By Rowey Worner Butcher
The ANU Interhall Accessibility Working Group conducted an audit throughout ANU residences over the past week, aiming to assess areas of non-compliance or improvement in regards to accessibility. The audit comes as part of the ANU’s broader Disability Action Plan (DAP) 2020-2024, which focused on “ensur[ing] equity in access, participation and success for people living with disability”.
The audit was conducted by student and staff members of the ANU Interhall Accessibility Working Group, and assesses accessibility across both physical and sensory capacities within residential halls.
The audit was organised as part of the ANU’s Disability Access Plan (DAP) created in 2020. The DAP was created with the principles of the United Nations Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (2006).
In particular, the audit looked at whether halls had features such as tactile ground surface indicators, kerb ramps, braille signage, hearing augmentation systems, and proper parking requirements.
The residences were first assessed for whether these features were present, and if they were, whether there was any action required in ensuring compliance within the parameters outlined by the DAP.
Requirements for sensory accessibility were also audited, including whether residences had access to quiet zones and spaces. Consideration was also given to issues of lightning, noise, and scent more generally.
A student volunteer on the Interhall Accessibility Group who wished to remain anonymous stated: “A lack of sensory friendly spaces or times is another prominent accessibility concern across the halls, especially in the dining and cooking areas which can create a barrier to residents accessing food.”
“As far as the audit goes, it was created by ANU staff including staff from residential services and wellbeing, ANU WHS and ANU facilities and services. The audit was discussed at the interhall accessibility meetings for concerns or additions from res hall staff and students.”
Another student member of the Accessibility Working Group Ella, stated “the group definitely creates an avenue for further discussion and action concerning accessibility ANU wide, with input given from people with differing roles and backgrounds.”
She said that the meeting not only discussed issues of physical or sensory needs for accessibility, but also issues of “financial and social access experienced by ANU students.”
“Generally, I’ve noticed that accessibility is becoming increasingly involved in conversations about well-being and inclusivity, which I believe is evidence of a cultural change within the community,” she further stated.
The plan endeavours to “meet the needs of all people living with disability, including family and carers of people with disability.”
The DAP has five key focus areas; policy and planning, education provider of choice, employer of choice, built environment, and digital environment. The Residential Hall Accessibility Audit falls under the “built environment” focus area.
A spokesperson from the ANU stated: “The accessibility audit will be an informative first step to improving accessibility in our residences. We will use the audit to improve information provided in our published materials and to develop a list of priority focus areas.”
Though the accessibility working group and its current audit is focussing on increasing accessibility within residential halls, there are plans outlined within the DAP to commence campus-wide audits of accessibility.
Part of the DAP’s plan also aims to make “accessible routes across campuses and accessible amenities” well signed and visible during “recent significant building works”.
“We value the voices of our students and recognise that their lived experience on campus is invaluable to the University’s work to increase functionality, accessibility and comfort for all members of the residential community,” an ANU spokesperson stated.
Ella stated “the success of these working groups depends on community involvement and cooperation. It has been great to see so many different people contributing to the working group and also learning from it in return.”
“I believe it would be beneficial to have more communication with the general student population about how they can voice their ideas concerning accessibility at ANU. Within residences, we can attempt to overcome the hesitation to engage with accessibility by encouraging all students to be involved in conversations and learn about what is needed to make a more welcoming community.”
For students living on campus who wish to contribute to the Interhall Accessibility Working Group, an ANU spokesperson stated: “We ask them to approach either their relevant student representative or a member of their wellbeing team.”
Support Services:
ANU Student Disability Support: [email protected]
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