The University of East Anglia claims to have an accessible campus. However, there are multiple shortcomings that have been highlighted to us by users of the campus with various disabilities.

This includes, but is not limited to:

• Pathways around the university are often inaccessible - too narrow (need to be wide enough to fit TWO wheelchairs), poorly paved, uneven
• 'Accessible' routes are generally much longer and inconvenient. They can also be unsafe at times as they are similar routes to those used by delivery and service vehicles
• Signage around the university are not inclusive - no representation of disabilities, sign heights are inappropriate for wheelchair users, no incorporation of inclusive technology (e.g. NaviLens, React), low colour contrast and vague graphics with no reference points
• Crucially, there is only one fully accessible toilet on the whole campus (NewSci) - this heavily impacts how people use the campus
• Very few fully inclusive social spaces, meaning students with a disability are often isolated from other students
• Very few fully inclusive green spaces - security are likely to remove wheelchair users from areas around the lake in particular. Therefore, wheelchair users have an unequal and oppressive experience at university, as they are not allowed to access the same spaces (or benefits that come with these spaces) as other students
• Tactile paving is often insufficient or incorrect
• Lifts are frequently out of order, challenging to use, and many staff are not trained in how to operate them (particularly in lecture theatres)

Many of these issues have relatively straightforward, cost effective solutions. Furthermore, the implementation of these measures will encourage a wider variety of students to come to UEA, meaning these changes may in fact pay for themselves. An inclusive and accessible campus allows all students to feel part of a community, and fosters a welcoming and friendly environment in which all students can excel.

This petition is as the result of a participatory evaluation process between the UEA Disabled Student Community, Inclusive Norwich, and facilitators from the Just Transformations to Sustainability module.

The above map highlights all of these issues, and is also available via the link below.

Participatory map.jpg

This map is a combination of three maps, each created through a conversation with a different user of the UEA campus. The three original maps are available here:

https://1drv.ms/i/c/a4cdb32cc38de0ce/EYdCLiFylf5Nr...

Participatory map original 2.jpg

Participatory map original 3.jpg

With this petition, we are aiming to highlight the scale of this issue in order to present this to the university and bring about lasting change for future users of the UEA campus.

Please sign below: