Close
UCL Change Builders: Inclusive Environments – Building a UCL that’s inclusively designed for all
Meet the UCL Change Builders helping to drive progress for our community of staff, students and partners.
20 June 2024
Introducing UCL Change Builders
As part of our shared efforts to deliver on our Strategic Plan and respond to insights raised, teams across UCL have been working hard to drive progress for our expansive community.
It's often the combined efforts of many small steps of improvement, which build together to create immense impact, that make up much of our progress.
Recognising and celebrating the teams behind these efforts, UCL Change Builders spotlights these stories of change.
Know a Change Builder? Get in touch!
Inclusive Environments at 911±¬ÁÏÍø
UCL is committed to building an accessible, publicly engaged organisation that welcomes everyone into our lifelong community.
With the aim to achieving this vision, numerous teams across UCL have been working hard to enhance campus accessibility and inclusive design.Ìý
Guided by feedback shared through our three-year consultation process – which identified the need for a number of improvements to UCL’s estate and services – we introduced our very first ‘Changing Places’ toilets and embarked on a two-year Digital Accessibility Project to make UCL’s digital estate more accessible.Ìý
In December 2023, UCL’s Operations Committee passed an Inclusive Environments Policy and accompanying five-year action plan.
The policy is the first of its kind to be agreed at an institutional level, and reflects our commitment to improving inclusive design and accessibility within our buildings, facilities and services.
Whilst there is still much more to be done, changes are currently underway to bring about a number of positive improvements to our estate.
Teams across UCL have been working on various projects to improve accessibility – from providing better access to campus information, to physical upgrades and more.
Assistance dog spending areas
UCL’s Accommodation team recently worked with the Inclusive Environments team – headed up by Pip Jackson – to install two assistance dog spending areas within UCL’s accommodation portfolio.Ìý
Some disabled staff, students and visitors need to use a trained assistance dog, and under the Equality Act 2010, assistance dogs are welcome on UCL premises at all times, as set out in the assistance dog policy.
Providing a safe and designated space for assistance dogs to relieve themselves is crucial in improving access for disabled students, staff and visitors.Ìý
The teams worked collaboratively to identify suitable locations and implement specialised facilities.
As well as holding fact-finding sessions, the Accommodation team explored what adjustments were required for both the assistance dog and resident via online information and regular communication with the charity Guide Dogs.Ìý
Work on the spending areas was fully completed in December 2023.
Step-Free egress at 20 Bedford Way
In March 2024, the Inclusive Environments, Fire Safety and Estates Development teams joined forces to collaborate on creating step-free egress at 20 Bedford Way.Ìý
The listed building has challenging structural supports and tight space constraints – meaning there is little room for both steps and a ramp, nor sufficient space for a safe ramp alone.Ìý
Instead of accepting these limitations, the teams explored innovative solutions and came up with the idea to introduce a FlexStep, a relatively new technology in the industry.
The FlexStep transforms steps into a platform lift, allowing wheelchair users to evacuate the building in their wheelchair rather than being transferred to an evacuation chair.Ìý
This solution not only enhances safety but also ensures dignity and independence for wheelchair users during emergencies.Ìý
Crucially, its successful implementation sets a precedent for similar solutions across UCL to enable dignity and egress for all.
Mobile ConnectÌý
A third recent project has centered on upgrading outdated induction loop systems for those with hearing impairments.Ìý
The Inclusive Environments team and ISD collaborated together to investigate introducing Mobile Connect, an innovative and cost-effective alternative.Ìý
Unlike its predecessor, Mobile Connect is easier and quicker to install, maintain, and repair.
The system works not only for individuals with hearing loss, but also enhances accessibility for those who are neurodivergent and people with visual impairments.
Users can discreetly connect to the system by scanning a QR code and using their headphones, making learning spaces more inclusive for all. The teams are grateful to all those who took part in the trials.Ìý
Impact and future plans
These projects are three of several significant steps being made towards creating a more accessible UCL. By working together to overcome challenges and enhance the campus experience for everyone, we hope to pave the way for a more inclusive future for all.
Watch the video below to find out more about the improvements being made to UCL’s buildings, facilities and services from Pip Jackson, Head of Inclusive Environments.