Please note that the Equalities Agency Support Service states that, despite U3A being a member-led organisation, we still are viewed as a service provider in terms of being required to make reasonable adjustments so all members can be included
- Appoint a committee member to be responsible for giving advice and help to those with accessibility issues. Choose an identifiable title – Outreach Member, Helping Hand, Accessibility Member... – and make the person’s name known to your membership.
- Appoint a committee member with responsibility for guiding Interest Group Leaders in finding and using on-line materials
- Create an Interest Group to support and help members to use virtual gatherings
- Look for venues with easy access for those with mobility problems (libraries, cafes, pubs, local care homes, even some supermarkets). Ask around – one U3A uses a fire station!.
- Try to find venues with good transport links for non-drivers.
- Refer to the Venue Risk Assessment Checklist.
- Carers are welcome to accompany members to meetings and are covered by our U3A Public Liability Insurance (unless they are paid carers). They do not have to join U3A.
Hearing
- Offer our Notes for Speakers to visiting speakers.
- Check the Loop System. Ask the owner to sort any problems
- Consider purchasing a portable Loop System for venues without an installed system. (this can be a way of reducing your surplus funds when advisable!).
- Ask speakers at open meetings to repeat questions from the floor.
- Keep spaces in the front rows at open meetings for those with hearing and sight issues.
- If possible, have a BSL interpreter at the front of the room, visible to all
Sight
- Offer our Notes for Speakers to visiting speakers.
- Offer large print Newsletters or send Newsletters to members with screen readers by e-mail, if that is the method they are using. Some U3As provide a spoken Newsletter.
- For on-screen activities, advise on use of text-to-speech software
- Advise on use of Windows and IOS accessibility features
- Provide information about the availability of Third Age Matters on the national website.
- Provide information for Group Leaders regarding large print Cards (Bridge, Whist) and Scrabble boards and tiles.
Mobility
- Make sure that there is space for wheelchairs at open meetings.
- Audit the premises you use (see Venue Risk Assessment Checklist) for ramps, handrails, accessible parking and toilets.
- Refer to County Council lists of accessible venues if available.
- Video speakers’ talks at open meetings and put on YouTube, password protected , via U3A’s website
- Ensure that there is accessible parking near venues.
Diversity
- Ensure that everyone is welcome.
- Appoint a committee member with responsibility for Inclusion
- Consider the cultural and language diversity in your own area and work on outreach
- Consider additions to your publicity material in languages appropriate to your community