle and feedback provided to Admissions tutors and Disability Services. Timescale: By March 2008 Area: 1.5 Communication/ Information Action: 1.5.1 Review communication and information systems for staff, students, and other users of the University’s services. Progress: Provision of an in-house service to produce documents in alternative formats is progressing. It is envisaged this service will be operational by Spring 2008. ICS continues to offer training on producing accessible documents. Difficulties/Plans: Delay in development of in-house service due to difficulties with identifying suitable space and dedicated staff time to support this service. Timescale: By December 2008 (Page 7 in original document) Area: 1.5 Communication/ Information (cont) Action: 1.5.1 Review communication and information systems for staff, students, and other users of the University’s services (cont) Progress: The IT Disability Support Specialist continues to provide advice and up-to-date information on accessible multimedia and interactive electronic resources. Accessibility requirements have been implemented by the ICS communications team in the design of publication templates and guidelines. All official ICS printed publications follow best practice for wider access. All ICS email communications are sent using plain text to ensure compatibility with users’ assistive technology. Difficulties/Plans: Not all communication systems are centralised in the University. A proposal is being developed by ICS to identify existing barriers that could prevent disabled users having access to University communication systems. Disabled users will be involved in identifying a list of priorities for action. Timescale: By December 2009 Action: 1.5.2 Review information available to prospective students and staff, and review information that conveys the University’s public profile. Progress: Transparent, data protection compliant procedures are available for disabled students that encourage disability disclosure, and confirm purpose of data collection and University’s response. The University has reviewed its UCAS profiles (new for Dec 07) and the design/content of the University Prospectus. A new web/My Dundee presence is also due to be launched in Nov 07 which will enable prospective students to access more detailed information about programmes of study. Guidance on accessibility of printed material for prospective students has also been produced. Difficulties/Plans: A review of the information available to prospective staff is required. A similar review is required for all University publications to ensure accessibility and promotion of positive attitudes towards disabled people. Timescale: By December 2009 (Page 8 in original document) Area: 1.5 Communication/ Information (cont) Action 1.5.3 Raise awareness of web and electronic media accessibility and usability issues, and develop guidance for staff. Progress: The University’s Web Accessibility Service was established in May 2006 and offers advice and support to all staff involved in publishing web content, whether for internal use by students or staff, or publicly available content. Supporting staff members: Initially the service focused on raising awareness of the issues and publicising itself to individual staff members through: - email announcements - the development of a web site providing information and advice on accessible design: see http://www.dundee.ac.uk/main/webadmin/accessibility/ - a series of monthly events, open to all staff, where discussion took place on different aspects of web accessibility. - Schools were also contacted and invited to host a presentation to staff by the Web Accessibility Co-ordinator. Eight presentations were given, with attendances ranging from 4-30 staff. One school declined the opportunity to host a presentation, while there were scheduling problems with 2 schools, and 3 schools did not respond to the invitation. Difficulties/Plans: Further attempts to arrange presentations for Schools who have not yet had one will be made before the end of AY 07/08. Timescale: By July 2008 (Page 9 in original document) Area: 1.5 Communication/ Information (cont) Action: 1.5.3 Raise awareness of web and electronic media accessibility and usability issues, and develop guidance for staff (cont) Progress: Several staff have contacted the Service with individual requests for accessibility advice and information, and on most cases this led to the Service Co-ordinator meeting with staff to discuss their particular needs. Follow-up reviews of web content were also provided if requested. Support to Central Units: More recently, in line with the University strategy for supporting web and e-learning authoring, the service has focused on providing support to central units who are involved in producing, or facilitating production of, web content. This has included: Providing accessibility advice on the redesign of the main University web site, and on the implementation of the University's Content Management System. Carrying out accessibility reviews of key software systems provided to staff to develop e-learning material. These are: 1. A review of Questionmark Perception (QMP), the software available to create electronic assessments, is nearing completion. 