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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

in thinking this 'reasonable adjustment' is unreasonable?

130 replies

hedgehogsdontbite · 12/10/2015 11:28

I've recently started a course at my local college. My class is on the second floor and all facilities are on the ground floor. There is a lift which is not normally available to students and requires a key to operate. Keys are only issued to staff members, so I can't use the lift on my own.

I'm finding this more disabling than enabling. I have to wait by the lift in the hope that a member of staff wanders by and that I can identify them as staff. Or send a text to my teacher so she can come down and get me. I can't even go to the toilet on my own. I feel really uncomfortable with the attention this adjustment brings about and just want to be able to come and go like everyone else.

AIBU?

OP posts:
EatShitDerek · 12/10/2015 11:29

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

5madthings · 12/10/2015 11:30

Yanbu they need to give you your own key.

MissFitt68 · 12/10/2015 11:31

So you expect them to give you a key for it? Maybe they can't due to health and safety or something? Or it's use has been abused in the past. Have you asked why it's not used 'generally'?

FattyNinjaOwl · 12/10/2015 11:31

Yanbu. You need a key for yourself

Original poster
hedgehogsdontbite · 12/10/2015 11:32

My teacher asked for a key for me and was told no, only staff are allowed them.

It is a bit shit isn't it.

OP posts:
Oswin · 12/10/2015 11:32

You need to complain. You shouldn't have to wait at all. You should be able to get around the college like everyone else.

ouryve · 12/10/2015 11:33

It doesn't sound like much of an adjustment at all.

ProbablyMe · 12/10/2015 11:33

I'm surprised they're too daft to give you a key. My 12yo needs to use the lift at his school and they move given him a key. Time to challenge that policy on the grounds that it's discriminating against you in that you can't move around the building like other students?

FattyNinjaOwl · 12/10/2015 11:34

It's more than a bit shit! I thought adaptations were to improve your independence, not make it so you can't even go to the loo without help!

ilovesooty · 12/10/2015 11:34

You should be allowed your own key. A reasonable adjustment shouldn't disempower you.

DoJo · 12/10/2015 11:34

I think you need to approach them yourself - apart from anything it will be a lot harder for them to justify a 'no' directly to you! You can also ask them for their reasoning, explain the problems you are having in detail and ask if they can suggest an alternative solution which doesn't have you relying on others to access toilet facilities!

Twindroops · 12/10/2015 11:35

That's ridiculous, you need your own key.

MNerAnon · 12/10/2015 11:35

That's discriminatory. You're basically imprisoned by their stupid rule and I would complain at the highest level possible. I have no doubt you'll get your key if you kick off loudly enough, but it's shocking that you have to do that.

I would hate to ask for a key to use the toilet like a child.

ExitPursuedByABear · 12/10/2015 11:38

What if there was an emergency and you had to evacuate the building?

Original poster
hedgehogsdontbite · 12/10/2015 11:41

I don't even get to ask for a key to go to the toilet. The teacher has to come with me to activate the lift, then wait for me so she can send it back up again. It's so disruptive to the class and embarassing.

OP posts:
Mrsjayy · 12/10/2015 11:42

Yes its a bit shit speak to the college disability advisor you should get a key even if you have to sign it out daily.

Original poster
hedgehogsdontbite · 12/10/2015 11:42

What if there was an emergency and you had to evacuate the building?

I think I'd have to slide down the stairs on my arse.

OP posts:
Mrsjayy · 12/10/2015 11:45

For god sake really teacher has to take you to the toilet nah contact the disability person at student services surely you are not the only student they have that needs the lift

BojackHorseman · 12/10/2015 11:47

It's shit and I wouldn't accept it.

You wouldn't be able to use the lift in an emergency though.

OhGoveUckYourself · 12/10/2015 11:47

Under the terms of the 2010 Equality Act you are being discriminated against due to your disability. 'Reasonable adjustment' would be to provide you with a key to use the lift . The current arrangement just draws attention to your disability and stops you from feeling like other students. I would contact the Citizens Advice or complain directly to the college. They need to formally address how they deal with students with disabilities.
Here is a link which shows who is covered by these discrimination laws which should help you.
www.disabilityrightsuk.org/understanding-equality-act-information-disabled-students

KitZacJak · 12/10/2015 11:48

YANBU - in fact there is probably a law against this somewhere as it seems very discriminatory, not to mention embarrassing. I would talk to the people in charge of the college. Poor you, I would be very unhappy about this.

Duckdeamon · 12/10/2015 11:49

That is discrimination: complain.

Sighing · 12/10/2015 11:50

That's ridiculous! There are so many things wrong with that scenario. I'm struggling as to how that is a passable adjustment. You're unable to access toilet facilities - despite that being something you are in a position to do. Kick up a massive fuss, can you talk to student services or possibly nus rep?

ExitPursuedByABear · 12/10/2015 11:50

No you couldn't use the lift in an emergency - but shouldn't provision be made for someone to assist you in the event of an emergency?

And yes you should be given a key.

cashewnutty · 12/10/2015 11:51

That sounds very unreasonable. You are an adult with a disability. The least they can do is give you a key to the lift. Could you ask to collect one as you arrive each morning then hand it back in when you leave?