Disability

Who is defined as disabled?
There are many kinds of disabilities, some more widely understood and visible than others. Legally, under the Equality Act 2010, a person is likely to be considered disabled if they have a mental or physical impairment that has an adverse effect on their ability to carry out day-to-day activities. This effect must be:

Substantial: in other words, not minor or trivial. The person is still considered disabled if the effects of their impairment are alleviated or removed by ongoing treatments or aids.
Long-term: this is usually taken to mean that it has lasted, or is likely to last, for more than 12 months.

I have a disability – do I have to tell the University?

It is your choice whether you tell the University that you have a disability.

Telling us that you are disabled is particularly important if you might need any adjustments to carry out your job and if you have applied to Access to work for a grant. The University has a duty to support you but cannot offer support if they are unaware of your needs. In addition, telling us can also help the University to improve the way it works with disabled staff – for example this information can help us to assess the impact of University practices on disabled staff.

To disclose a disability please update your disability status on iTrent, this will trigger a process where you will be offered a consultation with an Occupational Health Adviser. If you have any concerns or questions about this process, please contact Occupational Health on 01509 222850 or occupationalhealth@mailbox.lboro.ac.uk

Disability Passport

A disability passport is a document completed by an employee who is disabled and their line manager. It provides a framework within which to discuss the employees’ health and what changes can be made at work to assist them.

Disability Passport

Learn more about further support available below:

If you are a member of staff who is new to the University who has or develops a disability you may require additional reasonable adjustments to support you in your role. The first step is to request that your manager submits a management referral to Occupational Health and Wellbeing. The clinical team will arrange a consultation with you to discuss your needs and make recommendations back to your manager.

If your workstation is not suitable for your needs, contact your local DSE assessor for support. https://www.lboro.ac.uk/services/health-safety/contacts/dse/ if this does not resolve the issue please complete the self-referral form for Occupational Health and Wellbeing who will come to your workstation to perform a DSE assessment and make recommendations back to your manager. Self-referral link can be found here: G2 - Occupational Health and Safety Software

This page is currently under review

If you identify a disability access concern related to a building or physical environment requirement there are a range of forums that can consider next steps , please use the facilities help desk and record your concern. Or contact, EDI@lboro.ac.uk so that your concern can be considered for discussion at a relevant committee or working group.

Loughborough has partnered with the – AccessAble who provide a free digital platform, available via the AccessAble App and website, that guides users around venues across the UK and Ireland, including universities, colleges, hospitals, restaurants and more.

Many of the buildings featured in the Accessibility Guide offer information about the following:

The location of toilet and changing facilities
The car parking vicinities nearby
Photos of all the entrances, with information on any ramps or steps
Detailed facts and figures about the stairs and lifts within the buildings
Other useful information, such as contact details of relevant teams based within each building
Specific guides for lecture theatres, seminar rooms and IT labs

If staff have specific needs to enable successful teaching and lecturing Information about access requirements for staff can be submitted as part of the timetabling information on a per module basis by using this link: IT Requests link.

More info here on timetabling/room bookings in general, as well as a link to the recently launched Operational Guide

Alternatively staff can submit information directly to their Timetabling Officer: Timetabling Officer.

Specific queries regarding teaching rooms such a access to lecterns and setting up equipment to enable disability software access for teaching can be made through the Audio visual and Timetabling Support.

If specific furniture is required in teaching rooms and lecture theatres – please contact the Domestic Services Manager.

The Disability Inclusion Staff Network offers informal support to the University in meeting its legal obligations to staff with disabilities as outlined in the Equality Act 2010, particularly in regard to the legal obligation for employers to make reasonable adjustments to ensure workers with disabilities, or physical or mental health conditions, are not substantially disadvantaged when doing their jobs.

Our EDI Services can also provide peer support networking options.

Access to Work support covers a wide range of interventions beyond ‘reasonable adjustments’ associated with overcoming work-related barriers resulting from disability. The support package is agreed based on individual need.

Examples of the kind of help available through Access to Work are:

A communicator, advocate or BSL interpreter for a job interview, if you’re D/deaf or have communication difficulties
A support worker, such as a reader for somebody with a visual impairment; communicator for a D/deaf person; a specialist job coach for a person with a learning difficulty; or a helper for personal care needs at work
Specialist equipment (or alterations to existing equipment) to suit your particular need.
Help towards the additional costs of taxi fares if you cannot use public transport to get to work

Information around making an application to Access to Work can be found here - Access to work for employers

Support via Access to Work’s dedicated Mental Health Support Service Able-Futures or Maximus UK

Health Assured offers cover for you and your immediate family members*, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year:

Life support: Unlimited access to telephone counselling for emotional problems and a pathway to structured telephone counselling (employees only) at your convenience.
Work-related problems can affect our physical, emotional and mental health. Common issues include job dissatisfaction, workplace injury, stress, discrimination and bullying, violence, accidental death and retirement.
Management guidance - Managing staff wellbeing can be rewarding and at times stressful. We hope that you utilise our support services when difficult matters arise.
Legal information: For any issues that cause anxiety or distress including debt management, accountancy, lawsuits, consumer disputes, property or neighbour legalities (employees only).
Bereavement support: Health Assured offers qualified and experienced counsellors who can help with grief and related stress plus a team of legal advisors to help with legal issues.
Medical information: signposting to trusted websites are provided

*Health Assured define dependants as immediate family members (spouse/partners) and children aged 16 to 24 in full time education, living in the same household.

More information can be found here: https://www.lboro.ac.uk/services/hr/topics/employee-assistance-programme/