“By creating we think, by living we learn” Patrick Geddes
Note: the information contained in this document can be provided in alternative formats on request. Please contact the University's Disability Services department.
1. INTRODUCTION
The University of Dundee recognises that disabled students are an integral part of the academic community and that accessible and appropriate provision is a core element of the overall service which the University seeks to provide.
We positively welcome applications from disabled people and have developed support services which take a student-centred and flexible approach to student needs. We are committed to the social model of disability, to removing barriers to access and to providing a truly inclusive and equitable learning environment that fosters a University experience of the highest quality for all students. This is a fundamental component of our Equal Opportunities Policy.
This document provides details of the support, services and facilities that are available to disabled students at the University of Dundee. This includes students with mobility, visual or hearing impairments, students with dyslexia or medical conditions such as epilepsy, and students with mental health difficulties. Comments on the information contained in this document are welcome and should be made to the Head of Disability Services.
2. PROVISION AT A GLANCE
3. DISABILITY SERVICES
Location: Old Technical Institute (OTI) (building no. 7 on campus map)
Contact: Ms. Shirley Hill, Head of Disability Services
Telephone: (01382) 385402 (reception)
Email: disability@dundee.ac.uk
Website: http://www.dundee.ac.uk/studentservices/disabilityservices
DSO: Mrs. Anne Gosling, Disability Adviser
Telephone: (01382) 385091
Email: a.l.gosling@dundee.ac.uk
The Disability Services department is part of the University's Student Operations directorate. We are based in the Old Technical Institute, a wheelchair accessible building on the main University campus. Accessible car parking is available nearby.
We offer a wide range of services for disabled students (see 3.2 below), including responsibility for the identification of reasonable adjustments across all areas of University activity to ensure that disabled students' needs are anticipated, as far as possible, and responded to in a timely and appropriate manner. We are also responsible for the coordination of disabled students' support arrangements. This includes students on all three of the University's campuses. We liaise closely with all Academic Schools and all Student and Academic Support Services.
Our aim is to enable disabled students to identify the most appropriate support for their individual needs in the context of their chosen course of study. The type of support offered will depend on the individual nature of your disability and your course of study. Confirmation of your disability from a recognised practitioner (e.g. your Doctor or a Chartered Psychologist) is usually required for the provision of individual adjustments e.g. additional time in examinations.
We strongly encourage you to discuss your support requirements in confidence with one of our Disability Advisers at the earliest opportunity, ideally before you have started your course. In this way, the most appropriate support can be identified, implemented as soon as possible, and modified in response to your individual needs. Ongoing monitoring and review of your support needs is important to ensure that any changes can be implemented as soon as possible. We therefore encourage you to contact us to review your support needs on a regular basis, at least once a year, particularly before any examinations or placements.
Disability Services is open all year and does not close during the summer recess. Our Reception is open every weekday from 8.45am. to 5pm. You will normally need to make an appointment to see one of our Advisers, particularly at the start of the first Semester and during degree examinations when the Service is very busy. To make an appointment, please call in to our Reception, telephone (01382) 385402 or email disability@dundee.ac.uk
3.1 Confidentiality and Disclosure
You do not have to disclose your disability to the University but we ask you to carefully consider the advantages of doing so. When you disclose a disability, the University will do all that it can to identify and arrange appropriate support and provision to meet your individual needs. Disability Services offers a confidential service to all current and prospective students and you do not need to register with us in order to speak to one of our Advisers in confidence. However, we encourage you to register so that we can help you to identify the most appropriate support to meet your individual needs and arrange for that support to be implemented as soon as possible, including the provision of all reasonable adjustments.
All personal or sensitive information that you disclose will be handled in accordance with the Data Protection Act. In practice, this means that we will not disclose information about your disability to anyone without your express consent (see our Confidentiality Statement). In order for your academic or personal support needs to be met, specific information may have to be shared with other members of University staff. For this reason, you will be asked to sign a Disability Disclosure Form when you register with Disability Services.
If you choose not to disclose your disability, or to allow further disclosure, it may not be possible for the University to make some of the adjustments that could help to meet your disability-related needs. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us for further information and to discuss your options with one of our Advisers in confidence.
