FAQ - The Special Educational Needs and Disability (SENDA) Act 2001 came into force in September 2002, what do I need to know?

Answer

The Special Educational Needs and Disability (SENDA) Act 2001 is an extension to the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (part 4) which covers, for the first time, special needs in Higher Education. Readers should see also the Education Act 1996 for a fuller picture. A useful summary of the key points in the Act can be found at UKCLE who have a section on what the Act covers, and what it means in practice.

"What does the Act cover? The Act introduces the right for disabled students not to be discriminated against in education, training and any services provided wholly or mainly for students or those enrolled on courses when this is provided by certain 'responsible bodies'. The governing bodies of further and higher education institutions, including sixth form colleges, fall under the category of 'responsible bodies' in the Act. Student services covered by the Act can include a wide range of educational and non-educational services, such as field trips, examinations and assessments, short courses, arrangements for work placements and libraries and learning resources." UK Centre for Legal Education

Websites and 'MLEs' should also be 'accessible' which can be tested through Bobby validation. See the TechDis website for further information about accessiblity. There are many agencies supporting disability and access for disabled people, and some of these are listed in a separate FAQ on this site. A key site for information is SKILL.

The Staff and Educational Development Association is another source of information regarding this topic. Please do not hesitate to contact LTSN-01 if you want to find out more about SENDA, or wish to arrange a local workshop for staff, as we may be able to help.

See also our list of disability support organisations and projects.

Author: This FAQ was written by Dr Megan Quentin-Baxter and does not reflect an official endorsement by the LTSN or any other organisation. Any questions or comments can be sent to: megan@medev.ac.uk

Last updated: 01 July 2011