Impairment: A physical or sensory limitation of function.
Disability: Not being able to take part in mainstream activity because of physical and psychological barriers in our environment.
It is society and the inflexible nature of our systems and policies that disable people far more than their impairments.
Learners may be disabled by their learning environment. A concentration on access therefore will produce an enabling environment, which will create a comfortable atmosphere where learning can take place.
Consider the chairs in your lecture rooms, are there some with arms, are there some without arms? It is empowering to offer people a choice.
Is there a hearing loop in place in the lecture rooms, or do you have access to a portable system? Do they work?
Is the room adequately lit? For everyone.
Is the furniture arranged in a way that will make it difficult for a wheel chair user to manoeuvre and turn? Find out how to resolve this.
The guide has been designed as a journey towards improved access to learning. Transport, buildings, attitudes and communication are the disabling factors in our learning environment.