2. When this is finished an accessibility review will start of Blackboard, the system behind the My Dundee Virtual Learning Environment. (Page 10 in original document) Area: 1.5 Communication/ Information (cont) Action: 1.5.3 Raise awareness of web and electronic media accessibility and usability issues, and develop guidance for staff (cont) Progress: Deliverables will include advice to users of the system on maximising accessibility of resources they produce, plus a list of issues with the system that will require the manufacturers to make changes. Accessibility advice on web site development projects for Student Services, Residences and the Alumni Office has also been provided. Accessibility standard: An internal web accessibility standard has been produced, and circulated for comment and review internally. The aim of this standard is to present recognised guidelines published by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) in the context of the University’s activities as an educational establishment. It is the intention that this will be put forward to the relevant University committees early in 2008 for adoption within a web accessibility policy, as a reference for staff of best practice in accessible web development, and also as a reference for projects where development is commissioned externally and where a definition of accessibility is required for contractual purposes. Difficulties/Plans: Web accessibility standard and policy is pending formal approval by the University’s Equality and Diversity Working Group and the Library and Information Services Committee. Timescale: By December 2008 (Page 11 in original document) Area: 1.5 Communication/ Information (cont) Action: 1.5.4 Raise awareness of the DES and Action Plan with all stakeholders. Progress: The DES and Action Plan and associated progress reports have been publicised in an accessible format and shared with all stakeholders. Regular reminders have been sent to all senior staff with responsibility for progressing action, and updates requested on a regular basis. Difficulties/Plans: Awareness raising is ongoing and will be supported by staff training. Timescale: Ongoing Area: 1.6 IT Support and Infrastructure Action: 1.6.1 Review IT support and infrastructure and identify availability and level of accessible provision, removing any existing barriers to access by disabled people. Progress: An internal project has been established to assess ICS-supported C&IT facilities. This project will consider how barriers to access can be removed. In the interim, the IT Disability Support Specialist is responding to individual enquiries. The following requests will be made for any new C&IT acquisitions: - How the system meets the needs of disabled users - How assistive technology integrates with the product - A request for reference sites where accessibility levels of the product have been established Difficulties/Plans: The C&IT Infrastructure is not centralised. A proposal is being developed by ICS. Its aim is to identify existing barriers that could prevent disabled users having access to the University C&IT infrastructure. Disabled users will be involved in identifying a list of priorities for action. Timescale: By December 2009 (Page 12 in original document) Area: 1.6 IT Support and Infrastructure (cont) Action: 1.6.1 Review IT support and infrastructure and identify availability and level of accessible provision, removing any existing barriers to access by disabled people (cont). Progress: Upgrades to existing ICS-supported C&IT systems are proposed to be managed through the ICS change interim control procedure. One of the proposed change control criteria is to assess the impact on disabled users. Many new systems and upgrades have a web-based interface. The University’s web accessibility standard will be used to evaluate accessibility levels. Central provision of assistive technology has increased. Screen readers, magnification and mind mapping applications have now been deployed to the University’s standard desktop. ICS has ensured that all centrally managed IT suites have at least one height adjustable desk available. The most used IT suites will have two in place by the end of AY 08/09. Timescale: By December 2009 Area: 1.7 Library Services Action: 1.7.1 Respond to audit of library provision and services undertaken by Library Accessibility Team. Progress: Generic Library Services 1. Information for disabled library users available from the Library’s website has been updated: http://www.dundee.ac.uk/library/about/disability/ Difficulties/Plans: Library guides and publications are not yet available in accessible formats on website due to difficulties in updating originals. Timescale: By December 2009 (Page 13 in original document) Area: 1.7 Library Services (cont.) Action: 1.7.1 Respond to audit of library provision and services undertaken by Library Accessibility Team (cont.) Progress: Generic Library Services (cont) 2. New self-issue machines (to enable readers to borrow books) at the Main Library and DoJ are wheelchair accessible. Requests for inter-library loans can now be made online and electronic copyright declaration is soon to be made available. 