Passed: March 2025 (20th)

What is the current problem, and how does it affect students?

Leeds University Union (LUU) is committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible environment for all students. However, many disabled students face significant barriers to participating in clubs and societies. This policy aims to ensure that all LUU-affiliated societies and clubs make reasonable adjustments to improve accessibility and inclusivity.

As Equality and Liberation Officer and the Activities and Opportunities Officer, we have seen how these barriers can prevent disabled students from fully engaging in student life. From inaccessible venues to a lack of awareness about different disabilities, many challenges persist despite good intentions. Ensuring that all clubs and societies take proactive steps to accommodate disabled students is crucial to making LUU a truly inclusive space.

What is your proposed change? How will it benefit students?

This policy seeks to:

• Ensure that all clubs and societies make reasonable adjustments for disabled students.

• Implement training and guidance to support accessibility measures.

• Establish a framework for accountability

• Support students with disabilities participating in clubs and societies 

All LUU-affiliated clubs and societies must:

• Make venues wheelchair accessible where possible or provide an alternative accessible space.

• Accommodate visually impaired and blind students by implementing the use of sighted guides or other reasonable adjustments.

• Offer alternative participation methods where physical barriers exist.

• Ensure that any printed or digital materials are available in accessible formats (e.g., screen-reader compatible, large print).

Designated Meeting Points & Support Systems

• LUU will establish designated meeting points where visually impaired students can meet sighted guides or other support before events.

• Societies will be encouraged to develop peer-support systems to assist students who require adjustments.

Implementation & Review

• LUU will work closely with students, particularly those with disabilities, to monitor and improve the policy’s effectiveness.

Have you considered the impact of the proposed change for traditionally underrepresented student groups?

The proposed policy is designed with traditionally underrepresented student groups in mind, particularly disabled students who often face systemic barriers to participation in student life. However, its impact extends beyond just disability accessibility.

Many disabled students belong to multiple marginalised communities (e.g., LGBTQ+ disabled students, disabled students of color, or international disabled students), meaning they experience compounded barriers. By making societies more accessible, we also create a more welcoming space for students who may already feel excluded due to other aspects of their identity.

Additionally, increasing awareness and training around accessibility can help shift LUU culture toward broader inclusivity, benefiting other underrepresented groups as well.