Implications of SENDA and the DDA

The DDA definition of a disabled person, the meaning of student and the aspects of higher education covered by the act are wide, see "How does the Act define disability?" for more information.

Under the DDA institutions, including their staff, are required to make reasonable adjustments to help alleviate or remove a substantial disadvantage, which could involve (for example) adapting the curriculum, modifying the delivery of teaching, training staff or altering the physical environment. Adjustments should also be anticipatory, meaning that institutions need to consider what adjustments future disabled students may need and make them in advance. Institutions are also expected to take reasonable steps to find out if a person is disabled.

The following resources may be of use:

New Legislation, New Opportunities - Implementing the new disability legislation. An event organised by six of the LTSN Subject Centres, the event report, presentations, a number of downloads and links to a variety of useful websites.

The Subject Centre for Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences produced a special edition of Planet, their learning and teaching publication, covering SENDA and some of its' implications, including fieldwork and lab work.

QAA Benchmarks covering provision for disabled students

The Disability Rights Commission have produced a series of booklets, available online, that outline what the DDA means for a number of areas in education including examinations, learning and teaching and estates provision. These are available to view and download in a variety of formats.

Back to: Disability and Accessible Curricula