3. An online module in disability awareness has been developed and 30 (28%) library staff have completed the module to date. Evaluation of the course has been positive. 4. There is a named Disability Support Officer for each of the University site libraries. 5. The Library continues to work with Disability Services to support disabled users and provide materials in accessible formats. There has been an increase in the amount of digitised reading material available on the VLE through the new CLA licence agreement. (Page 14 in original document) Area: 1.7 Library Services (cont.) Action: 1.7.1 Respond to audit of library provision and services undertaken by Library Accessibility Team (cont.). Progress: Main Library: No significant changes. However, on completion of the Library extension, access will be improved in the following ways: 1. Wheelchair-accessible section at the Issue Desk 2. Height-adjustable study desks 3. New lift 4. Accessible toilets on each floor 5. Accessible parking bays Law Library: 1. Approach: there are two new dedicated accessible parking spaces to the rear of the building in the car park 2. Basement entrance (ramp) is no longer blocked. 3. Toilet facilities: accessible toilet now has a sign on the door, not yet in Braille. 4. Entrance Foyer: flooring has been replaced 5. Main service area: Lighting – daylight strips are being installed as old lights are replaced. A handrail has been installed to and from the stage areas 6. Notice for periodical stacks is soon to be replaced with yellow card in Arial 14 point font. Difficulties/Plans: Work on Library extension has delayed implementation of some plans. This is expected to be completed and in full use by readers during the summer of 2008. Timescale: By August 2008 (Page 15 in original document) Area: 1.7 Library Services (cont.) Action: 1.7.1 Respond to audit of library provision and services undertaken by Library Accessibility Team (cont.). Progress: Duncan of Jordonstone Library: 1. Approach: three accessible parking bays now available; drop-off space available. 2. Lift - Estates and Buildings have been contacted about this. 3. Personal neck loop available at service desk. 4. E-mail and fax number on all publicity 5. Lighting: daylight strips are being installed as old lights are replaced 6. Books/journal stacks: accessible guides now in shelving areas. Gardyne Road Library: This library has now closed and the stock transferred to the Main Library at the City Campus. Ninewells Library (situated in former NW Medical Library): 1. Portable loop induction system available at service desk. 2. E-Access area multimedia pc installed and software updated. Information leaflet for the Ninewells E-Access area updated. Electronic height adjustable table available. Accessories include: height adjustable chair, adjustable keyboards, expert pro trackball, gel wrist pads, magnifier, and headphones that are suitable for use with hearing aids. 3. Study Rooms: accessible shelf labelling in most areas. (Page 16 in original document) Area: 1.7 Library Services (cont.) Action: 1.7.1 Respond to audit of library provision and services undertaken by Library Accessibility Team (cont.). Progress: Fife Campus Library: 1. Braille/embossed sign for Library is now on order. 2. Email and fax numbers are available on all library leaflets. Lighting – daylight strips are being installed as old lights are replaced. 3. EAccess Area: software has recently been updated. 4. Emergency egress: refuge point is now clearly marked; Evac chair has been installed and most library staff have received training in how to use this. SNM Library at Ninewells Campus: This library has now closed and the stock transferred to the Ninewells Library (see above). Gillingham Library, Perth Royal Infirmary: 1. Approach: there are signs to the Library at the entrance to the car park and inside the main door on the main corridor. 2. Main service area: induction loop system has now been supplied and is available at issue desk. 3. Books/journal stacks: accessible guides now in shelving areas. 4. IT Suite: height-adjustable table is now installed. Difficulties/Plans: There is no lift at the Fife Campus library. This will be raised at the next meeting of the DDA Estates Steering Group. Timescale: Ongoing (Page 17 in original document) Area: 1.7 Library Services (cont.) Action: 1.7.1 Respond to audit of library provision and services undertaken by Library Accessibility Team (cont.). Progress: Stracathro Library, Stracathro Hospital: 1. Approach: sign is now at the main entrance to Block A to direct people to the "Learning and Resource Centre." 