Hastings is an eclectic mix of personalities and cultures, creating a diverse mix of perspectives and a reasonable unique outlook on the world. Having had it’s ups and downs over the decades, the decision to create a university center in the town as part of a 20 year regeneration plan was such wonderful news for the town. This is just beginning to develop into something, with little help from the main uni and a lot of work from dedicated people in the town, Bonds have been made and friendships created allowing for a diverse development.Having worked for several different universities giving advice on Disabled access and having visited many, it is notable the lack of access on these places.
There is then the mass of people and predefined expectations of a large campus, which makes them more unsuitable for those with mental health or special need issues to become part of. Hastings is therefore in a unique place with full disabled access to all buildings, it is both small and in an understanding town with lots of support for students from caring staff, with the space to develop one’s self and personality. This should be both preserved and encouraged, as other universities have to create policies to make this happen and this is a complicated affair. Correct marketing of this, to not only this market but those more mature and needing a new direction student would prove profitable and add to the creativity and diversity of the place benefiting the town and uni as a whole. After attending the recent NUS Disabled delegation in Manchester, I realized how envious other are of what we have in Hastings. So many of these hard working delegates are struggling to get access to buildings and facilities, and cannot see how a management could justify removing this when there other campuses fall far short of the mark.
I feel that the management of the university fail to understand Hastings, as it is a special place to be, and once you have adapted you quickly begin to love the town. From the beginning when the University Centre was established, there was the desire to create a full Experience. Yet we are still lacking the Student Union Space for the students to call their own, which would have the benefit of full access for everybody, as many of the old building of Hastings have access issues. Also Halls of Residence will be a must, as nothing currently available has disabled access or facilities for these with needs or health issues. Lastly Then there is the Missing unizone, which would integrate us as a whole within the rest of the uni. All of this is achievable, and most probable for far less than it would cost to move expensive equipment, whilst keeping something unique to be proud of.
Mark SU Harvey, Officer for Disabilities @ Brighton University
handsoffhastings 