We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible environment for all students, staff and visitors.
At UCA we promote the social model of disability to help people understand how to increase accessibility and encourage inclusivity at the university.
This means removing physical, digital and systemic barriers to ensure everyone can navigate and participate fully in university life with confidence and ease.
Accessibility is an ongoing priority for everyone at UCA. We are continuously working to improve our spaces and support to make this a place where everyone feels welcome, respected, and empowered.
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Many of our studios and teaching facilities feature accessible workstations and equipment. We recommend contacting the relevant Technical team member to learn more about the accessible options available in specific studios and teaching spaces.
Most lecture theatres across our campuses are equipped with hearing loops to support those with hearing impairments.
Our on-campus accommodation includes accessible bedrooms and kitchen facilities to ensure comfortable living for all students.
In addition to accessible toilets located throughout our campuses (Canterbury, Epsom, Farnham and Maidstone TV Studios), there is a Changing Places toilet facility available on our Farnham campus.
There is a range of assistive software to support students and staff with dyslexia and visual impairments. Library IT Advisers (for students ) and Access to Work (for staff) will be able to help you access and use this software. This includes:
We also recommend speaking with the relevant Technical team member for advice on specific assistive technology relevant to your course, subject area or job role.
We are proud to support the Sunflower Scheme for anyone with hidden disabilities. The sunflower is a discreet way of letting people know that someone has a hidden disability and indicates that they may need additional support.
Sunflower lanyards are available across all UCA campus reception desks.
We recognise the vital role assistance dogs play in supporting individuals with disabilities. They are welcome across UCA premises, including learning spaces and student accommodation.
Our Assistance Dogs Policy outlines the full conditions for their presence on campus.
Campus parking is primarily reserved for UCA staff. However, disabled parking bays are available for blue badge holders and may be used by students if included in their agreed reasonable adjustments plan.
We are committed to providing an accessible web presence that gives everyone full access to our information and services.
As part of the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018 we are required to ensure all our digital systems meet specific accessibility standards.
We consider all requests for reasonable adjustments to arrangements for the learning, teaching and assessment of disabled students.
We also seek to ensure that accessible approaches to the delivery of the curriculum are embedded within academic practice. This does not, however, negate the need for us make reasonable adjustments for individual students.
When a student discloses a disability (either before or after enrolment) they’ll be invited to discuss their support needs with a member of the Disability Team.
The Team will then gather relevant evidence and assess how the student’s learning may be impacted. If adjustments are needed, the Disability Team will work with colleagues across the University to plan these and ensure that the student agrees with the adjustments.
When a member of staff discloses they’ll be invited to discuss their support needs with their Line Manager.
The Line Manager will then gather relevant evidence and assess how the member of staff’s ability to conduct their role may be impacted. If adjustments are needed, the Line Manager will work with colleagues across the University to plan these and ensure that the staff member agrees with the adjustments.
We’re always working to improve accessibility across our campuses and services.
If you’ve experienced an issue or have suggestions for how we can do better, we’d love to hear from you.
Please email belonging@uca.ac.uk to share your feedback.
