heriot-watt university disability equality scheme 2006 -2009

Foreword
At Heriot-Watt University, we are committed to delivering equality of
opportunity for all staff, students and service users. Our Disability Equality
Scheme and action plan is a crucial part of our work to achieve this. It is also
a fundamental and integrated element of our service and workforce strategy.
This is Heriot-Watt University’s first Disability Equality Scheme. It forms an
integral part of the University’s wider commitment to equality and diversity and
sets out how the University will ensure disability equality in its service
provision and in its responsibilities as an employer. This Disability Equality
Scheme sets out how we intend to reinforce this commitment.
As a University, we are aware of our obligations as a public body with regard
to the general duty to promote disability equality. Our commitment to equality
is not just confined to meeting our legal requirements, but to ensuring that we
provide the best possible service to our user population, regardless of
ethnicity, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation or religion and belief.
Our Disability Equality Scheme is about providing a service that recognises,
respects and responds to the diverse communities we serve. It is also about
developing, supporting and sustaining a diverse working, living and learning
environment where staff, students and guests are able to work and study to
the best of their ability without having to face discrimination or harassment
because of their disability. We are committed to promoting a working and
learning environment that values diversity.
To achieve this, we need to reflect on our current practices and where these
need to be improved, develop new approaches which achieve wider
accessibility and promote inclusivity. We are committed to the aims and
values outlined in this scheme and to supporting the work that will be needed
to achieve our goals.
Professor John Simmons
Acting Principal
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