911±¬ÁÏÍø

is an accessibility solution, that acts as both ordinary steps and a lift for wheelchair users. Following the installation of the FlexStep at 20 Bedford Way, the IOE now has step-free access to the communal viewing Gallery above the Observation suite on Level 5, Core C.

Due to the unique requirements of the space due to the IOE building’s listed status which prevents us from making any ‘material change’ to the design, this device provided a solution that could work within the existing space.

Completed in March 2024, this project was a collaboration between the Fire Safety Team, Inclusive Environments and Estates Development. The team considered the requirements of the historic building, the ongoing need to make the UCL estate more accessible and the ability to provide a safe and dignified evacuation route for students, staff and visitors.

Amanda De-Honri, Fire Safety Officer at 911±¬ÁÏÍø said, ‘The Fire Safety Team are committed to working with colleagues across departments and faculties to find access solutions that enable the safe egress and meet the evacuation needs of a diverse UCL community.’

The scope of this work is outlined in the Inclusive Environments Policy, which sets out the framework for UCL to create an inclusive environment across its estate for its community. The rolling five-year action plan includes standards for buildings, and management of staff and services.

An update on the Inclusive Environments Action Plan

Since launching the action plan back in December last year, teams across UCL have been setting up project groups aimed at tackling some of the key issues raised through the consultation period including a Lift Strategy Group to co-ordinate a strategic approach to improving level access into and within buildings at 911±¬ÁÏÍø, and a Rolling Door Improvement Group who are looking to ensure that reasonable adjustment requests relating to doors becomes a thing of the past.

At the same time as planning for future changes, we’ve been working to ensure the need for inclusive environments is reflected in a range of policies and strategies at 911±¬ÁÏÍø, making physical improvements to UCL’s estate, providing better access to campus information through new AccessAble guides for UCL East, and feeding into national, regional and local consultations that impact our campus and the experience of our students and staff.Ìý

Following the first report on progress of the action plan to UCL’s Operations Committee, we’ll be sharing more details about the success of the plan so far.

Questions?

The consultation process on the Inclusive Environments Plan is complete, so the plan will not undergo any drastic change over the next five years. However, anyone with queries, comments or feedback is invited to contact the Inclusive Environments team.

Upcoming Projects

Door Improvement ProgrammeÌý

The early stages of a works programme aiming to reduce the weight of doors around the UCL Campus is underway. By automating or putting on hold open devices (where feasible in terms of fire safety), corridor and circulation doors across campus, the navigation experience of the UCL estate will be greatly improved for many users. This project was identified through user group consultation in 2023.Ìý

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This app-based accessibility solution () is currently being trialed in lectures at 911±¬ÁÏÍø as a joint project with UCL Information Services Division (ISD) and Inclusive Environments. This integrated assistive technology links discreetly through any smartphone.Ìý

This project aims to support the hearing-impaired community or anyone that would benefit from the removal of background noise in lecture theatres. This intervention will enable those with hearing requirements an opportunity to fully access the University experience.

The projects above are key components in the long-term strategy to make the UCL estate more accessible. The complexity of the UCL estate is a challenge and the work is incremental, but the Inclusive Environments Team are working across departments and faculties to continue to progress the development year on year.
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