The Access Forum at the University of Essex

The aim of the University of Essex Access Forum is to be a positive and proactive force, promoting excellence (and progress towards excellence) in the provision of access in all aspects of life at the University of Essex.

About Us

What is 'access'?

'Access' in this context relates to the ability of all members of the university community (students, staff and visitors) to participate as fully and equally as possible in the life of the university. It has a particular, though not exclusive, concern for matters relating to disability.

The EAF is informed by the Social Model of Disability, which separates the notion of impairment (individual) from disability (social), and focuses attention on the enabling and disabling aspects of the social environment .

Who we are

 

(NB. non-Essex users should add @essex.ac.uk to create full email address)

The Access Forum (email: access) is a community of people on campus with diverse roles but a shared interest in access issues.

Membership is open to all (staff and students) and has a thriving early membership of 45, with most departments and university bodies represented.

A core group (email: eaf) responsible for day-to-day running comprise:

• Syd Kent (Equality and Diversity Unit)
  
• Angela Jones (Student Support & EADC)
  
• Rowena Macaulay (Chair, Sociology)
  
• Francisco Sepulveda (Vice-chair, CES)
  
• Maz Brook (Estates)
  
• Andy Tyne (AVMS)
  
• John Crust (Fire Officer, Estates)
  
• Kevan Wilding (UCU, CES)
  
  

The EAF meets twice-termly and all are welcome to attend: details of next meeting

Brief history

The EAF was established in October 2007, partly an outcome of the University of Essex Disability Equality Scheme, but also in response to a longer-term recognition of the need for improved communication channels and decision-making structures on access issues at Essex.

In its early months, the EAF has been active in discussions on a diverse range of projects including: physical improvements to venues (e.g. Lakeside Theatre, Wivenhoe House and East 15); development of ‘design protocols’ for capital works; installation of ‘changing places’ toilets; rethinking of access routes and map design. A key stakeholder in the current under-podia traffic review, the EAF has also responded to nationwide consultations (e.g. on proposed changes to ‘Access to Work’).

The forum has naturally strong links to the Equality and Diversity Unit and Student Support Office, but also works closely with Estates, ISS and others.

Particularly welcome is the support of the Vice-Chancellor, whose early commitment to equality and diversity has been instrumental in the university seeking accreditation with ‘DisabledGo’ and ‘Positive about Disabled People’ status (national schemes promoting, respectively, user-oriented information on public venues, and proactive recruitment).

(back to top)

Our objectives

• To raise access issues for debate, and to investigate and follow up; to be available for consultation; to be involved in and to influence decision-making on any matter relating to access brought to the attention of the group.
  
  
• To provide a considered view on the university″s response to the legislative requirements of the DDA.

 

• To assist with the implementation and updating of the recommendations and outcomes of the university″s Disability Equality Scheme. 
  
  
• To report to the Equality and Diversity Committee (EADC) twice yearly and to suggest agenda items for discussion by the EADC as appropriate.
  
  
• To contribute to other university and Student Union committees where relevant, either by means of representation in person, or via reports/minute-sharing etc.
  
  
• To be involved (at planning stage) in discussions with Estates Project Officers and/or Students″ Union relating to all new-build projects, and other projects entailing significant alteration to campus facilities.
  
  

(back to top)

---