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), poor paving, 'accessible' routes are generally much longer and inconvenient, uneven (especially in green spaces)
• 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
• Very few fully inclusive green spaces
• 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.

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: