In 2007 DisabledGo launched its access guide and online recruitment service to
Further and Higher Education. By providing detailed access information to universities and colleges, DisabledGo’s aim was to provide the information needed to increase student choice and build a more inclusive workplace.
Since the launch of the very first education access guide to University of Portsmouth DisabledGo have provided detailed access information to over 135 institutions across the UK and Ireland, with 1 in 3 universities and 1 in 5 further education colleges taking part. Spread all across the UK almost every area of the UK now has a DisabledGo guide to either a local college or university.
The guides cover all services within a college or university, enabling students and visitors to find out what is accessible to their own specific requirements before they visit. They can check how far the car park is from the entrance, where the library is in relation to the main entrance, if there are lifts to access other floors, whether a hearing loop is fitted in the lecture theatres, whether information is available in alternative formats and in-depth information about accessible toilets.
Talking about the guide Michael Moss, Private Secretary to the Vice-Chancellor said,
“The detailed information compiled by DisabledGo – now linked to our website – is, we believe, of great benefit to all visitors to this University, and particularly those with disabilities.”
Four years on from the launch of DisabledGo-Education, the project is still growing in size with a staggering 20 new partners joining since January 2011. With the pressures on budget at the forefront of everyone’s mind it shows that institutions are prioritising disability and understand the importance of anticipatory, as opposed to reactive processes. DisabledGo’s involvement in the NUS ‘Access Challenge’ Campaign, which aims to promote the accessibility of student unions and encourage them to become more accessible, has also led to over 50 Student Unions being featured on www.disabledgo.com
If you would like more information about any College or university that is featured on www.disabledgo.com or if you would like to suggest institutions that you would like to see taking part please contact Rachel Felton, External Relations Manager, DisabledGo.
E: rachel.felton@disabledgo.com T: 01438 842710