2. Entrance: main door to Library has been altered to enable easier access both to Library and to accessible toilet. 3. Main service area: induction loop system has now been supplied and is available at issue desk. 4. Books/journal stacks: accessible guides now in shelving areas. 5. Emergency egress: ramp to refuge point outside Library has been installed; visual fire alarm installed. Area: 1.8 Health and Safety Action: 1.8.1 Review health and safety procedures and guidance to identify any barriers to access by disabled people. Progress: Key procedures have been reviewed and no barriers for disabled people have been immediately identified. Difficulties/Plans: Emergency evacuation procedures are to be formally impact assessed during 2008. Timescale: By December 2008 Action: 1.8.2 Develop guidance for staff on undertaking disability-related risk assessments. Progress: Guidance has been produced for staff on appropriate risk assessment procedures for disabled students. This needs to be extended to other groups of disabled users, in particular, disabled staff. Difficulties/Plans: Further guidance and training on undertaking inclusive risk assessments is planned for 2008 Timescale: By December 2008 Area: 1.9 Procurement Action: 1.9.1 Review existing procurement arrangements for goods, facilities and services, including those relating to provision of teaching services e.g. external lecturers, work placement providers. Progress: Progress has been made in relation to procurement of C&IT, web, and estates-related goods and services as well as procurement of work placement providers (see 1.5, 3.3 and 5.1). Difficulties/Plans: Other procurement areas will be reviewed during 2008 on a priority basis. Timescale: By December 2008 Area: 1.10 Research and Innovation Action: 1.10.1 Review research opportunities and facilities to identify any barriers to access by disabled people. Progress: RAE procedure was impact assessed across all equality strands. No formal progress reported in other areas to date. Timescale: By December 2008 (Page 18 in original document) 2. STAFF Area: 2.1 Recruitment Action: 2.1.1 Review recruitment procedures, including advertising, application and interview processes. Pursue employer two-tick disability symbol status. Progress: No formal progress reported to date. Difficulties/Plans: Priority area for impact assessment during 2008. Two-tick disability symbol to be pursued during 2008. Timescale: By December 2008 Area: 2.2 Staff Development and Appraisal Action: 2.2.1 Review range and frequency of staff development opportunities. Progress: New teaching staff are supported in engaging with disability-related educational development opportunities through the PG Certificate in Teaching in Higher Education programme via a workshop and related materials available online. Workshops on disability-related issues are available on a regular basis through the Management & Personal Development training programme and to individual Schools/Services and University committees as requested (12 sessions delivered during AY 06/07) Evaluation forms, which include a section for disclosure of disability, and thus allow for monitoring of attendance by disabled participants, are included as part of every Personal & Professional Development workshop. IT training facilities are now accessible and an adapted lavatory is available, as a result of re-location. Timescale: Ongoing Action: 2.2.2 Raise awareness and recognition of importance of CPD activity for all staff and review staff appraisal processes. Progress: A working group was established in academic year 06-07 with the remit to look at developing and enhancing the annual staff appraisal procedure. Difficulties/Plans: The working group has been put on hold awaiting input from the Deans. Timescale: Ongoing (Page 19 in original document) Area: 2.3 Staff Services Action: 2.3.1 Review information and guidance on disability issues that is available for staff, including disability disclosure and Access to Work procedures. Progress: Information on Access to Work procedures is available on HR website. Staff are provided with opportunities to disclose at application and when staff records are updated. This information is handled in line with data protection requirements and the University’s confidentiality policies. Difficulties/Plans: Further action is required to raise awareness of existing procedures and support for disabled staff and to increase opportunities for disclosure. Timescale: By December 2008 Action: 2.3.2 Review sickness absence procedures and monitor implementation across all University Colleges and Directorates. Progress: HR Officers within Colleges have been identified as taking lead responsibility for this action within their College. Difficulties/Plans: Review of sickness absence procedures is required during 2008 to ensure consistency across all Colleges/ Directorates. Timescale: By December 2008 Action: 2.3.3 Review mechanisms and responsibility for identifying and resourcing adjustments