3.2 Services
The main services offered by Disability Services include: identifying and coordinating the provision of reasonable adjustments for disabled students' academic and other support, including examinations; assisting with applications for the Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA); undertaking study needs assessments through our regional Access Centre Services; providing screening, diagnosis and study skills support for dyslexic students through our Dyslexia Service; and arranging and managing Non-Medical Personal Help such as readers or scribes. We also offer training with enabling technology, IT support through the University's Disability IT Support Service, and have a range of equipment that is available to students on a loan basis.
3.3 Facilities
Facilities within Disability Services include confidential meeting rooms, two IT suites with assistive software, a specialist Access Centre with up-to-date facilities for evaluating a wide range of enabling technologies, and accessible toilet facilities. There is also a rest room for disabled students in the basement of the University's Tower Building (building no. 1 on campus map). Registered students are provided with swipe access (via their student matriculation cards) to access the IT suites outwith office hours. A key for the rest room can also br provided for students who need this provision.
4. DISABLED STUDENTS' ALLOWANCE (DSA)
The DSA is a supplementary allowance available to students who incur additional expenditure because of their disability while undertaking a higher education course. The funding can be used to purchase equipment (e.g. computer with assistive software), to cover the cost of Non-Medical Personal Help (e.g. sign language interpreter), and to pay for consumables (e.g. photocopying) and other study-related costs. The DSA is not means-tested but students need to meet their funding authority's residency requirements. Disability Services can help you to complete your DSA application and can liaise with your funding authority on your behalf.
Scottish students should apply to the Students Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS) using SAAS's DSA application forms. Copies of these forms are available from SAAS's website or from Disability Services. Further details for English students are available from Student Finance England and for Irish students from the Higher Education Authority. Further information for students funded by the UK Research Councils is available on the Research Councils' DSA Information website.
All applications for the DSA must be endorsed by a member of staff at your institution, usually one of the University's Disability Advisers. They must also include recent medical evidence (e.g. a doctor's letter) explaining the nature and extent of your disability. For dyslexic students, an up-to-date (no more than 2 years old) assessment by a Chartered Psychologist is usually required.
5. DISABILITY SUPPORT OFFICERS (DSOs)
Every Department or School within the University has a member of staff known as the Disability Support Officer (DSO). The DSO acts as the initial point of contact for disabled students in their department/service. Their role is to disseminate disability-related information to other staff in their department, and to advise disabled students on any course-related difficulties. The network of DSOs works in close collaboration with Disability Services to share information and expertise on specific disability issues, and information on disabled students' support needs (with the student's consent). Contact details for all DSOs are available to internal users or from Disability Services.
6. STUDENT OPERATIONS - STUDENT SERVICES
Location: 3 Cross Row (building no. 30 on campus map)
Contact: Mr. Graham Nicholson, Deputy Director of Student Operations
Telephone: (01382) 384112 (direct line)
Email: studentservices@dundee.ac.uk
Website: http://www.dundee.ac.uk/studentservices/
The Student Services consists of the following services: Careers Service, Counselling Service, Disability Services (see separate entry at point 3 above), Health Service, Nursery, Peer Connections, and the Student Funding Unit. A summary of these services is provided below and further details can be found on the Student Services website.
6.1 Careers Service
Location: 166 Nethergate (building no. 53 on campus map)
Contact: Mr. Graham Nicholson, Deputy Director of Student Operations
Telephone: (01382) 384017 (reception)
Email: careers@dundee.ac.uk
Website: http://www.dundee.ac.uk/careers
DSO: Ms. Stephanie MacLean, Careers Adviser
Telephone: (01382) 385066
Email: s.z.maclean@dundee.ac.uk
The Careers Service aims to enhance the career development of all our students and graduates and welcomes student contact at an early stage. Careers Advisers are trained in issues relating to disability and employment and liaise closely for specialist advice with organisations such as RNIB, RNID and SKILL.
We offer a range of services, including bookable appointments for one-to one confidential careers advice and guidance, as well as talks and sessions on careers-related topics such as CVs, Interviews and Postgraduate study. We also offer a Career Planning Module and an Internship Module which can offer valuable confidence building and work experience. Contacts and details are available from: http://www.dundee.ac.uk/careers/modules/.
We provide free, take-away and reference careers information, produce an online vacancy bulletin and offer the services of the Placement Basement for semester-time paid or voluntary work. The Careers Service disability pages contain more details about what you can expect from the Careers Service if you are a disabled student or graduate.
