What we're doing
How far have we come? How far have we to go?
We are making our campuses as accessible as possible for people with disabilities and this includes access to the built environment, but equally to information and services. We are constantly reviewing our policies and best practices to ensure our recruitment process is as accessible and as equitable as possible.
AccessAble
The University is working in partnership with AccessAble to provide students, staff, and visitors of the Loughborough campus with all of the accessibility information they need. AccessAble is a free digital platform, available via the AccessAble App and their website, that guides users around venues across the UK and Ireland.
Loughborough University offers a complete Accessibility Guide for all of its buildings and bookable teaching spaces. The University and AccessAble are continuing to work together to develop an Accessibility Guide for the University's London campus too.
Support for Current Students
Student Wellbeing and Inclusivity
The Disability Support Team is here to support students with disabilities. They support students living with any long term (ie over 12 months) condition which has an impact on their studies.
Disability Support Network
Loughborough Students’ Union provides support to students by the Disability Support Network (DSN).
DSN is a student-run group for disabled students at Loughborough and aims to support them, as well as educate and raise awareness of all disabilities on campus to make the University as accessible and inclusive as possible.
They have a series of group chats that allow students to connect with each other and they also run a mentor scheme that provides strategies and knowledge to help with adjusting to university life.
Careers Network
The Careers Network want to ensure that disabled students feel supported during their time at university, through their career decision making and whilst applying for opportunities.
Support for Prospective Students
Applicant Disability and Health Portal
The Applicant Disability and Health Portal was created to ensure adequate support prior to the arrival of incoming students. You can provide information about your disability and/or health circumstances in the online portal.
Support for Staff
Disability Confident Employer
Loughborough University is a Disability Confident Employer and has agreed to meet five commitments regarding the recruitment, employment, retention and career development of disabled people.
Staff Training
The University offers a variety of learning opportunities for staff to book through my.HR. Please note, sign-in is required.
Some of the upcoming disability-focused sessions include:
Staff Inclusivity Group
Staff Inclusivity Group is committed to achieving equity for all staff at the University, by working closely with the institution to develop a fair and supportive environment.
The group provides a forum for staff to allow them to raise issues and seek support.
Para Sport
Peter Harrison Centre
The research centre was set up after a team at Loughborough University successfully negotiated a grant from the Peter Harrison Foundation, which had been sponsoring athletes with a disability at Loughborough. Initially, the centre focused on sport performance and Paralympic sports but has since expanded its research interests and impact to encompass a range of areas including physiology of adapted exercise, psychology wellbeing among wheelchair users, and physical activity in children with a disability. Currently, they focus on two themes: Sports Performance and Health and Wellbeing.
Para Sport Strategy
In December 2019, Loughborough launched a brand new Para Sport Strategy with a vision to create life-shaping opportunities through the development of an inspirational and inclusive Para sport offer.