for disabled staff. Progress: Adjustments for disabled staff are responded to on an individual basis and adjustments are resourced at the College/Directorate level or via Access to Work funding as appropriate. Difficulties/Plans: Further action is required to ensure consistency of approach and to raise awareness of procedures. Timescale: By December 2008 Action: 2.3.4 Monitor implementation of adjustments for disabled staff and availability of resources. Progress: Implementation of adjustments for disabled staff is appropriate and responsive to individual needs. However, improvements could be made to reduce the time taken for adjustments to be implemented. This is partly due to lack of awareness of procedures and limited resources. Difficulties/Plans: In addition to awareness raising, resources need to be identified at the College/Directorate level to respond to individual needs as they arise. Timescale: Ongoing (Page 20 in original document) 3. STUDENTS Area: 3.1 Recruitment Action: 3.1.1 Review existing recruitment procedures, events and publicity material to identify areas for increased representation of disability-related information. Progress: The University has reviewed its UCAS profiles (new for Dec 07) and the design/content of the University Prospectus. A new web/My Dundee presence is also due to be launched in Nov 07 which will enable prospective students to access more detailed information about programmes of study. The Student Induction Working Group is reviewing all information/events aimed at prospective/new students to ensure consistency of approach and to reduce duplication. This includes specific information for disabled students and applicants. Timescale: By December 2008 Action: 3.1.2 Raise awareness of the University’s provision for disabled people with prospective students from different groups, including international students and those entering direct from schools/ colleges. Progress: Recruitment material is being reviewed as noted above and will aim to reflect the diverse range, backgrounds and experiences of prospective students, including any cultural differences in perceptions of disability. Difficulties/Plans: Further progress is required to raise awareness of the University’s provision for disabled students to support transition from school/ college and from other countries. Timescale: By December 2008 Action: 3.1.3 Review information available to prospective students on core course requirements, including that available through the University’s website. Progress: The development of the new web/My Dundee presence noted above will enable prospective students to access more detailed information on core course requirements as provided in Module/ Programme rationale and specifications. Difficulties/Plans: Clearer links to School/ Departmental Disability Support Officers and Disability Services need to be identified on College webpages. Timescale: By December 2009 (Page 21 in original document) Area: 3.2 Admissions Action: 3.2.1 Develop a University-wide admissions policy that covers all entry routes and stages, and includes procedures and guidance for handling applications from disabled students. Progress: The new admissions policy is under development by the Deputy Director of Admissions & Student Recruitment, for submission to the Admissions, Recruitment and Development Sub-Committee’s meeting of 14 December 2007. Following approval by that Committee, the new policy will be submitted to the Learning & Teaching Committee and then Senate. Timescale: By March 2008 Area: 3.3 Learning and Teaching Action: 3.3.1 Monitor the implementation of the University’s Learning and Teaching Strategy 2006-2010, in particular the use of the Teachability approach to curriculum design and delivery. Progress: This will be addressed during the development of the new College Learning & Teaching Development Plans which will be reviewed annually. These plans are linked to the University’s Learning & Teaching Strategy 2006-2010. The potential integration of the Teachability approach into the academic standards procedure for programme review will be considered during the current review of these procedures by the Director of Quality Assurance. It is planned to report the conclusions of this review to the Academic Standards Sub-Committee’s meeting of 29 April 2008. Guidance on the use of Teachability for programme/ module approval and review purposes has been circulated to DSOs and School Secretaries. Timescale: By April 2008 Action: 3.3.2 Monitor the University’s placement policy to identify any barriers to access by disabled students, in particular in relation to disability disclosure and risk assessments for work placement activity. Progress: The Placement policy will be reviewed under the action referred to above by the Director of Quality Assurance. Guidance on arranging work placements for disabled students has been circulated to DSOs and disseminated as appropriate. Timescale: By April 2008 (Page 22 in original document) Area: 3.3 Learning