We are open on Monday to Wednesday and Friday from 9am - 5pm, and on Thursday from 10am - 5pm. There is ramp access to the ground floor of the building. The ramp is located to the right of the entrance, between 166 Nethergate and Caird Cottage (buildings no. 52 and 53 on the University's campus map). On the ground floor you can access Reception; the Seminar Room for presentations and teaching; take-away information; and an accessible toilet. Although the Careers Service is located on two floors, with no lift, interviews with a Careers Adviser and access to information can be arranged on the ground floor, if we are advised of any mobility issues.
6.2 Counselling Service
Location: 1 Cross Row (building no. 30 on campus map)
Contact: Mrs. Caroline Adamson, Senior Counsellor/ Clinical Lead
Telephone: (01382) 384163
Email: c.y.adamson@dundee.ac.uk
Website: http://www.dundee.ac.uk/studentservices/counselling/
DSO: Ms. Gillian Reid, Service Administrator
Telephone: (01382) 384164
Email: g.c.reid@dundee.ac.uk
The Counselling Service provides a confidential setting in which to discuss personal difficulties that are causing stress and anxiety. By exploring an issue with a trained counsellor, it is often possible to get a different and calmer perspective, which then enables you to work effectively at its resolution.
The Service is open every weekday from 9am - 12.30pm, and 1.30pm - 5pm. To make an appointment, call in to reception or phone (01382) 384164. Short drop-in emergency sessions (no appointment necessary) are available each week day at 9.30 am. The office is not equipped with ramped access but, if you have restricted mobility, arrangements can easily be made to see you at a more convenient location.
6.3 Health Service (University provision; not NHS)
Location: 1 Cross Row (building no. 30 on campus map)
Contact: Ms. Norma Smith, Departmental Secretary
Telephone: (01382) 384168
Email: n.z.smith@dundee.ac.uk
Website: http://www.dundee.ac.uk/studentservices/healthservice
The University Health Service offers advice and guidance on a wide range of health issues, both physical and psychological, including: minor injuries, drugs, alcohol, sexual health, sports injuries, depression and anxiety. It also offers a limited treatment role, with the doctor being available to undertake certain interventions on site (see website for specific details).
The University Health Service is additional to the Family Doctor and hospital services available in Dundee. You should therefore still register with a local doctor of your choice, who will be responsible for your medical care while at the University. The relationship with your home doctor is not broken; he/she should still be consulted when on vacation.
The University's Mental Health Nursing Service is based within the Health Service. This is a confidential service for any student experiencing a mental health problem or felt to be at significant risk of developing one. You will initially be offered an appointment with Dr. Tom Dymock, University Medical Adviser, who will then arrange contact with Mrs. Fiona Grant, Senior Mental Health Nurse, should this be appropriate.
The Health Service is not accessible to wheelchair users but, if you have restricted mobility, arrangements can be made to see you at an alternative location.
6.4 Nursery
Location: The Union (DUSA) (building no. 44 on campus map)
Contact: Ms. Karen Henderson, Supervisor
Telephone: (01382) 385188
Website: http://www.dundee.ac.uk/studentservices/childcare/
Up to 40 nursery places are available for the children of students and members of staff. The major allocation of places for each academic year takes place in August. Parents are invited to complete an application form, along with a consent form for each child. Parents are informed before the start of the academic year if a place is available, although children are accepted throughout the year if vacancies still exist. Applications can be held on a waiting list until a child reaches the qualifying age of 2 years old.
When a place is offered, parents are invited to visit the Nursery, with their child, for a settling in period. Nursery provision is offered on a full-time or part-time basis and is booked per term, in advance. The Nursery remains open during the vacations, where provision is offered on a pre-book basis in an arrangement of sessions to suit the needs of the parents.
All staff are qualified to SNNB or HNC level and most also hold, or are working towards, a PDA in Childcare and Education. The staff to children ratio is 1 adult per 6 children (1:6).
6.5 Peer Connections
Location: Level 4, The Union (DUSA) (building no. 43 on campus map)
Contact: Mrs. Joan Muszynski, Peer Connections Co-ordinator
Telephone: (01382) 384932
Email: j.m.muszynski@dundee.ac.uk
Website: http://www.dundee.ac.uk/studentservices/pconnect/
Peer Connections is a three strand peer support scheme. Students are invited to provide welcoming/orientation support during Freshers Week and beyond, to help set up and take part in buddying groups and activities in areas that interest them, and potentially to develop 1-1 peer mentoring on a formal basis, backed up with full training and support. Full details are available on the Peer Connections web site.
