Barriers?

The National Union of Students has suggested there are still discriminatory barriers for different groups of students entering and progressing through higher education caused by physically and socially inaccessible environments. For example, the current provision of accommodation and social spaces can raise particular issues for disabled students, mature students, very young students and some religious groups.

Equality Challenge Unit (ECU) is aiming to provide new guidance for the higher education sector in October 2007 on equality issues connected to residential accommodation and social space and that highlights examples of inclusive practice. ECU would particularly like to hear any views you have on the design and management of student accommodation and social space at your institution. Some issues that it would be useful to hear about are:

• Are there any barriers that you have encountered in connection with the design or management of accommodation or social space provided?
• Are there any changes you would like to see that would improve the environment and social experience for yourself and others?
• Are there any examples of inclusive provision in the way that accommodation and social space is provided that you think works particularly well?

Please write to Equality Challenge Unit at info@ecu.ac.uk <mailto:info@ecu.ac.uk>

Any information provided will be treated as confidential, and neither you nor your institution will be identified, but issues that you highlight may be published anonymously. However, ECU may contact you to request more details on a subject you have raised.

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