Disability strategy

School of Business and Management
67A High Road, Wood Green, London, England, N22 6BH
Email: info@sbmuk.org | Tel: +44 7515 332122, +44 2034 885310

1. Introduction

The School of Business and Management (SBM) is committed to creating an inclusive, supportive, and accessible learning environment for students and staff with disabilities.

This strategy outlines the institution’s approach to supporting students and staff with disabilities, ensuring compliance with the Equality Act 2010, the Special Educational Needs and Disability Act 2001 (SENDA), and UK higher education accessibility standards.

2. Legal Framework

SBM operates under the following UK laws and regulations:

Equality Act 2010 – Prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities and requires institutions to provide reasonable adjustments.
Special Educational Needs and Disability Act 2001 (SENDA) – Extends anti discrimination laws to education providers.
Children and Families Act 2014 – Introduces Education, Health, and Care (EHC) Plans for students with disabilities.
Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED) 2011 – Requires institutions to take active measures to remove disability-related barriers.

SBM ensures full compliance with these laws to support equal access to education and
employment for individuals with disabilities.

3. Objectives of the Disability Strategy

SBM aims to:
✔ Provide equal access to education and employment for individuals with disabilities.
✔ Offer reasonable adjustments to ensure full participation in learning and teaching.
✔ Develop an inclusive environment that removes barriers to education.
✔ Promote awareness and training on disability issues among staff and students.
✔ Regularly review and update accessibility policies and practices.

4. Definition of Disability

Under the Equality Act 2010, a disability is defined as:

“A physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on an individual’s ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities.”

This includes, but is not limited to:

Physical disabilities (e.g., mobility impairments, wheelchair users)
Sensory impairments (e.g., visual and hearing impairments)
Neurodivergent conditions (e.g., autism, ADHD, dyslexia)
Mental health conditions (e.g., depression, anxiety)
Chronic illnesses (e.g., diabetes, epilepsy)

SBM ensures that all individuals with disabilities receive appropriate support and accommodations.

5. Reasonable Adjustments for Students and Staff

Under the Equality Act 2010, SBM provides reasonable adjustments to remove barriers and ensure equal access for disabled students and staff.

5.1 Academic Adjustments

Alternative assessment methods (e.g., extra time, oral exams, modified coursework).
Assistive technology (e.g., screen readers, speech-to-text software).
Lecture recordings and accessible study materials.
Modified seating arrangements in classrooms and exams.

5.2 Physical Accessibility

Step-free access and lifts to all teaching and office areas.
Accessible toilets and seating areas.
Hearing loops in lecture halls for hearing-impaired students.

5.3 Student & Staff Support Services

Disability Support Team – Assists with individual learning plans (ILPs).
Counseling and Mental Health Services – Provides support for students with mental health conditions.
Flexible working arrangements for disabled staff members.

5.4 Financial Support & External Resources

Information on Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) and grants for disability support.
Partnerships with UK disability charities and organizations (e.g., Scope, RNIB, National Autistic Society).

6. Admissions & Disclosure Policy

Inclusive Admissions Process: Students and staff are encouraged to disclose disabilities to access support services and accommodations.
Confidentiality & Data Protection: All disability-related information is kept confidential and complies with GDPR regulations.
Personalized Support Plans: Disability support is tailored through individual consultations.

7. Training & Awareness for Staff & Students

SBM provides mandatory training on disability inclusion for:
✔ Academic staff – To implement inclusive teaching practices.
✔ Administrative staff – To ensure accessible admissions and student services.
✔ Students – To promote disability awareness and peer support

8. Monitoring & Review

The Disability Strategy is reviewed annually to ensure compliance with UK laws.
Feedback from students, staff, and disability support organizations informs policy updates.
The Disability Support Team provides regular reports on accessibility improvements.

9. Complaints & Appeals

Students and staff who experience discrimination or inadequate support can report concerns through:
o The Student Support Office
o The HR Department (for staff concerns)
o The College’s Formal Complaints Procedure
Complaints will be investigated fairly and resolved in line with UK equality laws.

10. Contact Information

For disability support, contact:
School of Business and Management
Disability Support Team
Email:support@sbmuk.org
Phone: +44 7515 332122, +44 2034 885310
Website: www.sbmuk.org

11. Compliance Statement

The School of Business and Management is committed to ensuring a fully accessible, inclusive, and supportive environment for individuals with disabilities, in compliance with UK equality and education laws.