1. Why widen participation for disabled students? Haven’t I got enough to do already? Tina Elliott Action on Access For NADO 2006

2. Session outcomes HEFCE and AonA – the context. Barriers preventing inclusion of disability issues in WP. Mainstreaming WP activity through existing work and institutional strategies. Working with colleagues to promote inclusion in WP.

3. Context HEFCE strategic aim To promote and provide the opportunity of successful participation in HE to everyone who can benefit from it.

4. AonA operational plan Work to integrate disability Provide a central point of contact for disability advice & a ‘gateway’ Through: Work with collaborative partnerships Work with peer networks and institutional groups Work with institutions Develop & sustain strategic alliances

5. WP & disabled learners - the barriers Historical factors Under representation Research evidence Reaching disabled learners Targeting

6. WP & disabled students in HE – working together Cognate issues; WP & disability – Learners – Practitioners Funding streams Legislation

7. Moving forward HEFCE policy –Strategic plan –Aimhigher guidance –WP guidance –Action on Access, ECU & HE Academy HEFCE funding Institutional activity –Strategy / operation plans –DES

8. Task 1 Consider the barriers which are currently preventing disability issues being included in the WP agenda by disability practitioners & those working in WP. Barriers can be:  Individual; departmental; institutional  Physical; organisational; attitudinal

9. Task 2 What do you do well in relation to promoting the inclusion of disabled learners in the WP agenda?

10. Task 3 How can WP issues be included in your existing work? How can you work with and empower colleagues to make sure disability issues are part of the aspiration raising, transition, outreach, retention and progression work undertaken in your HEI?

11. Contact Action on Access The Lodge Edge Hill University Ormskirk Lancashire L39 4QP T: 01695 650 850 F: 01695 584 098 E: info@actiononaccess.org W: www.actiononaccess.org