Print

Print
Hi Bertille

there is no one right answer to this question.   However there is an important issue which is about trying to ensure that diversity issues are mainstreamed as far as possible (which is in the spirit of the legislation) and not always separated out to be dealt with by a special unit.

So if the document requested is the propectus (e.g.) then the prospectus office should ideally deal with the request, at least in the first instance.   We encourage everyone to label documents with
"this document is available in alternative formats on request to [post title of the person who originated the document and their contacts]".   

Assuming they have a plain text electronic edition of the material, they should be able to provide that and it will be sufficient for the needs of many people, if that is not sufficient then they need a planned process which (e.g.) might involve passing a copy of the electronic version to the Disability Office who will make arrangements to get a copy made in the required format.

Depending on the institution's internal arrangements (and possibly depending on who requires the document) there should be an agreed source of funding for this type of request - but there are not rules about who it should be who pays.

Personally I prefer a model where there is a central budget which covers such reasonable adjustments, and SOAS has such a budget which I manage, for staff requests (but not student ones at present - the request for a studnet budget is pending), so that departments are not penalised by having recruited a disabled person.  However some other institutions take a different view.

regards, Deb


2009/12/11 Bertille Calinaud <[log in to unmask]>
Dear All,

We are having a little debate about who should be in charge of producing accessible information for university publications such as students prospectus, etc.

It would be grateful if you could tell me which department has this responsibility and maybe if they have a specific budget for it.

Thanks a lot.

Kind Regards
--
Bertille Calinaud
Employee Relations Officer (Diversity Specialist)

“Diversity is the one true thing we all have in common. Celebrate it every day”

T:  020 7882 5585
F:  020 8983 3440


Human Resources
Queen Mary University of London
327 Mile End Road
London
E1 4NS

Please consider the environment before printing this email



--
Deb Viney, Diversity Advisor, SOAS
---------------------------------------------------------
School of Oriental and African Studies
(SOAS), Thornhaugh Street, Russell Square, London, WC1H 0XG tel: 0207
898 4957 email: [log in to unmask]