In Touch

Original version

BBC Radio 4 LW

Magazines & Reviews

Factual: Life Stories

Factual: Health & Wellbeing

Factual: Disability

News, views and information for people who are blind or partially sighted

BBC Radio 4 FM

In Touch: Accessibility at Further Education Colleges; Guide Dog Retirement Age

07/12/2021

Accessibility at Further Education Colleges; Guide Dog Retirement Age

BBC Radio 4 - In Touch, Accessibility at Further Education Colleges; Guide Dog Retirement Age

New research reveals that 8 out of 10 colleges are not compliant with accessibility laws.

New research suggests that 8 out of 10 colleges are not compliant with accessibility laws, meaning some visually impaired students may face barriers in accessing further education.

All further education colleges are legally obliged to develop accessible websites, learning, teaching and assessment materials to students who need them. But new research suggests that eight out of ten colleges in the UK are not doing this. The research was conducted by disability consultancy company, All Able on behalf of Thomas Pocklington Trust. It tested the pathways blind and partially sighted students may use to find out about support a college may provide. On this, we speak to co-Director of All Able, George Rhodes, a college student shares her experiences with access to specialist technology and information during her course and we ask David Hughes, the Chief Director of the Association of Colleges, about what they're doing to change this inaccessible culture across some of the UK's colleges. 

When we heard from Valerie Brown about her concerns over the retirement age of her current guide dog, Jack we thought we'd get her some clarification. We invited Valerie to put this concern, along with others she had, to Peter Osborne who is the Director of Operations for Guide Dogs. 

Presenter: Peter White
Producer: Beth Hemmings

Website image description: the picture shows the midsection of a man who is waiting at a zebra crossing with his guide dog. In his one hand is his dog's harness and in the other, a red and white cane. The guide dog is a black Labrador, wearing a yellow harness. It is sat at the curb's edge and is seemingly looking right into the camera.

BBC Radio 4

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

In Touch

Accessibility at Further Education Colleges; Guide Dog Retirement Age

Genres

Brand

BBC Radio 4 LW

About BBC Radio 4