Developing a code of practice for disability coordinators

In England and Wales the Code of Practice on the Identification and Assessment of Special Educational Needs, and the role of the special needs coordinator, are well established at statutory level, but they are neither universal nor well established in the higher education (HE) sector. Where disability services do exist in HE, they vary in staffing, policy and practices, and disability coordinators have many concerns about the service they provide. In Australia the tertiary sector has recently developed a code of practice for students with disabilities, and in the USA the Association on Higher Education and Disability has developed a code of ethics for its members. A survey of HE disability coordinators on the issues and dilemmas experienced in their work and their views on the need for a code of ethics was undertaken in February 1998 by Skill (National Bureau for Students with Disabilities) and the University of East London. The findings and proposed strategies are discussed in the light of current initiatives for disability services in HE.