and Teaching (cont.) Action: 3.3.3 Clarify professional competence standards/fitness to practice issues for all University programmes accredited by external Professional Bodies. Progress: The Academic Secretary will conduct a review through the School Secretaries’ Forum of this issue and report the outcome to the meeting of the Learning & Teaching Committee of 10 March 2008. Fitness to practice guidance for medical students has been developed. Difficulties/Plans: Following outcome of review, consideration will be given to the development of fitness to practice guidance for all programmes leading to professional accreditation. Timescale: By March 2008 Area: 3.4 Assessment and Examinations Action: 3.4.1 Monitor the University’s assessment policy to identify any barriers to access by disabled students, in particular in relation to computer-aided assessment, and to identify flexible/alternative assessment methods that meet academic standards. Progress: The Director of the Learning Centre has commissioned an evaluation of the accessibility of the Questionmark computer aided assessment (CAA) software from Dr D Sloan, DMAG. This software is the main route for the delivery of CAA. Dr Sloan will report his results to the Director by the end of the first semester 2007 and the results will be reported to the Learning & Teaching Committee’s meeting of March 2008. Difficulties/Plans: Some difficulties have been reported with identifying accessible exam venues and arranging invigilators/ scribes for class exams. Timescale: By March 2008 Action: 3.4.2 Monitor the University’s appeals process to ensure maintenance of academic standards. Progress: This issue is constantly under review by the Advisory Group on Student Complaints Appeals & Discipline. Timescale: Ongoing Area: 3.5 Services Action: 3.5.1 Review the range of services offered to students and identify any areas for improvement, particularly opportunities for improved communication between different service departments and availability of catering outlets to meet different dietary needs. Progress: Some Student Services units have been relocated to DUSA to improve accessibility of services. A central contact point for all Students Services’ enquiries has also been established as part of this relocation and staff are continuing to liaise over sharing of student information. Catering staff have met with Disability Services to review provision of facilities to support different dietary needs. A new service for disabled students has been developed to enable support workers to be employed directly by the University. Difficulties/Plans: The lift within DUSA requires modernisation/ replacement to enable access by disabled users. This is planned for 2008. Timescale: Ongoing (Page 23 in original document) Area: 3.5 Services (cont) Action: 3.5.1 (cont.) Progress: Disabled students have been directed to the University’s generic academic support service available through the Academic Skills component of the Learning Centre where appropriate to ensure that they are provided with support for learning, particularly where specialist support is not required or there is no external funding for this purpose. This includes support with academic skills, exam-taking and other learning competences required by the curriculum. Difficulties/Plans: Continue to work closely with the Academic Skills team in the Learning Centre to ensure that students with specific learning difficulties can be provided with support appropriate to their learning needs, particularly where the requirement is for one-to-one assistance. This provision is making increasing demands of the academic skills provision and resource implications will need to be considered. Timescale: Ongoing Area: 3.6 Induction Action: 3.6.1 Review student induction procedures to identify any areas for improvement, including IT induction, pre-session week and preparatory courses. Progress: A review of all induction communication has been undertaken and changes made to improve the efficiency, clarity and accessibility of the information/events for prospective and new students, including access to induction venues. The Student Induction Working Group meets regularly to consider issues relating to support for prospective/new students. Difficulties/Plans: Further action is planned to improve coordination of web and other information presented to prospective students, particularly disabled applicants. Timescale: By December 2008 (Page 24 in original document) 4. MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC Area: 4.1 Public Activities Action: 4.1.1 Review all public activities and services and identify methods for collating feedback from disabled users. Progress: No formal feedback mechanisms are in place for public activities as yet but feedback is occasionally received regarding access to the Duncan of Jordanstone Degree Show. A review of physical access to this public event has been undertaken and costs obtained to improve access for disabled people. Difficulties/Plans: