Glasgow University 'failing' disabled students over accessibility on campus, campaigners claim

Disabled students at a leading university say they are being ‘failed’ due to barriers they face on campus.

Students at the University of Glasgow face issues ranging from broken lifts and inaccessible entrances to a lack of reasonable adjustments and understanding from staff, according to a new survey to mark Disability History Month.

The university’s Students’ Representative Council (SRC) is demanding change with its new ‘World Changers Need Access’ campaign.

The SRC’s disability and equality officer Nicola Smith is in her second year studying history.

She relies on a mobility scooter to get around campus but often faces frustrating challenges.

She told STV News: “The university has been failing its disabled students. Often, people are unable to access classes on time and unable to access materials, and it causes huge problems.

“If you can’t get to the lecture, you’re going to fall behind. Everyone has a right to education, it’s not fair.”

Like many universities in Scotland, this institution has buildings dating back centuries, making some accessibility issues unavoidable.

Disabilities and equality officer Nicola Smith STV News

But Nicola said even the newly built James McCune Smith building, which opened in 2021, still poses challenges for disabled people.

She added: “The lift is always full even though there are stairs and escalators. People just push in front of you – there’s no awareness. There’s also not a single automatic door in the building.

“I have to go to class 15 minutes early and have doors opened for me. It’s not very nice, it can be humiliating at times. It kind of ostracises you.

“It’s demoralising. It makes you feel like why am I here? Do they not want me here?”

Students in the newly formed Disabled Students Society believe much more can still be done.

Mia Benjamin has a chronic illness and struggles with her mental health.

Mia Benjamin has mobility issues STV News

“I use a walking stick and it can be really inaccessible. The lifts are a huge problem as sometimes they are out of order. It’s a big issue trying to get to lectures.”

Lea Atter has mobility issues and identifies as neurodivergent.

“My experience has been miserable at times. The university could do so much more,” she said.

“I have to ring someone to open doors to get into seminars – I waited half an hour and it was raining. The experience was so degrading I was in tears by the time the person came.”

Ewan Harrop-Allen studies maths and suffers severe migraines.

They claimed some lecturers have refused to make deadlines more flexible to meet their needs.

Ewan said: “It feels like they’re actively ignoring disabled people.

“The teaching for some homework ends on Friday and the deadline is Tuesday. I have migraines that last longer than that. It’s impossible do to any work in that timeframe.

“It feels like I’m being talked down to and not treated like an adult. I want to do the work. It’s not fair.

“It makes me feel like a second-class student.”

STV News spoke to students during a therapy dog event hosted by the student council.

Sarah Aitken, who was diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis at age 13, says her experience with Glasgow Medical School has been positive.

“I thought doing medicine would be impossible but due to accommodations they made for me, i’m enjoying the course and doing well.

“They have an administrator that emailed me who gone and took photos of the entrances, counted how many steps there were. They asked ‘is this suitable for you? If not, we’ll find a different venue.’

“They always read my disability information so when I get a new tutor, which makes it easier on me. I’m not having to explain myself over and over again.”

Sarah said the school’s policy of recording lectures should be rolled out across other departments in the university.

Students spoke out about facing barriers to access on campus STV News

She added: “It’s frustrating to hear others don’t have their lectures recorded. If the medical school can do it, why can’t the rest of the university?

“It’s the small things that make such a big difference that they do without having to be asked.”

A university spokesperson said: “The University is committed to ensuring that our campuses are accessible to all users and is undertaking a significant programme of campus development.

“We’re committed to embracing diversity and difference and treating our colleagues, students, partners and others with respect.

“We want our campuses to be inviting, secure and comfortable environments for all. We recognise that increasing opportunities for anyone who wants to engage with our campus community and facilities is a benefit to everyone.”