We all have a responsibility to avoid creating barriers for disabled people whatever our role, either as managers or colleagues.

Create good communication  - we must ensure that we do not use any language, or take any actions that will discriminate, either directly or indirectly, against members of staff, students or visitors who are disabled. 

Identify and remove barriers – These are not just physical.  Lack of awareness, frustration and other peoples’ attitudes can all create barriers.  Misunderstandings and thoughtlessness can lead to a breakdown in communication, that could easily cause feelings of isolation and exclusion.

Consult - Disabled people, like other people, need to be fully involved in what is happening in their department.  They need to play a full part in any meetings and be kept up to date with developments.

Do not make assumptions. Not knowing what the issues may  lead to mistakes, so take the time to ask and find out.

• Where concepts and ideas contained within Equality and Diversity are easily and regularly spoken about
• Staff and students understand and take these on board
• Issues and difficulties can be discussed openly and genuinely

• Take actions that are based on wide and meaningful consultation
• Take actions that are reasonable and practicable
• Involve people affected by the issue(s)
• Involve the Equality and Diverstiy Adviser, Head of Disabilities/Additional Needs Service and senior decision-makers

Your department needs to make sure that it:

• organises and provides appropriate equipment and support in partnership with disabled employees. This will includes ensuring managers are fully aware of the Employment Service's Access to Work scheme.
• makes reasonable adjustments to working arrangements or buildings where they make it difficult for a disabled employee to do his or her job, and provide a safe and accessible working environment.
• takes action to make sure that any staff who become disabled while they work for us will be given the right help and support to stay working for us. This includes meeting the 5 commitments under the “Two Tick” Symbol scheme.

All information should be clear, and easy to read. The Plain English Campaign guidelines are:

• an average sentence length of 15-20 words
• use of active verbs instead of passive ones
• use of everyday English
• use we and you instead of the applicant and college/university etc
• be concise

Translations may be need for specific audiences for individuals.

Key issues are to:

• Ask people what they need
• Consider translating materials into different formats e.g. Braille, different Fonts, video or aural tape,
• Provide a sign language interpreter

Guidelines for materials for people with sight impairments

• Text should be a minimum of 12 point (14 point would reach more people with sight problems)
• Large print documents should be produced in sizes 16 to 22 point
• Use plain, legible typefaces. Arial is the corporate font at Loughborough University that should be used at all times.
• Black text on white background produces the best contrast. Avoid combinations that people who are colour-blind cannot distinguish (such as green and red), and high-gloss paper
• When printing documents, an uncoated print paper weighing over 90 gsm is best
• Type should not be superimposed on images
• Text around images, which produces a ragged left-hand edge should be avoided
• High-contrast images with clean backgrounds are easier to view
• Text should be aligned to the left side only
• Avoid italics and underlining, bold should be used to highlight

There is a wide range of commonly used terms and acronyms (jargon) associated with higher education (sandwich course, first degree, HESA, HOD’s etc.)

Good practice is to consult with relevant people and to explain all terms.

To meet different needs do ask about individual preferences whenever possible. This applies both in individual communication, and in terminology used when speaking to a large audience, or writing for wide dissemination.

Consider the words you use, consult before publication. When there are conflicting preferences, the terms used in law are acceptable.

“Good Talking”  Guide to Communication - ECU  2004 http://www.ecu.ac.uk/goodtalking/

 “It Takes All Sorts” - Lesley Mansell and Daryl Gough  1994  lesley_mansell@yahoo.co.uk

Draft:  “The Disability Etiquette Guide” – Hiten Shah, County Equalities Manager, Surrey County Council. 

Author: Human Resources (LM) November 2005