Disability Equality Statement

For staff and students in Colleges of Further and Higher Education.

Statement aims

South West College is committed to equality of opportunity for all its staff and students and will, therefore, strive to facilitate staff and students with disabilities as an integral part of the South West College community.

Definition of Disability

For thepurpose of this statement, disability is defined 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” (Disability Discrimination Act 1995)

College Commitment

This Disability statement sets out the College’s commitmenttostaff and students who have a disability.

The principles which underline the commitment are:

  • A policy of equalopportunity which seeks to ensure that staff and students who have a disability have equitable access as far as reasonably possible to the full range of facilities, services andaspects of College life.
  • Creating an environment where those with disabilities are comfortable in disclosing their disability and are provided with opportunities to disclose at various stages throughout their time at the College.
  • Providingaccess to the appropriate reasonable adjustments to enable those with disabilities to overcome any arrangements and/or physical features that make it difficult to access or participate in all aspects of College life.
  • Preventing occurrences of unlawful direct discrimination, indirect discrimination, harassment and victimisation.
  • Treating all staff and students with dignity and respect and seeking to provide a positive and safe working and learning environment.
  • The responsibility to promote informed and constructive attitudes to disability.
  • The recognition that fewer students with disabilities apply for academic courses at the College. The College therefore recognises its responsibilities to encourage an increase in the proportions of students with disabilities who apply and are admitted to the College, which is more reflective of the proportion of people with disabilities in the community.

Links to Policies/Services

Staff

Disability Policy for Staff

Employee Assistance Programme

Employee Standards Policy

Equality Scheme and Associated Action Plans(Equality Improvement Plan, Outreach Action Plan)

Good Relations and Cultural Diversity Policy

Harassment Policy for Employees

Health, Safety and Well Being Policy

Recruitment and Selection Policy

Stress Prevention and Management Policy

Sickness Absence Management Policy

Students

Anti-Bullying Policy and Procedure

Disability Policy for Students

HE Admissions Policy

Learning Support Policy

QAP 13 Admissions and Enrolments

Student Attendance Policy

Information

Disability Code of Practice-Employment and Occupation

DisabledGo-Access Guides

Confidentiality

If you have a disability we strongly recommend that you register with Disability Services. Your information will only be shared with those who require it in order to make any reasonable adjustments necessary to enable you to participate in employment or your course or other relevant opportunities with the College. This will be done with your approval and your right to confidentiality will be respected at all times.

Contact Details for Staff:

Members of HR Team

Cookstown campus: Joanne Lucas(Campus Manager)

Dungannon campus: Eimear Rushe(Head of Human Resources)

Enniskillen campus: Sonia Treacy(HR Officer)

Omagh campus: Regina.Gormley(HR Officer)

Tom Bradley(Equality Officer)

Contact Details for Students:

Members of Student Services Team

Sharon Pritchard(Student Services and Engagement Manager)

Dungannon campus: Sharon Watters (Student Engagement Officer)

Enniskillen campus: Imelda Treacy(Student Engagement Officer)

Omagh campus: Judith McCusker(Student Engagement Officer)