* dont forget to let me know if youll be attending the social Minutes from DSN DISABLED STUDENT NETWORK MEETING WEDNESDAY 19th FEBRUARY 2014, 12PM, MEETING NOTES DSN 1. INTRODUCTION (M.Nuckley) • M.Nuckley introduced the Disabled Student Network (DSN) and explained the aims and benefits of meeting throughout the year (i.e. feeding back any disability related issues to the Disability Support Team (DST); a chance to be kept informed of support available and any changes happening in the University in terms of disability; a chance to network). 2.MATTERS ARISING FROM LAST MEETING (16/10/2013) • MN explained that the idea for a video for raising awareness of the Disability Support Team has been put on hold recently. However if anybody would like to volunteer to help raise awareness of the Disability Support Team / have any ideas to contribute, please do contact [email protected]. 3. DISABILITY RELATED (UNIVERSITY WIDE) ISSUES • MN explained that the narrow walkway outside of the Guild has been reported to FM. • A number of accessibility issues were raised including: - Accessibility around campus - MN advised students to view the Disabled Go website which details accessible routes (disabledgo/). - No lifts in certain buildings and difficulty using the stairs – MN explained that if a student has a mobility issue that hinders their ability to use stairs, DST should be able to implement support for them. The student should provide medical evidence to DST who will arrange an appointment for them with an Adviser to further discuss support options available. - The specialist chair in the gym changing room is broken. This has been reported to reception. - It was agreed that MN would invite Facilities Management to the next DSN meeting so that specific accessibility issues could be raised directly with them. • MH raised the possibility of a “safe space” for disabled students. She explained that it would be beneficial to have a member of DST available in this space to provide advice and guidance and suggested that the space be in Student Support Services. - MN explained that DST would be unable to provide a constant room in Student Support Services as all rooms are able to be booked via a central university system. MN also explained that DST would be unable to provide a constant presence in a “safe space” as team members have one-to-one appointments with students on a daily basis. MN did highlight that if any students wanted disability related advice, DST do hold a drop in service from Monday to Friday, 2-3:30pm. - MN suggested booking the study rooms in the library however MH explained that these are not always available (as they may have been booked by other students). - There was also a discussion around the practicality of having a space specifically for students with disabilities and how people would access this (e.g. would the room be manned by a staff member; would students need to disclose their disability; would there be a swipe system where student’s could use their ID cards to enter?). - It was agreed that ZM would raise this at the next Disability Working Group meeting and MH would raise this with the Guild. • It was suggested that disability awareness training for staff and students would be beneficial. - MH explained that the Guild is currently putting together a Disability Policy which aims to raise awareness of disabilities and increase resource for support. - MN explained that DST do provide training sessions for DDC’s however, due to budget limitations, would be unable to put on training sessions for staff and students. MN therefore suggested for this to be raised with the Guild. - It was agreed that MN would invite the Guild to the next DSN. Action: MN to invite Facilities Management to the next DSN meeting. Action: ZM to raise the idea of a “safe space” at the next Disability Working Group meeting and MH to raise this with the Guild. Action: MN to invite the Guild to the next meeting. 4. HALLS OF RESIDENCE (J.Jones) • J.Jones provided an overview of the new halls of residence (Crown Place), which is due for completion in August 2014. She provided information relating to room specifications and also supplied a handout detailing accommodation fees for all halls of residence. • It was highlighted that some students need to view accommodation first in order to check that it is fit for purpose (particularly students who have specific requirements due to their disability). - J.Jones advised that if a student has a disability and has been in contact with the Accommodation Team directly or via DST, then the Accommodation Team would be able to reserve a room for viewing when the building is completed. 5. LIVERPOOL STUDENT HOMES (J.Smith & I.Humphreys) • I.Humphreys provided an overview of Liverpool Student Homes (LSH) and the work they do. He confirmed that they are able to provide advice & guidance at every stage of tenancy (e.g finding suitable private accommodation, deposits, disputes with landlords or other tenants). • Members were also given a variety of factsheets for their own records containing information and advice relating to searching for a property, tenancy agreements, financial costs and a property checklist. • I.Humphreys explained that LSH do investigate each property registered to every landlord on their system to ensure that safety regulations are met. He further explained that an agreement form is sent out to landlords annually to ask if they would be willing to make any adjustments to their accommodation to meet the needs of students with disabilities. Although there are a few registered landlords that are willing to do this I.Humphreys explained that as disability numbers are unknown, private landlords tend to have reservations about adjusting their properties due to cost implications. - It was agreed that MN would send IH a breakdown by disability type of the number of registered students with disabilities so that he gets a greater idea of the need for adjusted accommodation. 6. AOB • No further issues raised. • Date of next meeting: TBC
Posted on: Tue, 11 Mar 2014 11:16:13 +0000
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