'V-cs must take lead over disability act'

The chair of the Disability Rights Commission, Bert Massie, has urged vice-chancellors to "show leadership" to ensure that their universities are ready for new disability rights legislation.

Speaking at a THES /Universities UK conference on the Special Educational Needs and Disability Act 2001, Mr Massie said he was "concerned" that many university staff responsible for ensuring disabled students had full access to higher education, felt isolated.

The DRC, working with lecturers' unions the AUT and Natfhe, is calling for institutions to provide compulsory disability awareness training for staff.