Information Pack SECTION 11

This note is drawn up to assist members who are disabled understand what facilities are available at the `National Delegate Conference'. This includes what assistance should be available from your Branch.

The information is based on details provided by National level and what the UNISON Rule Book, as determined by Conference decision, states should be provided.

- UNISON Rule Section 18

- Motion 219 1995 Conference Section 19

The above lays out UNISON's commitment to ensure that disabled members are able to fully participate in UNISON's structures etc over and above other facilities that all delegates are entitled to access, ie crèche facilities, baby-siting, job sharing delegates. The following facilities are available:-

 

Personal Assistant

Space for guide/hearing dogs

Large print

Large print on disc (Software to be advised)

Disc (Software to be advised)

British sign language

Lipspeaker

Induction loop

Wheelchair space

Space for Personal Assistant

Audio tape

Braille

Sign supported English

Speech to text

Wheelchair access

Parking space

There is then the ability for delegates to detail any other requirements

Under the last item, you should consider what the organisers of the Conference events need to do to ensure that you can participate. This may include help to carry bags/documents when you arrive at the Conference venue, seating needs, identification of lifts, location of refreshment area, assistance in orientation of building, information on taxis that can provide suitable transport. These are only some ideas. The aim is to provide you with the appropriate facilities to ensure that you can participate fully.

Branches, on behalf of delegates, are entitled to contact the Conference Office at National level to discuss what is needed to enable the delegate to attend.

Personal Assistants

If you use or need a Personal Assistant then you should raise this with your Branch. The Branch are responsible for meeting all additional costs including travel, accommodation, subsistence and pay and are entitled to raise with National level the impact of additional costs that the Branch may incur.

Travel

Most delegates will be encouraged to use the most cost effective Public Transport but if this is not suitable you need to discuss this with your Branch and advise them what the alternatives are that your need. This could include private use of own vehicle then taxi to and from all events which should include the formal sessions of Conference and the social events.

Again, Branches should raise this with National if the additional costs have an impact on the Branch.

The above is not a definitive list but an aid to understand what UNISON is committed to, to ensure that all members have equal access to participate in the most important decision making event of the UNISON calendar.

April 1999