Disability Studies

"Accessibility involves designing systems to optimise access. Being inclusive is about giving equal access and opportunities to everyone wherever possible."

Getting started with accessibility and inclusion, Jisc. Accessed 10 March 2022.

Jisc have produced a useful introductory guide including six tips for teaching staff to create more inclusive learning environments. This is a good place to start in maximising the quality of your teaching resources.

Accessible and Inclusive Learning

The University has introduced an Accessible and Inclusive Learning Policy.  This policy aims to make all students’ learning a more positive and inclusive experience.  It mainstreams seven adjustments previously recommended only for disabled students.  These seven adjustments are considered to be good practice and it is intended that they become embedded as inclusive teaching practice. This makes teaching and learning more accessible and reduces the need for specific adjustments to be set up. The policy aims to ensure equality for all students.

Find out more about Mainstreaming Learning Adjustments at the Institute for Academic Development.

Information for staff involved in supporting disabled students is available through the Student Disability Service and includes:

• Creating accessible presentations and documents
• Implementing adjustments for students
• Subtitling guidance for staff

Further training is available through Learn with modules covering Implementing Reasonable Adjustments and Mental Health Awareness. To enrol on these modules:

1. Self-Enrol by logging into Learn with EASE.
2. Click on the Self-Enrol tab at the top right of your screen.
3. Click the Browse Course Catalogue button and a search window will appear.
4. Enter the name of the course you wish to enrol onto in the search box and click Go
5. Hover your mouse pointer to the right of the Course ID, click the arrow and select Enrol.
6. You will then be taken to a new page.  To complete your enrolment on this course select Submit.
7. You will then see a confirmation message to say your enrolment was successful.
8. Click OK and you will be taken to the course.

Further information on creating accessible learning environments is available through Information Services, including guidance on:

• Assistive technology
• Creating accessible materials
• Guidance for Accessible Remote Teaching

The Disabled Staff Network is open to all disabled staff and carers.

The Disabled Staff Network aims to provide a network of mutual support and a collective voice for staff with disabilities, restrictive health conditions and caring responsibilities. We also maintain close links with Human Resources, in particular the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Group. The network works with the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and the Staff Disability Officer to progress disability issues and make improvements.

You can find out more about the network on their Twitter account (@dsn_edi) as well as accessing a collection of resources via the Disabled Staff Network SharePoint.

• Jisc have produced a number of accessibility guides covering a range of topics on inclusive practice and meeting the needs of learners.
• NADP is the Professional Association for disability and inclusivity practitioners in further and higher education. They provide a wealth of resources to support staff in delivering inclusive teaching, conferences and events, and produce the freely available Journal of Inclusive Practice in Further and Higher Education (JIPFHE).

Disability Research Edinburgh is an interdisciplinary research group based in the University of Edinburgh. It was established in March 2014 and provides a forum for researchers whose work engages with disability across and beyond the University of Edinburgh.

Disability Research Edinburgh aspires to support researchers at all stages of their careers to share their research and build their personal research networks across disciplines and institutions. It is a platform for communication, helping researchers and stakeholders to form future collaborations, develop funding applications, and hold knowledge exchange and public engagement activities.

The members of Disability Research Edinburgh are committed to raising the profile of inter-disciplinary disability research within the University, contributing and collaborating towards the development of a growing disability research community beyond Edinburgh.

You can find out more about the group on their Twitter account (@DisabEdin).