6.6 Student Funding Unit
Location: 3 Cross Row (building no. 30 on campus map)
Contact: Mrs. Sharon Sweeney, Student Funding Officer
Telephone: (01382) 388456
Email: s.sweeney@dundee.ac.uk
Website: http://www.dundee.ac.uk/studentservices/studentfunding/
For many, coming to university is the first time that you will be truly responsible for your finances and the choices you make. For others, this may be the first time that you have had a significant change in your income and expenditure. Whatever your situation and experience we are here to guide you!
Much of what can be done to make your student finances a positive experience can be done BEFORE you come to University. Our top tip is that you ensure you apply for your UK funding in good time and that your student bank account has been setup.
Further information is available on the Student Funding website.
7. STUDENT OPERATIONS - OTHER UNITS
7.1 Admissions and Student Recruitment
Location: 2 - 4 Airlie Place (building no. 41 on campus map)
Contact: Ms. Paula Elliott, Deputy Director of Student Operations
Telephone: (01382) 385661
Email: contactus@dundee.ac.uk
Website: http://www.dundee.ac.uk/admissions
DSO: Ms. Kirsten Swankie, Admissions Manager
Telephone: (01382) 386899
Email: k.j.swankie@dundee.ac.uk
To help you to make your choice of University, we recommend that you visit us to experience our facilities first-hand. If the general Open Days are unsuitable, individual visits can be arranged to chosen Departments. You could also use this visit to explore the University campus, talk to current students and visit Disability Services. If you live too far away to visit in person, please explore the Disability Services' website or contact them for an informal, confidential chat with one of their advisers.
Applications for entry are made to the University's Admissions and Student Recruitment department, normally through the UCAS system. If you declare a disability, you will be sent additional information and encouraged to visit the University to assess the campus, the support available and other facilities. Once you have been offered a place at the University, you will be contacted by our Disability Services department so that appropriate support can be identified and any arrangements put in place prior to actual admission. You can also contact Disability Services prior to application for confidential information and advice, and to discuss any support requirements.
Admissions decisions are made on academic grounds with agreements made between prospective students and the University to ensure that appropriate support may be provided to enable students to undertake their chosen course of study. It should be noted that some courses, which are regulated by external professional bodies (such as Medicine), may be unable to admit students who do not meet the requirements of the external professional body for their chosen course. Further information on such courses is available from Admissions and Student Recruitment. Further details on the Admissions process generally are available from the University's Admissions Policy (in particular section 2.13 and Appendix 3).
7.2. Registry
Location: 1 Airlie Place (building no. 39 on campus map)
Contact: Mr. Tony Burns, Deputy Director of Registry
Telephone: (01382) 385033
Email: registry@dundee.ac.uk
Website: http://www.somis.dundee.ac.uk/registry
DSO: Mrs. Dawn Tindal, Programme and Assessments Officer
Telephone: (01382) 388231
Email: d.tindal@dundee.ac.uk
Registry deals with matriculation, student records, examinations and graduation. The ground floor of the building is accessible to students with restricted mobility and houses both the undergraduate and postgraduate sections. The Examinations Office deals with special examination arrangements for disabled students in liaison with Disability Services. The Examinations Office also deals with graduation ceremonies and makes appropriate arrangements for disabled students to receive their degrees with their peers.
If you are a new student to the University, you will need to matriculate in person. Details of the annual matriculation process are provided on the Registry website. Alternative arrangements can be made for matriculation if, as a consequence of your disability, you anticipate difficulty with queuing for potentially extended periods. Please contact Disability Services to advise if this is the case.
Most returning students can matriculate online. Please check the Registry website for further details.
7.3 Residences Office (student accommodation)
Location: 2 - 4 Airlie Place (building no. 41 on campus map)
Contact: Mrs. Margaret Wyllie, Residences Officer
Telephone: (01382) 384040
Email: m.l.wyllie@dundee.ac.uk
Website: http://www.dundee.ac.uk/studentservices/residences
DSO: Mrs. Margaret Wyllie
Telephone: (01382) 384040
Email: m.l.wyllie@dundee.ac.uk
There is a range of purpose-built and adapted residential accommodation for disabled students on campus. In particular, West Park Villas offers single ground floor rooms with ensuite shower and toilet facilities suitable for residents with restricted mobility. Five of these rooms also have an interconnecting door with an adjacent room allowing a personal assistant to stay nearby. Two of the ground floor kitchens have lowered work surfaces.