Decision regarding repair/replacement of DOJ stairlift is pending following a meeting of the DDA Estates Steering Group. Further action is required to identify methods for obtaining feedback from disabled users of the University’s public services and facilities. Timescale: By December 2008 Action: 4.1.2 Review procedures for arranging events/functions to identify any barriers to access and develop good practice guidance. Progress: Good practice guidance on arranging accessible events has been circulated to all DSOs and disseminated as appropriate. Catering staff have met with Disability Services to review provision of facilities to support different dietary needs. Timescale: Completed Area: 4.2 External Relations Action: 4.2.1 Review the University’s external profile to identify areas for increased publicity of the University’s response to equality and diversity issues. Progress: A review of information available to prospective students has been undertaken as noted in 1.5 and 3.1 above and the University’s website has been redesigned. Difficulties/Plans: Further action is necessary to raise awareness and improve access to the University’s response to equality and diversity issues. Timescale: By December 2008 Action: 4.2.2 Review links with external disability organisations and groups to identify areas for improved communication and opportunities for collaboration. Progress: A review of existing links with disability organisations has been undertaken. Disability Services’ staff attend meetings of local and national disability groups as invited. Other University staff have established links with disability organisations based on research interests and have developed joint projects/ collaborations. Difficulties/Plans: Further action to be considered to expand opportunities for collaboration as appropriate. Timescale: By December 2008 (Page 25 in original document) 5. PHYSICAL ESTATE Area: 5.1 Campus and Buildings Action: 5.1.1 Review and improve the accessibility of the University campus and buildings and monitor campus development works, including plans for the new Campus Green. Progress: All works take into account best practice guidance on inclusive design, both internal and external. Improvements have been made across the University campus with completion of major building projects such as the New Teaching Block (NTB) and the Library Extension. This includes provision of an accessible toilet with hoist and changing facilities within the NTB. A programme of fitting push-pad door openings has been introduced to improve access to key routes/student areas. Difficulties/Plans: Older buildings will be addressed as backlog maintenance is undertaken. Work will be prioritised on the basis of student/public use and individual needs. There is no lift at the Fife Campus library. This will be raised at the next meeting of the DDA Estates Steering Group. Timescale: Ongoing Action: 5.1.2 Develop guidance for external contractors and service providers which specifies the University’s accessibility requirements for campus plans and works. Progress: Accessibility requirements are being written into pre-tender information for contractors. Designers are briefed to ensure works comply with BS8300. Timescale: By December 2008 Action: 5.1.3 Provide training for Project Managers on inclusive campus and building design. Progress: Training has been provided for Estates staff and consultants. Timescale: Ongoing Area: 5.2 Student Residences Action: 5.2.1 Monitor use of the accessible rooms within the University’s student residences and increase capacity as required in anticipation of, and in response to, disabled students’ needs. Progress: Current accessible accommodation is almost full and consideration is to be given to increasing capacity by adapting rooms within Heathfield and/or renting accessible rooms from a nearby private facility (Hub) to meet future demand. Difficulties/Plans: Certain adaptations can only be undertaken when individual requirements are known. Timescale: Ongoing Area: 5.3 Parking Action: 5.3.1 Monitor availability and use of accessible parking bays on campus. Progress: Regular monitoring is undertaken by traffic wardens, and vehicles that are parked unlawfully in accessible bays are ticketed for the offence. Difficulties/Plans: Accessible bays are not fully utilized at all times but increased provision/ relocation may be necessary to meet demands in key areas. Timescale: Ongoing (Page 26 in original document) Area: 5.4 Health and Safety Action: 5.4.1 Review health and safety procedures in relation to traffic management on campus, particularly during building works, and provide guidance to contractors on safe modes of working that take account of disabled people’s needs and meet accessibility requirements. Progress: Requirements are included in Contractors’ Health & Safety Plans and tender agreements. Difficulties/Plans: Changes to accessible routes are published on website and via Hermes, but occasionally urgent needs can cause delay. Timescale: Ongoing