Disabled university students in Wales at a disadvantage, study says

From the BBC News:

One in five disabled students is being denied access to teaching and study rooms and libraries at universities in Wales, according to a survey.

As part of a guidebook for students with disabilities, undercover research at universities was carried out by the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign.

It found that of the eight institutions it looked at in Wales, only one had a freshers' guide to disabled facilities.

The assembly government said it will seriously consider the findings.

The research was carried out by the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign's Trailblazers - a network of 16-30-year-olds who campaign for the rights of young disabled people.

In Wales, the facilities at eight institutions were looked at: Swansea University, Cardiff University, UWIC Cardiff, Aberystwyth University, Bangor University, Glamorgan University, Glyndwr University, and Lampeter University.

Lauren West, 18, from Cardiff, was one of the researchers, said: "Universities need to understand how to make it easier for disabled students to have the same great experience as any other student - attending university is one of the biggest decisions anyone makes.

"I knew that because of my disability I would have less choice and it would take longer and a lot more planning for me to decide on the right university.

"That doesn't even include the extra struggle to get all of the care arrangements in place."

Results showed that five of the universities said there were building restrictions in place on some of their properties that would delay the installation of lifts or other adaptations.

None of the eight said that every one of its buildings had at least one accessible toilet with a hoist.

Five had no disabled union group or society, however all eight had accessible accommodation and rooms for personal assistants in their halls of residence.

Phillip Butcher, of the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign, said: "Every student has the right to make their choices of university based on academic and social concerns rather than because of the practical facilities available.

"It is vital to ensure all students have access to the same opportunities."

In response a spokeswoman for the assembly government said: "The assembly government regards it as critically important that our educational institutions fully respond to the needs of all learners including disabled learners.

"All Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Wales are obliged to produce a Disability Equality Scheme which sets out the steps the institution is taking to meet the needs of disabled learners."

She said premium payments for disabled students were paid to support institutions and there was a drive to further the involvement of disabled students, as part of developing a more inclusive culture.

"The assembly government will nevertheless seriously consider the findings of the report in formulating its new higher education strategy, action plan and targets for the sector," she said.

"The newly-appointed Disability Equality Expert Advisory Group, chaired by Social Justice Minister Dr Brian Gibbons will also be examining this issue."