Guidelines for Staff with Disabilities

The University is committed to providing equal opportunities for all staff.

The mission, goals and strategies of the University recognise the statutory responsibility to provide reasonable support for staff with disabilities, and to remove or reduce barriers to participation for such staff in performing their role as a valued member of this community.

The University seeks to recruit and retain staff of high quality, including staff with disabilities. Therefore the University will provide reasonable support to assist all staff to participate in the working life of the University and to achieve the needs of the University. Such support may also address the need to provide a safe working environment.

Academic Heads/Managers are expected to consider the needs of a staff member with a disability, and to provide appropriate support under this guideline.

In some cases, this support may be a matter of making alternative work arrangements that fit with the needs of the staff member and the needs of the University. Much of this support will not require financial resources.

When support is required that has financial implications relating to the provision of services, equipment or facilities for a staff member with a disability, this support should be met from departmental budgets. In exceptional cases, a significant financial requirement may need to be referred to the Dean/Director.

On request, the Director of HR or Pro Vice-Chancellor (Equity) may assist with decision making to ensure fairness of support across the University.

It is expected that HODs/Managers will provide, as appropriate, such items as speech recognition software, additional arm rests, a specialist chair etc. However, where the support is required for day-to-day needs in addition to workplace needs, such as a hearing aid, this is the responsibility of the staff member.

In all cases managers will be proactive in workplace support for staff with disabilities, consistent with our mission, and will seek the advice of HR or EO where there is any doubt.

There will be occasions where special equipment has been purchased to assist a staff member with a disability when such equipment is no longer required. The Academic Head/Manager should advise Disability Services so that the best use of such resources can be co-ordinated.

Where a staff member or manager wishes to gain advice on matters covered by this guideline, the HR Office, Equity Office, Disability Services, Director of HR or Pro Vice-Chancellor (Equity) can assist.