Seabraes Hall offers four rooms that have ensuite shower and toilet facilities suitable for residents with restricted mobility. Belmont Flats has four accessible rooms with ensuite facilities suitable for wheelchair users.
Disabled students may wish to elect to remain in Halls of Residence for the duration of their course.
As individual needs differ, it is strongly recommended that you view the accommodation well in advance to discuss specific requirements and check that it is suitable. Please contact the Residences Office to make an appointment. Please note there are a few steps to negotiate to reach the Residences Office. If you have restricted mobility, alternative arrangements can be made to meet you at a more suitable location.
7.4 Student Support in Halls
Location: Room 4.24, Level 4, The Union (DUSA) (building no. 43 on campus map)
Contact: Dr. Iliyan Stefanov, Student Support Worker
Telephone: (01382) 385534
Email: i.s.stefanov@dundee.ac.uk
Website: http://www.dundee.ac.uk/studentservices/supportworker/
Student Support Assistants' Location: Belmont - Flat 54, Rooms 1 and 2; Heathfield - Flat 02, Rooms 1 and 3; Seabraes - Flat 25, Rooms 1 and 2; Tay Mills - Flat 37, Rooms A and C; West Park - Flat 24, Rooms 1 and 2.
If you are a resident of Belmont, Heathfield, Seabraes, West Park and Tay Mills you have your own Student Support Worker to look after your welfare. Additionally, there are 10 Student Support Assistants (2 per each Hall) living in the Residences, who work alongside the Student Support Worker to help and support you any time you need us.
The Student Support Worker and his team deal with students' welfare and related issues. These may be domestic problems experienced by students in Halls of Residence, personal problems, loneliness, a situation which is causing you to feel distressed and unhappy etc. Special attention is paid to fire safety, suicide awareness and dealing with conflict.
The Student Support Worker's team works closely with other Student Services' units and can quickly refer you to any of them for specialist advice and help.
The residents in the Halls are represented by their Flat/Villa Reps, Hall Councils, Hall Committees and Hall President. The Halls' Presidents and their Committees organise events for the benefit of all residents throughout the academic year. The Student Support Worker's team, together with some of the Peer Connectors, who are associated with the Halls, facilitate the Halls Committees in their activities.
8. STUDY AND EXAMINATION SUPPORT
Teaching, learning and assessment methods can be discussed in detail with your chosen academic department/school and are generally outlined in course handbooks. Each department/school has a Disability Support Officer (DSO) who will help in resolving any particular academic problems you may have as a consequence of your disability. DSOs liaise closely with Disability Services' staff.
You are advised to register as soon as possible with Disability Services to ensure that any necessary adjustments are in place to meet your teaching or assessment needs. Most lecturers make use of the University's virtual learning environment (VLE), My Dundee, as a teaching resource; for example, by placing course materials or copies of their lecture slides on the VLE for all students to access electronically. Where this is not available on the VLE, Disability Services can recommend that you be provided with copies of lecture notes and slides, depending on your individual disability-related needs. Additional support recommendations may include: permission for you to record lectures, the provision of concession stickers for your written assignments and extended library loan facilities.
Adjustments to examination provision are also available and are based on the recommendations of Disability Services' qualified assessors following an individual assessment of your needs. Such provision may include the use of scribes or readers, technology such as personal computers and assistive software, Brailled or enlarged examination papers, extra time allowances and the provision of a separate examination room. Other adjustments can be arranged to support your individual disability-related needs.
The University's Academic Achievement Teaching Unit offers a range of academic skills support, including assistance with academic writing at postgraduate and undergraduate levels and support with maths skills through their Count Me In! programme. The Unit also leads the University's induction programme for new students, PLUS@Dundee, and maintains and develops the University's personal transferable skills website, Advance@Dundee. This website resource provides students with information on a wide variety of transferable skills in eight key areas: personal development, curriculum vitae and careers, interpersonal skills, studying and learning, research and problem-solving, effective writing, basic maths and stats, and information and communications technology. Further information is available from the Academic Achievement Teaching Unit, Email: aatu@dundee.ac.uk.
