Access

Why this theme?

At our community panel’s first session, participants were asked the following question: What does a good move by the Uni to the city look like?

As views were shared, a series of topics began to resonate, with twelve in particular rising to the surface. Later, everyone was asked to nominate which three of these topics they felt were most important for the panel to engage with. The top six were confirmed as The Shake Up’s ongoing themes, with access being one of them.

What do we mean by access?

When we talk about access, we mean the opportunity for everyone to equally participate in all aspects of community life. It’s vital that the university makes sure its campus in the city is accessible to everyone, which is why the community panel has decided to put access at the forefront of its discussions.

Some of the factors that influence accessibility include physical things, like ramps for wheelchair users. Other, less tangible factors like cost, convenience, availability, safety and socio-economic characteristics also play a role in access.

As the university moves into the city, it needs to consider the accessibility of its spaces and services at all times, from the planning and design stage right through to the completion and usage of the campus.

By considering access, The Shake Up panel can connect the university to the members of the community who best understand accessibility features and requirements, helping make sure the city campus provides equal opportunity for everyone.