The Accessibility Conscious Badge

The Accessibility Conscious Badge is a structured way to help your student group operate in a more accessible way. It celebrates your group as you create a more diverse and inclusive environment where everyone can take part in activities that matter to them. Getting the badge gives you access to exclusive promotional opportunities for your student group to help you get more members and ensure you have the recognition you deserve for your hard work around accessibility!

Applications for the badge are open during the summer and winter vacation periods. The next application window is:

Applications open: 1st August 2025
Applications close: 31st August 2025

What do you get with the Accessibility Conscious Badge?

As part of your Accessibility Conscious Badge package your group will receive:

An official Accessibility Conscious Badge on your student group webpage that will allow students to differentiate your group from others. Students will be able to search specifically for Accessible Conscious Badge holders on the web page too!
A set of social media graphics to announce and celebrate your achievement, making it easy to share your success.
Promotion of your group's achievements through York SU's communications channels.
A spotlight at Welcome Fair to help you reach new members and celebrate your Accessibility Conscious Badge.
Tailored support and resources designed to help your student group achieve your Accessibility goals and thrive.
Two 15 minute meetings with the Equality and Inclusion Officer and Amy Creighton (Campaigns and Liberation Development Coordinator) during the academic year to support you with your accessibility plans.
Support applying for the University of York’s Sustainable Development Grant. This grant is for groups looking to fund projects that support any of the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. This includes ‘Reducing Inequalities’ and promoting ‘Good Health and Wellbeing’ so if you have any accessibility ideas that need funding - we can help!

Why should you get an Accessibility Conscious Badge?

1) Be a force for change

Whilst it might feel like a small thing to consider accessibility in your student group can have a massive impact for many students at York and could mean the difference between feeling isolated and feeling part of our community. It all adds up and the changes could be greater than you think.

2) Stand out from the crowd

In a sea of student groups, this is your badge of honor! It clearly signals your commitment to accessibility, showcases your group's values and will attract more passionate and diverse students.

3) Build a lasting impact

Establishing your student group as an Accessible Student Group could be an excellent way to create a legacy within your group beyond your time on committee. By embedding Accessibility into your group's ethos, you'll create a positive and enduring impact for both present and future members.

4) Boost your employability

By participating, you'll gain and demonstrate highly sought-after skills such as taking initiative, driving change, and improving working processes. These traits are super desirable to employers and great to showcase on your CV and in job interviews.

How to get your Accessibility Conscious Badge

Step 1. Appoint an Accessibility Lead

This can be any member of the committee, or you can create a new position on your committee. This person will champion your Accessibility pledges and ensure they are put into action and regularly reviewed.

Step 2. Complete the online training

This focused training provides the essential knowledge and tools for making your group more accessible. At the end it contains a short Accessibility Training Quiz to help us see that you got the most out of the module. Completing the built-in quiz also gets you one step closer to the badge.

Complete the training module

Step 3. Submit your pledge

The final step towards your Accessibility Conscious Badge is to create a pledge for your group.

We recommend meeting with your group/society and discussing how best you think you can work towards accessibility. Once you have thought of a key area you can focus on, then draft your pledge.

The online training includes detailed examples of potential pledge submissions on the ‘Accessibility Pledge’ Page, but here are a few ideas to get you started:

We pledge to complete the digital accessibility checklist for all our social media and digital communications.
We pledge to provide allergy friendly menu options at our events.
We pledge to ensure there is a quiet space/breakout room for members to use at our events.
We pledge to complete an accessibility checklist for venues booked for our social events and make this available to our members

Submit your pledge using the button below. Pledges are reviewed on a rolling basis during the application window.

Submit your pledge

How long does the badge last?

Your badge lasts 12 months and must be renewed annually if you wish to continue to use the badge and benefits.

If your Accessibility Lead steps down, you can elect a new lead who will then complete the required training.

You will need to report on your progress against the pledge annually. The pledge can be updated if you have met your target and want to set a new goal, or you can keep the pledge on a rolling basis.

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