– January
Inclusivity & Accessibility Policy
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Aim
Thameside (Wallingford) U3A will take every reasonable step to ensure existing and potential members with impaired mobility, mental capacity, hearing or vision can participate as fully as possible in monthly meetings, interest groups and outings. Members should be aware that certain disabilities may prevent participation in some activities.
Guidelines
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Thameside (Wallingford) U3A has appointed a member of the Committee, Jane Milne, with responsibility for Accessibility and Inclusivity.
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Members with a disability can contact Jane to discuss their specific needs and find the best possible solution.
Monthly meetings
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Monthly Coffee mornings are held at Wallingford Methodist Church which has wheelchair accessibility and a disabled toilet. It has an acoustic ceiling that dampens sound so members with hearing impairment can mix and socialise with ease.
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Monthly Speaker meetings are held at St Mary-le-More Church which has wheelchair accessibility, a microphone for Speakers and a disabled toilet.
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The person in charge of the meetings will identify the evacuation routes and location of the disabled toilets.​
Updated: 6th May 2024
Interest Groups
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Interest Groups generally take place in members’ own homes which may prove difficult for members with a mobility or visual impairment.
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Members may bring a carer or companion if they cannot manage without help, and the carer / companion will be covered by the liability insurance provided by The Third Age Trust. The only exception to this is a professionally employed carer who would have to be covered by an individual liability insurance policy.
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Carers / companions do not have to be a member of the U3A.
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Carers / companions must be fully responsible for the member at all times and cannot ask another member to support with lifting and handling or toileting.
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Outings
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The companies we use for hiring coaches might not have wheelchair accessibility.
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A carer / companion is welcome to accompany a member travelling in the coach but must be fully responsible for their handling and lifting and toileting needs throughout the trip.
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Further support may be available when assessed on an individual basis.
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A carer / companion may drive the member to any Outing instead of by coach.
Contact Jane Milne to discuss specific needs via
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