♿ Accessibility, Disabilities & Neurodiversity
At Keele, we believe that every student should be able to participate fully in student life. As a club or society committee member, you play a key role in making your group inclusive and accessible to all students, including those with disabilities, long-term health conditions, and neurodivergent experiences.
🌍 What Does Accessibility Mean?
Accessibility means ensuring that everyone—regardless of ability—can take part in your activities. This includes physical access, communication, sensory needs, and social inclusion. It’s about removing barriers and creating a welcoming environment for all.
🧠 Understanding Neurodiversity
Neurodiversity refers to the natural variation in how people think, learn, and process information. This includes conditions such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and more. Neurodivergent students may experience challenges with sensory input, communication, or executive functioning—but they also bring unique strengths and perspectives.
✅ Practical Tips for Inclusive Events
- Choose Accessible Venues: Ensure your event spaces are wheelchair accessible and have accessible toilets.
- Provide Clear Information: Share event details in advance, including what to expect, how to get there, and any sensory elements (e.g. loud music, flashing lights).
- Offer Quiet Spaces: If possible, provide a quiet area for students who may need a break from sensory stimulation.
- Use Inclusive Language: Avoid assumptions and use respectful, person-first or identity-first language depending on individual preference.
- Be Flexible: Allow for different ways of participating—some students may prefer to observe or engage online.
- Ask, Don’t Assume: If someone discloses a need, ask how you can support them rather than making assumptions.
📣 Promoting Accessibility
- Include Accessibility Info: Add accessibility details to your event listings and social media posts.
- Use Alt Text: Add descriptions to images and videos for screen reader users.
- Caption Videos: Use subtitles or captions to make video content more accessible.
🤝 Support and Training
Keele SU offers training and resources on accessibility, disability awareness, and inclusive practice. If you're unsure how to support a member, reach out to the Student Experience Team for advice.
You can also contact su.activities@keele.ac.uk for support or to request accessibility training for your committee.
🏳️🌈 Inclusivity in Sport ⚽🏀🏊♀️
Understanding gender eligibility in university sport is essential for ensuring fair and inclusive participation. British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) has compiled a comprehensive and regularly updated resource 📄 that outlines eligibility criteria across different sports and governing bodies.
This document is designed to support students, clubs, and institutions in navigating gender categories and competition rules. It includes all the guidance and restrictions you’ll likely need to know about, and how policies vary across nations and sports 🌍.
🔗 View the BUCS Gender Eligibility Document(opens in a new tab)
⚠️ Please note: Within this document, NGBs' policies may use different language, and BUCS have flagged where they believe this language may be distressing to trans+ students. If you feel they have incorrectly described gender category eligibility criteria, please reach out to the BUCS team at 📧 discipline@bucs.org.uk.
💬 If you have any questions or need support interpreting this guidance, please contact:
💡 Remember
- Accessibility is everyone’s responsibility—not just those with lived experience.
- Small changes can make a big difference.
- Being inclusive helps your group grow and thrive.
Let’s work together to make Keele’s student community welcoming and accessible for all.