Download a pdf version of the Disability Action Plan 2022-2027 (PDF, 22 pages, 448KB) or view below.

This document can also be made available on request in alternative formats and in minority languages to meet the needs of those who are not fluent in English. Please email: equality@ulster.ac.uk

Foreword by the Vice-Chancellor

Ulster University is committed to creating a working and learning environment that is characterised by our values of inclusion; enhancing potential; collaboration and integrity. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion is set out as one of the most critical priorities within our new organisational strategy and I aspire that Ulster University celebrates all people and provides opportunities for all communities.

To this end, I am pleased to present our Disability Action Plan 2022 – 2027, which sets out positive actions to help ensure that people living with a disability, visible or invisible, can engage fully in University life.

The Disability Action Plan is a demonstration of our commitment to fulfilling the statutory obligations as detailed under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995, to:

  • Promote positive attitudes towards disabled people; and
  • Encourage participation by disabled people in public life (‘the disability duties’).

The actions have been informed by engagement with colleagues and students with disabilities; Disability Awareness surveys and through feedback from the Staff Disability Network and external partner organisations.

As Vice-Chancellor, I am committed to ensuring that the University complies with its statutory obligations; and furthermore, I am committed to making available the necessary resources to ensure the effective communication and successful implementation of this plan.

Ultimately, the success of this action plan will be determined by the extent to which it acts as a driver for change in bringing about real and lasting positive outcomes within the learning and working environment at Ulster University.

While the University’s Senior Leadership Team will have oversight of annual monitoring and reporting to the Equality Commission, our Disability Action Plan is a living document that is owned by all within the organisation, and the actions are designed to be flexible and responsive to changing priorities over the five-year period. These priorities will help create and sustain an inclusive culture that differentiates us as a place of learning and achievement, where we are all proud to work and study.

I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to our Disability Action Plan, and I look forward to working with you all to ensure that we deliver on our commitments.

Professor Paul Bartholomew

Vice-Chancellor Ulster University

Introduction

The Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (DDA 1995) defines disability as:

“a physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on a person's ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities”.

Under Section 49A of the DDA 1995 (as amended by Article 5 of the Disability Discrimination (Northern Ireland) Order 2006), Ulster University is required when carrying out its functions to have due regard to the need to:

  • promote positive attitudes towards disabled people; and
  • encourage participation by disabled people in public (University) life These duties are referred to as ‘the disability duties’.

Promoting positive attitudes can include taking steps to portray people with disabilities in a positive role, as well as taking steps to eliminate ignorance and prejudice towards people with disabilities.

Encouraging the participation of people with disabilities in public (University) life can include taking measures to involve people with disabilities in policy decision making, as well as encouraging participation in consultative forums and University bodies.

Why we have produced a Disability Action Plan

Section 49B says that public authorities (which includes Ulster University) must prepare a Disability Action Plan, setting out how it will implement the two positive duties (under Section 49A) and that it must send this Action Plan to the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland (“the Equality Commission”).

A Disability Action Plan covers people with all types of disabilities, for example: physical disabilities; learning disabilities; sensory disabilities; mental health disabilities, and other hidden disabilities.

The University’s Disability Action Plan is presented under three headings:

  1. Actions to promote positive attitudes towards people with disabilities
  2. Actions to encourage people with disabilities to participate in University life
  3. Actions to promote both positive duties

Much has been achieved during the lifespan of our previous action plans, with progress reported to the Equality Commission through our Section 75 Annual Progress Reports. Actions completed within the previous Disability Action Plans are now considered to be mainstreamed.

Implementation and Monitoring

The University has put in place internal arrangements to ensure that the disability duties are complied with, and that this disability action plan is effectively implemented. It will ensure the effective communication of the plan to staff and provide all necessary training and guidance for staff on the disability duties and the implementation of the plan.

The University will also consult with people with disabilities when implementing and reviewing the plan. This will enable the University to:

  • identify and address any barriers people with disabilities may face during consultation with the University;
  • identify opportunities for the University to promote positive attitudes towards people with disabilities; and
  • monitor and review the effectiveness of measures taken, and the proposals outlined in the action plan.

Reporting on Progress

The University will submit an annual report to the Equality Commission on the implementation of this plan as well as carrying out a five yearly review of the plan.

Responsibility for developing, implementing, reviewing and evaluating this disability action plan:

Angela Getty (Equality, Diversity & Inclusion - Section Lead)

Room BD-05-025

25-51 York St Belfast

BT15 1ED

Telephone: 028 9536 5177 Email: equality@ulster.ac.uk

Ulster University - Functions and Public Life

Ulster University (legally known as the University of Ulster) was established by Royal Charter in 1984 and operates across four campuses: Coleraine, Jordanstown, Belfast and Magee. The governing body of the University is the Council.

The University’s emerging corporate strategy, ‘Sustainable Futures – People, Place and Partnerships’, sets out the University’s strategic priorities, with a heightened focus on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion for both prospective and current staff and students.

The range of public life positions (as defined by the Equality Commission’s guidance) over which Ulster University has responsibility for, or works closely alongside, are as follows:

  • University Council;
  • University Senate;
  • Convocation;
  • University Committees, working groups and consultative groups;
  • Students’ Union Council;
  • Students’ and Students’ Union clubs, societies and sabbatical officers;
  • Students’ Union Board of Trustees;
  • EDI Strategy Steering Group sub-group - Advancing Disability Equality;
  • University Staff Disability Network; and the
  • Alumni Association.

The University also responds to requests from outside bodies for representation on various committees/boards. In the past this has included:

  • Health Trusts;
  • Local Councils;
  • Government Committees/Working Groups (e.g. Department for Communities - Expert Advisory Panels);
  • Boards of Governors; and
  • Editorial Boards