Disability Policy

The Disability Access Policy aims to remove administrative, procedural, and physical barriers that prevent equal access to services for people with disabilities. It is designed to reflect the Seminary’s commitment to independent access for all staff, faculty, students, board members, donors, and members of the community. The policy aims to integrate an awareness of disability issues into policies, practices and procedures in all areas of service provision. It also gives some guidance as to how this might be achieved and links to other polices and strategies where appropriate. It aims to improve access, prevent discriminatory practices and ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable federal and state laws and regulations.

This policy supports a social model view of disability where disability is defined as the loss or limitation of opportunity to take part in society on an equal level due to barriers in society and/or the environment.

General Principles

It is the Seminary’s policy to:

• Actively promote disability awareness and equality ensuring that it continues to be an integral part of our strategy, service delivery and future developments.
• Continue to audit current provision to ensure that the best opportunities are taken to improve physical access to premises, the built, transport and rural environments, and prioritize future works and refurbishments.
• Be aware that any change in services might have an effect on service delivery for disabled people.
• Ensure that current information is accessible and available in appropriate formats.
• Use all available guidance, examples of good practice and of best value to ensure a corporate response to disability access issues.
• Involve our staff and customers in the process of developing and delivering the policy and procedures.
• Develop ongoing training opportunities, monitor and share examples of good practice.

For more information, feel free to contact our team, at admissions@gsot.edu.