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1. Statement

1.1 Kenton & District u3a is a learning co-operative and membership charity which enables members in their third age to share educational, creative and leisure activities. Members draw upon their knowledge, skills and experience to teach and learn from each other (peer to peer learning). Kenton & District u3a is committed ensuring that the u3a is as inclusive and accessible as possible for those in their third age who meet the criteria for membership. This policy document should be read alongside Kenton & District u3a Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy.

2. Aims of the Policy

2.1 This policy has been drawn up to ensure that Kenton & District u3a takes steps to review accessibility needs for individual members and makes reasonable adjustments, where possible, to accommodate the needs of members with disabilities and/or health related needs. The policy takes into account the requirements of the Equalities Act 2010 and the need for Kenton & District u3a to avoid discriminating directly or indirectly against members with disabilities and/or health related needs. The policy will act as a reference point for Committee Members, Group Leaders and individual members in terms of the steps Kenton & District u3a will take. The policy will also identify the parameters of the adjustments that can be made. Kenton & District u3a is a membership charity and not a service provider; therefore whilst reasonable adjustments will be made to ensure that individuals can participate and can attend with carers to support their needs, there will be certain needs that the u3a will not be able to accommodate due to the level of care that an individual may need.

3. Practical Approaches to Increasing Access

3.1 In ensuring equality of access Kenton & District u3a will take the following steps:

Kenton and District u3a has an Accessibility Officer. The Accessibility Officer has responsibility for liaising with Group Leaders on an ongoing basis to ensure that groups are accessible and that group leaders are aware of what the expectations are and what adjustments may need to be made e.g. relocating a group held within someone’s home to a wheelchair accessible venue.
The Accessibility Officer will contact new members who indicate that they have a disability or health related issue that may need additional support and/or adjustment and discuss with them what needs they have and how these could be met – as appropriate.
General meetings will, as far as possible, be held at a well lit, fully wheelchair accessible venue, spacious enough to cope with wheelchairs and mobility scooters, with wheelchair accessible toilet and a sound system in use at larger meetings
Speakers giving visual presentations will be asked to give a good description of the presentation if there is a possibility that people with visual impairment are present.
At the monthly members meetings the front row of seats will be reserved for members who have impaired hearing or vision.
Access will be reviewed by the committee on an ongoing basis with a view to considering any additional adjustments that may need to be made.
Committee members and Group Leaders will receive training designed to support them in having an awareness of and facilitating access which the Accessibility Officer will provide.
Group Leaders running groups that require a certain level of fitness and/or mobility will be asked to provide this information to members in advance so that members can decide whether the group is suitable for them.
Group Leaders will liaise with the Accessibility Officer where there are concerns about an individual’s ability to participate.
Kenton & District u3a will try to ensure that there are a range of groups available that will provide access to members so that members do not feel excluded from too many interest/activity groups.
Kenton & District u3a may require members to bring carers with them to u3a activities, accompanying them and remaining on the premises as needed, with no additional cost for the carer. The carer will fall under u3a liability insurance unless they are a professional carer, in which case the individual will be covered by their employer’s insurance cover.
Kenton & District u3a has a duty of care to all members and this may mean that difficult decisions have to be taken in assessing an individual’s ability to participate either in the u3a as a whole or within individual activities. These decisions will always be taken after discussion with the individual member and his or her carer in order to ensure that a fair and considered decision is taken. This may include developing a risk assessment with the individual regarding their ability to participate.
Kenton & District u3a will seek additional advice and support from U3APlus, the Regional Trustee, National Office, the national website and external specialist organisations as required.