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:

1. 'substantial' is more than minor or trivial
2. '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. 

The university's Institutional Disability Equality Action Plan for staff and students was launched in November 2024. 

This work is a key area of strategic priority for the university, ensuring that we deliver on the UoN’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Priorities for 24-25. 

The  plan has been designed to create an inclusive environment for our staff and students with disabilities, so that they can bring their authentic selves to work and to study and feel a strong sense of belonging at the university. 

To ensure the action plan addresses the key needs of the UoN community while it was being developed, it has been informed by an extensive number of underpinning consultations, project outcomes and reports, including: 

• The KPMG Audit of disability support to staff and students 
• Diversity and Inclusion Report of UK People and Culture Findings, 2023 
• Existing Race Equality Charter actions relating to disability 
• Existing Athena Swan actions relating to disability 
• Existing actions from the Disability Inclusive Nottingham project 
• The Disability Equality Steering Group Recommendations Report 
• A Rapid Improvement Event that took place earlier this year to map out the process for reasonable adjustments for staff and students 

The action plan is set over a five-year timeframe and is structured around the student and staff life cycle, consisting of almost 90 actions.  

You can view the full action plan below:

Disability Equality Action Plan