Date sent: Wed, 10 Feb 1999 13:46:09 +0000 (GMT)
From: Maya Middlemiss <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: 1. language use; 2. fire safety/evacuation
To: [log in to unmask]
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Organization: University of Greenwich
Priority: normal
>Dear colleagues,
>
>A couple of requests for advice/info, the first is really just a
>quickie...
>
>1. On an application form, where I am investigating the need to
>provide adaptations at an event, should I enquire whether
>participants 'have a disability', or 'are disabled'? I think the
>latter is more in line with social model, etc., but would welcome
>responses.
>
>2. Does anybody have within their institution a workable policy on
>fire/emergency evacuation? We have just had a fire risk assesment
>done on all sites, but reference to the needs of disabled people was
>a bit patchy, and often referred to the need for colleagues etc to be
>delegated to assist. Much of the advice seemed to be inadequate, on
>grounds of good practice, health and safety, personal dignity, etc.,
>and I would like to be able to make better recommendations - any
>thoughts?
>
>Thanks a lot,
>
>
>Maya Middlemiss
>Equal Opportunities Officer
>University of Greenwich
>Student Services, Wellington St, London, SE18 6PF
>[log in to unmask]
>
Dear Maya
Regarding your first question, it might be easier for both the person
filling in the form, and yourself, receiving the reply, to use the term
'having an impairment', that way there's less risk of offending
people and it's also in line with the social model.
As for the fire/emergency evacuation procedures, in our university
we have the same problem! There are designated fire marshalls,
and room at the top of stairwells where wheelchair users wait, until
the fire brigade arrives, the doors to the stairwells automatically
seal on detection of smoke, so any wheelchair users at the
stairwell do not die of smoke inhalation! As for blind/visually
impaired students there are no specific guidelines.
Hope this is of some help.
Janine Carey
Personal Assistant
Access Programme
University College Dublin
Belfield
Dublin 4
Tel: 01 706 1727
Email: [log in to unmask]
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