Disability

Who is defined as disabled?
There are many kinds of disabilities, some more widely understood and visible than others. Legally, under the Equality Act 2010, a person is likely to be considered disabled if they have a mental or physical impairment that has an adverse effect on their ability to carry out day-to-day activities. This effect must be:

  • Substantial: in other words, not minor or trivial. The person is still considered disabled if the effects of their impairment are alleviated or removed by ongoing treatments or aids.
  • Long-term: this is usually taken to mean that it has lasted, or is likely to last, for more than 12 months.

I have a disability – do I have to tell the University?

It is your choice whether you tell the University that you have a disability.

Telling us that you are disabled is particularly important if you might need any adjustments to carry out your job and if you have applied to Access to work for a grant. The University has a duty to support you but cannot offer support if they are unaware of your needs. In addition, telling us can also help the University to improve the way it works with disabled staff – for example this information can help us to assess the impact of University practices on disabled staff.

To disclose a disability please update your disability status on iTrent, this will trigger a process where you will be offered a consultation with an Occupational Health Adviser. If you have any concerns or questions about this process, please contact Occupational Health on 01509 222850 or occupationalhealth@mailbox.lboro.ac.uk

Disability Passport

A disability passport is a document completed by an employee who is disabled and their line manager. It provides a framework within which to discuss the employees’ health and what changes can be made at work to assist them.

Disability Passport

Learn more about further support available below: 

If you are a member of staff who is new to the University who has or develops a disability you may require additional reasonable adjustments to support you in your role. The first step is to request that your manager submits a management referral to Occupational Health and Wellbeing. The clinical team will arrange a consultation with you to discuss your needs and make recommendations back to your manager.

If your workstation is not suitable for your needs, contact your local DSE assessor for support. /services/health-safety/contacts/dse/ if this does not resolve the issue please complete the self-referral form for Occupational Health and Wellbeing who will come to your workstation to perform a DSE assessment and make recommendations back to your manager. Self-referral link can be found here:

This page is currently under review

If you identify a disability access concern  related to a building or physical environment requirement there are a range of forums that can consider next steps , please use the facilities help desk and record your concern. Or contact, EDI@lboro.ac.uk so that your concern can be considered for discussion at a relevant committee or working group.

糖心vlog has partnered with the –   who provide  a free digital platform, available via the AccessAble App and  website, that guides users around venues across the UK and Ireland, including universities, colleges, hospitals, restaurants and more.

Many of the buildings featured in the Accessibility Guide offer information about the following:

  • The location of toilet and changing facilities
  • The car parking vicinities nearby
  • Photos of all the entrances, with information on any ramps or steps
  • Detailed facts and figures about the stairs and lifts within the buildings
  • Other useful information, such as contact details of relevant teams based within each building
  • Specific guides for lecture theatres, seminar rooms and IT labs

If   staff  have specific needs to enable successful teaching and lecturing Information about access requirements for staff can be submitted as part of the timetabling information on a per module basis by using this link:

More info here on timetabling/room bookings in general, as well as a link to the recently launched Operational Guide

Alternatively staff can submit information directly to their Timetabling Officer: Timetabling Officer.

Specific queries regarding teaching rooms such a access to lecterns and setting up equipment to enable disability software access for teaching can be made through the Audio visual and Timetabling Support.

If specific furniture is required in teaching rooms and lecture theatres – please contact the Domestic Services Manager.