In the last few years, there has been increasing scrutiny by the Equality and Human Rights Commission's (EHRC) on how higher education institutions are not adequately supporting students with a disability. In particular, the EHRC emphasises the need for institutions to move from reactive to proactive support for disabled students, ensuring their needs are met without requiring them to advocate for themselves continually. The Commission calls for universities to adopt a more strategic approach to disability support, integrating accessibility considerations into all aspects of campus life, including physical infrastructure, teaching methods, and digital resources.
A key theme from the Commission is the urgent need for improved communication and collaboration between university departments to ensure that support for disabled students is both timely and effective. This includes ensuring “all staff are trained on their duties under the Equality Act 2010.” This includes ensuring that all students, whether they are identified as having a diagnosis of disability or not, have staff and faculty that are trained to identify students struggling or failing to engage and take proper steps to determine whether a student has a disability and put reasonable adjustments in place.
The Commission points out that many institutions still rely on ad-hoc measures that place an undue burden on disabled students to repeatedly disclose their needs and seek accommodations. This not only impacts students' academic experiences, but also their overall well-being and sense of inclusion within the university community.
Symplicity Access plays a crucial role in addressing these challenges by streamlining the communication and information-sharing processes between faculty, disability services, and students. The platform offers a centralised system where students can easily request accommodations and access support resources, reducing the need for repetitive disclosures. Faculty members can receive timely updates on students' needs and ensure that their teaching methods and materials are accessible.
Moreover, Symplicity Access helps universities meet the EHRC's expectations for proactive support by providing tools for tracking and managing accommodation requests, ensuring that all necessary adjustments are made promptly. This holistic approach not only enhances the student experience but also helps institutions demonstrate their commitment to inclusivity and compliance with regulatory standards. By integrating Symplicity Access, universities can foster a more supportive and accessible environment, ultimately leading to better outcomes for all students. To learn more visit us at https://www.symplicity.com/uk/access or email us at info@symplicity.com.
