The University of Nottingham is driven by a social model of disability - we understand that people are disabled by barriers in society, not by their impairment or difference.
We want to ensure that all members of our community have an equitable experience at the university, regardless of disability.
Our approach to disability is underpinned by the Equality Act, 2010.
The Equality Act 2010
The Equality Act 2010 defines a disabled person as someone who:
- has a physical or mental impairment
- which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on their ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities*
*Key terms:
- 'substantial' is more than minor or trivial
- 'long-term' means likely to last for 12 months or more
A wide range of visible and non-visible conditions are included in this definition, from mobility-based conditions such as wheelchair users, to neurodivergent conditions such as ADHD.
So long as a condition meets the definition outlined above, it is considered a disability.
People living with cancer, multiple sclerosis, significant visual impairment, or HIV are automatically included.
Disabled people are protected from discrimination under this Act.
More information on neurodiversity as a characteristic is available here.
Support and useful information
Accessibility
Parking
Blue Badge holders can park in any of the marked disabled car parking bays on campus. If you come onto campus regularly then you can also register your car with the university by emailing parking@nottingham.ac.uk. The UK government’s Blue Badge scheme has recently been extended to include people with hidden disabilities –find out if you are eligible for a Blue Badge here.
AccessAble
The university is also signed up to AccessAble, an app designed to provide practical information about what facilities are available and the access routes into buildings. AccessAble also signposts to prayer rooms, parenting rooms, gender-neutral toilets and quiet spaces
Campus:
Information for students
Information for staff
University of Nottingham AccessAble guides