Learning Sessions Recording for Students with Disabilities

Swansea University supports students who have evidence of a disability which makes taking notes difficult or impossible by enabling them to record lectures for their personal use and study.  In accordance with the Equality Act 2010, the recording of learning sessions is considered a reasonable adjustment, lecturers who withhold their permission may, under the ‘individual liability’ provision, be subject to legislation.

Students have a responsibility to attend all scheduled learning sessions. Asking someone else to record a lecture is not a substitute for attendance at and engagement with teaching sessions.

Procedure

The Disability Caseworker/Wellbeing Advisor will notify the Disability Link Tutor/Co-ordinator in the relevant College(s) that the student shall be recording the oral or visual presentations. It is the responsibility of the Disability Link Tutor/Co-ordinator to disseminate this information to relevant colleagues to ensure they are aware of the student’s needs.  Thus, lecturers should know which students will be recording their lectures.

Students covered by this policy are not required to obtain permission from lecturers before making audio recording of lectures, however students are encouraged to approach the lecturer, out of courtesy, and ask permission to record a lecture. In the event that the lecturer does not permit the recording of his/her material, the student is advised to contact the Disability Caseworker/Wellbeing Advisor. Students are, however, required to obtain permission from the lecturers before making visual recording of lectures.

In most cases, students have their own recording devices but some students have loaned equipment from the library to assist in lectures. However, there may be occasions when the Disability Link Tutor will be responsible for contacting colleagues in the Media Services Department within Information Systems and Services to make such arrangements that will facilitate the recording of the oral or visual presentations or other adjustments to enhance the learning experience for the student.

It is the responsibility of the lecturer or Disability Link Tutor/Co-ordinator to inform the other students or attendees that the oral or visual presentation will be recorded.


Procedure for Visiting Lecturers

The University’s Intellectual Property Policy applies to visiting lecturers or other temporary staff providing teaching. A visiting lecturer should be informed of this Policy by the Programme Director or Module Co-ordinator and permission for a disabled student to record a lecture should be obtained. If the visiting lecturer does not give this permission, it is the responsibility of the Disability Caseworker/Wellbeing Advisor, the Disability Link Tutor/Co-ordinator, Module Co-ordinator and the lecturer to develop alternative provisions to ensure that the student is not disadvantaged.


Exceptions

In some cases it may not be possible to record presentations, for example, when considering patients in medical or clinical teaching or when confidential information is exchanged in counselling courses in which class members or others may share their personal histories.  The student should be informed before the programme starts (for example, in the programme handbook) if it is not possible to record information.   An alternative in such a circumstance would be to appoint a person to take notes for the disabled students.  Students should seek support from Student Support Services as soon as possible if there are issues with the recording of teaching sessions.


 

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