Version number | 1.0 | Status (draft/final) | Final |
Owning Department | GlobalU Operations & Compliance | Summary of amendments | Aligned to GlobalU LMS procedures |
Document objectives | To outline and describe all related issues disability | Intended Recipients | Applicants, partner institutions, GlobalU staff |
Date of Issue | January 2025 | Review Date | Annually |
Document Purpose
This policy sets out GlobalU’s commitment to supporting learners and staff with disabilities and long-term health conditions, and to preventing disability discrimination across all GlobalU services, including the GlobalU Learning Management System (LMS).
The policy applies to all GlobalU-managed activities and operates in line with applicable equality, accessibility, and human rights legislation in the UK, EU-aligned frameworks, and MENA jurisdictions.
1. Introduction
GlobalU is committed to creating an inclusive digital learning environment where individuals are treated with dignity, respect, and fairness, regardless of disability or health condition.
GlobalU recognises that disability may be visible or non-visible and that reasonable adjustments are essential to enable equal participation in learning, work, and access to services.
2. Definitions
2.1 Disability
Disability is defined in line with the UK Equality Act 2010 as:
A physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on a person’s ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities.
This definition is applied broadly to ensure inclusive protection across regions.
2.2 Disability Discrimination
Discrimination includes, but is not limited to:
Direct discrimination
Indirect discrimination
Discrimination arising from disability
Failure to make reasonable adjustments
Harassment
Victimisation
3. Policy Commitments
GlobalU’s objectives in relation to disability discrimination are to:
Promote equality of opportunity for individuals with disabilities.
Eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment, and victimisation.
Ensure reasonable adjustments are identified, implemented, and reviewed promptly.
Design and maintain digital systems that are accessible by default.
Foster a culture of awareness, respect, and inclusion across GlobalU operations.
Support partner institutions in meeting accessibility and inclusion standards.
4. Accessibility Support
GlobalU commits to:
Providing reasonable adjustments for learners and staff with disabilities.
Ensuring the GlobalU LMS meets recognised accessibility standards, including WCAG 2.1 AA (or latest applicable version).
Maintaining inclusive, clear, and accessible communication practices.
Providing training and guidance for staff on disability awareness and inclusive practice.
Preventing discrimination based on disability and related protected characteristics, including:
Sexual orientation
Marriage and civil partnership
Pregnancy and maternity (including recent childbirth)
5. Reporting Disability Discrimination
Learners and staff may request reasonable adjustments through the GlobalU Support Portal or designated HR channels.
Support may include, but is not limited to:
Extended access or assessment time
Alternative content formats (e.g. transcripts, captions, accessible documents)
Adjusted deadlines or flexible participation arrangements
Additional technical or learning support
Interface or navigation assistance within the LMS
Requests are assessed individually, taking into account the person’s needs and the reasonableness of the adjustment.
6. Relevant Law and Legislation
GlobalU aligns its practices with applicable legal frameworks, including:
6.1 United Kingdom
Equality Act 2010
Human Rights Act 1998
Public Sector Equality Duty (where applicable)
6.2 European & International Principles
UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD)
EU-aligned accessibility and equality principles adopted as best practice
6.3 MENA Region
GlobalU recognises and respects disability protection frameworks applicable within MENA jurisdictions, including:
National disability and inclusion laws enacted by individual states
Labour and education regulations requiring fair treatment and reasonable accommodation
Accessibility and non-discrimination principles embedded within national human rights frameworks
Where local legislation differs, GlobalU applies the highest reasonable standard of protection in line with international best practice.
7. Reporting Disability Discrimination
Any learner, applicant, staff member, or authorised representative who believes disability discrimination has occurred may submit a report confidentially via:
GlobalU Support Portal
Email
Ticketing System
WhatsApp Support
Reports will be:
Treated seriously and investigated promptly
Handled confidentially and sensitively
Managed in line with GlobalU’s complaints and disciplinary procedures
No individual will be subjected to retaliation or disadvantage for raising a concern.
8. Roles & Responsibilities
GlobalU
Ensure policies, systems, and processes support accessibility and inclusion.
Monitor compliance with this policy.
Staff
Act in accordance with this policy.
Participate in training where required.
Raise concerns or barriers to inclusion when identified.
9. Review & Continuous Improvement
This policy is reviewed:
Annually, or
Following changes in legislation, technology, or organisational operations.
Feedback from learners, staff, and partners informs ongoing improvement.
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