9. LIBRARY AND IT FACILITIES
9.1 Library Facilities (Main Library and Learning Centre)
Location: Small's Wynd (building no. 32 on campus map)
Contact: Dr. Richard Parsons, Director of the Library and Learning Centre
Telephone: (01382) 384082
Email: library@dundee.ac.uk
Website: http://www.dundee.ac.uk/library
DSO: Mrs. Roslind Penny, Principal Library Assistant
Telephone: (01382) 384088
Email: r.m.penny@dundee.ac.uk
The University Library was a pioneer in addressing disability issues in university libraries and regularly runs successful training days for staff on supporting disabled students in academic libraries. The Main Library also has a notice board with information for disabled students. Staff at each site will do whatever is required to assist disabled readers in obtaining materials. Examples include physically retrieving books from any University library location, ensuring appropriate loan periods for disabled students to have books read into recording systems or scanned, and arranging availability of material at the Issue Desk in advance of a visit.
Additional services provided for disabled students include:
The Main Library has a lift available for disabled readers to access the upper floor and there is an accessible toilet on the ground floor. Most other major sites are capable of access by disabled readers except the Kirkcaldy Nursing Library where the location within the building creates difficulty for students with restricted mobility. However, arrangements can be made on request to enable students to access the material in this library.
9.2 IT Facilities
Location: Park Place (building no. 4 on campus map)
Contact: Mr. Tom Mortimer, Director of Computing Services
Telephone: (01382) 388000
Email: ics-servicedesk@dundee.ac.uk
Website: http://www.dundee.ac.uk/ics
DSO: Mr. Andy McMahon, IT Disability Support Specialist
Telephone: (01382) 388000
Email: ics-servicedesk@dundee.ac.uk
Website: http://www.dundee.ac.uk/ics/disability/
The University makes support, software, equipment, training and advice available to ensure that ICT (Information & Communication Technology) is accessible and easy to use for everyone. If you use a computer and cannot, or find it difficult to, access IT resources due to a disability you can contact the IT Disability Support Specialist for support.
About the IT Disability Support Specialist
The University employs an IT Disability Support Specialist to:
The IT Disability Support Specialist also offers advice on the accessibility of ICT systems on and off campus for people with a range of disabilities, as well as integrating specialist assistive software with University ICT systems.
What can we help you with?
People who have made contact in the past have experienced a range of difficulties. For example:
IT Suites
Some of ICS' IT suites across the City Campus and at Ninewells have computers which are accessible by wheelchair users. More information about ICS' IT Suites is available at: http://www.dundee.ac.uk/ics/services/itsuites/. There is also a dedicated IT Suite for disabled students in the Ewing Annexe (building no. 11 on campus map). Students must register with Disability Services in order to gain access to this IT suite on a 24-hour basis.
Help & Advice
The ICS Service Desk is there to help students with any problems or questions they may have when using or trying to access any service provided by ICS. The Service Desk provides a single point of contact in ICS for getting help with IT-related incidents, service requests and queries. It can be accessed in several ways:
11. INSTITUTE OF SPORT AND EXERCISE (ISE)
Location: Old Hawkhill (building no. 19 on campus map)
Contact: Mr. Brian Ewing, Director of Institute of Sport and Exercise
Telephone: (01382) 384117
Email: b.g.ewing@dundee.ac.uk
Website: http://www.dundee.ac.uk/ise/
DSO: Ms. Hazel Ednie, Teaching Assistant
Telephone: (01382) 385177
Email: h.c.ednie@dundee.ac.uk
Disabled students are able to access all of the Institute's facilities which are one of the best in Scotland. Where disabled students experience any difficulty in participating in specific activities, staff are able to advise or assist where appropriate. Our Fitness Consultation service also provides you with the opportunity for a professional assessment of your current activity state and informed advice on appropriate strategies for personal improvement.
12. CAMPUS ENVIRONMENT
The main University Campus is compact and on a gentle incline; it is therefore attractive to students with restricted mobility. It is situated close to the City Centre, and within half a mile of railway and bus stations. Halls of Residence are either on campus, or within one mile via regular bus routes. The Medical School (located three miles from the University in Ninewells Hospital) is also on a regular bus route.
The campus provides facilities which cater for just about every sporting and social need and taste. The fully accessible Students' Association offers a wide range of services, including a variety of entertainment and catering options; while the Institute of Sport and Exercise boasts excellent outdoor sporting facilities and some of the most modern and extensive indoor facilities of any Scottish University. The City of Dundee offers theatre, cinema, music, shopping and a lively nightlife; many of its facilities are readily accessible to disabled people.
