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Disability Inclusion Framework

The Disability Inclusion Framework outlines our approach to disability equality, which includes the physical estate, e-accessibility and culture and good practice.

The Framework consists of three sub-groups that oversee progress of the framework and report to the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee:

Accessibility Working Group

Membership

  • Strategic Programme and Projects Manager, Directorate of Estates (chair)
  • Access Officer, Directorate of Technology, Estates and Facilities
  • Head of Estates Operations, Maintenance and Grounds
  • Equality and Diversity Office
  • Disability Services 
  • IT Services
  • Space Services
  • Timetabling and Room Booking
  • An academic member of staff
  • A staff representative (co-chairs of INCLUDE)
  • A student representative (University of York Students' Union)
  • A trade union representative
  • Other members of the Directorate of Estates

Purpose

  1. To oversee the development of the University’s inclusive campus and community agenda and objectives with regard to disability.
  2. To consult, engage and communicate with diverse students, staff and visitors on the preparation, development and progress of the disability objectives.
  3. To promote awareness in respect of estate design and management and culture across the institution.
  4. To consider and approve a programme of innovative beacon activities aimed at improving disability access and the wider inclusion agenda.
  5. To take account of relevant legislation and good practice.
  6. To consider possible approaches to external agencies and funders with regard to disability issues.
  7. To raise issues of disability equality and inclusion to relevant University groups and committee where this requires further action for example HR, IT, Estates and Campus Services.
  8. To receive regular updates on current good practice on accessibility issues.
E-accessibility Working Group

Membership

  • Digital Accessibility Unit Manager (chair)
  • Associate Director (Digital Education)
  • Digital Skills and Learning Enhancement
  • Communications
  • IT Services
  • Human Resources
  • Disability Services
  • Equality and Diversity Office
  • Library and Archives
  • An academic member of staff
  • Research representative
  • Colleges representative
  • Staff representative (co-chairs of INCLUDE)
  • Student representative (University of York Students' Union)
  • Online student representative
  • A trade union representative

Purpose

  1. To provide guidance across the University on the approach to accessibility statements, through regular testing and reporting.
  2. To review, manage and recommend appropriate software requirements and licences to support e-accessibility across the University.
  3. To coordinate and plan training for all staff to ensure key accessibility principles are adopted when using digital systems.
  4. To undertake an audit and develop a system of allocation of the current provision of assistive technology and equipment available for disabled staff and students.

See more information about the E-Accessibility Working Group.

Culture and Good Practice Working Group

Membership

  • Head of Equality and Diversity (chair)
  • Human Resources
  • Occupational Health
  • Disability Services
  • Equality and Diversity Office
  • An academic member of staff
  • A staff representative (co-chairs of INCLUDE)
  • A trade union representative

Purpose

  1. A working group to design and develop disability inclusion policies, guidance and initiatives related to staff and university culture.
  2. To review, develop and promote appropriate initiatives and good practice to support disability inclusion.
  3. To provide input to help progress the University’s commitments under the Disability Confident scheme and make recommendations to the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee, or other committees/groups as appropriate.
  4. To ensure the uptake of mandatory disability awareness training.
  5. To raise issues of disability equality and inclusion to relevant University groups and committees where this requires further action, for example HR, IT, Estates and Campus Services.
  6. To receive regular updates on current good practice and legislation on disability inclusion issues.

The sub-groups' progress reports are shared with relevant committees, such as the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee and the Joint Negotiation and Consultation Committee.

Accessibility at York

The three sub-groups support the provision of accessible services and facilities at the University. 

Find out more about Accessibility at York