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Website URL : http://www.ucu.org.uk/1938
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 Disabled MembersThere are number of ways in which disabled members can raise their concerns, keep informed on new developments and be involved in shaping UCU policy. Support If you are experiencing discrimination, bullying or harassment at work see the main equality page for advice on getting support. ResourcesResources and guidance for UCU equality officers and activists can be found in the equality resource centre in the UCU activists section of the website, with a dedicated page for disability equality resources. At the bottom of this page you will find the most recent relevant UCU articles and publications or see the publications section for a full list. Representation within UCUThe rules of the union have been drafted to ensure disabled members are represented in UCU's democratic structures. There are nine 'equality seats' on the national executive committee (NEC), elected directly by all members. One of these seats is for a representative of disabled members. The executive comprises a number of sub-committees including an equality committee. A conference for disabled members is held every year. This conference elects a disabled members' committee (DMC). The DMC can send one motion and one amendment to the annual national congress, and to the sector conferences. Disabled members' email listAs well as these formal structures the equality unit operates a disabled members' email list to keep you in touch with relevant events and information which any disabled UCU member can join - just contact the equality unit on eqadmin@ucu.org.uk and ask to be added to the list. Latest Disabled Members' NewsDisabled Members' Newsletter November 2012 The latest edition of Disabled Members' News is available to download.
Large Print
Fulfilling Potential - Consultation ResponseFulfilling Potential is a consultation document from the Office for Disability Issues on improving the possibilities for disabled people in the UK. The Disabled Members' Standing Committee recently agreed a UCU response, stating that the cuts in financial and social support for disabled people make the aspirations of this report unachievable and insulting. You can read the document here (pdf). And download the UCU response here:
Disability History Month PresentationPlease find a downloadable Power Point version of the fascinating presentation on disability history that Richard Rieser, Co-ordinator of UK Disability History Month, gave at our annual Disabled Members' Conference last November. You can visit the Disability History Month Website here: http://ukdisabilityhistorymonth.com/
Hidden in plain sight - the inquiry final report'Hidden in plain sight' is the final report of the Equality and Human Rights Commission's Inquiry into disability-related harassment. The report uncovers that harassment is a commonplace experience for disabled people, but a culture of disbelief and systemic institutional failures are preventing it from being tackled effectively. As well as reporting on the extent of harassment the report also includes case studies and makes recommendations to public authorities to help them deal with the problems uncovered. The EHRC have produced a briefing for schools and colleges which can be downloaded here (.doc). It sets out the key issues for schools and colleges. Key areas for improvement for schools and colleges
UCU will be raising the report with the Higher Education Equality Challenge Unit and the Association of Colleges particularly how they will support staff in delivering the recommendations. UCU responded to the Inquiry and raised our concern that the Inquiry would not look at disability related harassment of staff in the workplace. Further information about the Inquiry can be found on the Equality and Human Rights Commission website: www.equalityhumanrights.gov.uk One in Four - a briefing on mental health at workUCU has produced a briefing on mental health at work entitled One in Four, reflecting the one in four people who will experience some kind of mental health condition in the course of a year. It is intended to assist branches in supporting members who may need mental health support and seeks to offer practical advice and guidance for branch representatives, including health and safety representatives. Debate on assisted dying This TUC briefing paper on assisted suicide presents a legal opinion of the situation in the UK, and explores opposing views in the debate. It aims to provide basic information to our members on some of the issues and legalities surrounding the matter, and to inform and enlighten the debate. Neither the UCU, TUC or TUC Disability Committee have adopted any position on what is recognised as an emotive and controversial issue, noting the strongly held opinions and wider context that applies, particularly to disabled people: Disabled people fighting the cutsDisabled people are particularly vulnerable to the cuts introduced by the Coalition Government, and will continue to suffer as further cutbacks are introduced. This TUC briefing paper is presented to UCU members to aid and inform their campaigning in the fight back against these attacks. It aims to summarise the impact on disabled people up to now and in the future, and highlights how they have already begun to fight back as a community. It proposes ways in which disabled people and trade unions can campaign and unite successfully in the fight against unfair Government cuts: Public consultation on Disability Living Allowance reform
EHRC inquiry into disability-related harassment
Disabled People and the Coalition's Welfare Reform Agenda
UCU has an equality unit with expertise all equality areas including issues concerning disabled members. The unit provides information (including regular newsletters), guidance and support to union officers and members. |
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![[image depicting] UCU - University and College Union logo](./images/common/toplogo.gif "UCU - University and College Union's Logo")