University buildings are a mixture of old and new. We make every effort (through either the re-location of classes, or the physical adaptation of buildings) to provide for students with restricted mobility and have made significant progress in this respect, but wheelchair access is not universally available in all buildings. Increased access to these buildings, and the incorporation of specific features for disabled users, is central to the University's Estates Strategy. Twelve main buildings - including the University Tower Building, the Main Library, the Dalhousie Building and the Students' Association - are fully accessible and most have accessible toilet facilities.
Building steps have white lined edges and many ramps have been installed. Blue Badge holders can park free of charge on the main University campus and students with restricted mobility are given priority in the distribution of parking permits. In addition, an increasing number of parking bays for disabled drivers are situated close to the main teaching areas. Induction loop systems are fitted in most teaching rooms and lecture theatres, and portable infra-red/radio systems for people who are hard of hearing are also available.
Further details of the accessibility of the University campus and buildings are available on our Estates accessibility pages. In addition, details of the accessibility of individual IT suites and teaching rooms (including the provision of induction loop systems) are available from the room catalogues links on the University's Room Bookings website. The University has also made a commitment to host detailed information on the accessibility of its campus and buildings on the national access register, DisabledGo.
13. STUDENTS' ASSOCIATION (DUSA)
Location: Airlie Place (building no. 43 on campus map)
Contact: DUSA President
Telephone: (01382) 386002
Email: president@dusa.co.uk
Website: http://www.dusa.co.uk/
The Students' Association (DUSA) has retail shops on the main campus, at Duncan of Jordanstone College, at Ninewells Hospital and in the Association Building, all of which have easy access for disabled students. The Association's bars and discos are also fully accessible and staff are on hand to assist in any way they can.
14. CHAPLAINCY
Location: Cross Row (building no. 31 on campus map)
Contact: Rev. Dr. Fiona Douglas, University Chaplain
Telephone: (01382) 384156
Email: f.c.douglas@dundee.ac.uk
Website: http://www.dundee.ac.uk/chaplaincy
There are opportunities to meet and worship with people of different religions in the University, and the facilities at the Chaplaincy Centre are open to everyone. The University Chapel is used by a large number of students and staff for worship involving all denominations.
The Chapel itself and the ground floor facilities are accessible to wheelchair users via a ramp, and the chapel has an induction loop system. There is also a coffee bar upstairs serving snacks and lunches, a library for studying, a quiet room and a common room. All of these facilities are fully accessible by lift.
15. LINKS WITH OUTSIDE BODIES
The University maintains links with many external organisations and disability groups including the RNIB, the RNID and the BDA. We are a full member of the National Association of Disability Practioners (NADP) and the Scottish Network of Disability Advisers. The Head of Disability Services is a member of the Scottish Government's Disabled Students' Stakeholder Group as well as their quality assurance and validation panel. This involvement enables the University to keep up-to-date with and influence national policy and funding for disabled students, and to share good practice on inclusive provision with other institutions throughout Scotland.
16. EVALUATION AND MONITORING
All the services and facilities that the University provides for disabled students are monitored on a regular basis and developed in response to legislative requirements, best practice, students' needs and user feedback. Formal decisions on disability-related policy and provision are made through the University's Equality and Diversity Working Group, Learning and Teaching Committee and Campus Accessibility Steering Group, and ultimately the University Court.
Student views on the quality and nature of our facilities and services are regularly canvassed through our quality assurance procedures and feedback mechanisms. We are always interested to hear your views and these play a significant role in the continuous improvement and development of our provision.
17. COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE
The University has a Complaints Procedure which is applicable to all students. The procedure aims to be both user-friendly and capable of resolving problems informally and locally as quickly as possible. If you have a complaint about any aspect of the University's services or provision for disabled students, Disability Services' staff can offer advice and also direct you to other sources of support.
18. DEVELOPMENT PLANS
The University will continute to develop its services and facilities for disabled students, in particular in three main areas: estates, quality assurance and academic support. It will endeavour to integrate the potential needs of disabled students within its estate planning processes to ensure that new buildings and, where ever possible, refurbishment of older buildings takes full account of current and future access requirements.
In the area of quality assurance, the University will link the evaluation of teaching and learning opportunities for disabled students with its annual course monitoring and periodic programme review procedures. In that context, it will develop a structured staff development plan to build upon the existing programme of disability awareness training to provide specific information and guidance on inclusive practice, as well as on the legal framework of disability issues.
Further details of the University's provision for disabled people and future development plans are available in our Disability Equality Schemes and associated annual progress reports.
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