This session, delivered by Ms Marchita Mangiafico, the coordinator of the ACCESS - Disability Support Unit (ADSU), provides participants with a clear understanding of the support structures available to students, staff, and visitors with disabilities at the University. The session will highlight the role of the ADSU and the ACCESS - Disability Support Committee (ADSC), outline the principles guiding access arrangements, and explain how such arrangements are applied in practice. Participants will gain insights into the procedures for requesting support and the ways in which different university stakeholders collaborate to ensure inclusivity and equal opportunities.

By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

1. Identify the roles and responsibilities of the ADSU and the ADSC in supporting students and staff with disabilities.

2. Understand the principles underpinning access arrangements and the rationale for their implementation.

3. Recognise the types of access arrangements available and the contexts in which they are applied.

4. Describe the referral and decision-making process for access arrangements, from request to implementation.

5. Appreciate the importance of collaboration between academic, administrative, and technical staff in fostering an inclusive learning and working environment.

This workshop aims to provide a broader understanding of the principles of equality, diversity,
and inclusion (EDI) in the context of higher education and research institutions, particularly within
the University of Malta (UM) community. Additionally, it seeks to raise awareness of EDI in the
workplace and in our daily interactions, while also increasing awareness of the resources and
support structures available at UM.

During this workshop, participants will be introduced to the fundamental principles essential for
UM employees to thrive in an increasingly diverse environment, while actively supporting,
implementing, and promoting EDI principles as outlined in the UM Gender+ Equity Plan 2022-
2025.

The workshop will be divided into three parts. The first part will cover EDI concepts, terminology,
and their applications. The second part will focus on relevant UM policies and guides, emphasising
their significance and the importance of applying theory to everyday work. The third part will be
more interactive, involving case study scenarios that encourage discussion and reflection on the
knowledge, skills, and experiences gained throughout the workshop.

By the end of the workshop, participants will:

• gain a clear understanding of the key principles of equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) at
  the University of Malta;
• learn how to use EDI concepts in their everyday work, making better decisions and
  interactions;
• become familiar with the University’s EDI policies and resources, and learn how to use
  them to support and promote inclusion;
• reflect on real-life scenarios to improve their EDI knowledge and skills, identifying ways to
  create a more inclusive workplace.