To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories, we're happy to send you some reminders

Click 'OK' then 'Allow' to enable notifications

University Of Manchester Students' Union Bans Hand Clapping

University Of Manchester Students' Union Bans Hand Clapping

The new move is a bid to make student events more accessible for students with disabilities, sensory issues and anxiety.

Emma Rosemurgey

Emma Rosemurgey

Manchester University Students' Union has band hand clapping and whooping in favour of 'jazz hands' to make student events more accessible for students with disabilities.

The union says the loud noises made by clapping and general cheering can cause issues for students with anxiety and sensory issues.

University Of Manchester

Now, student will be used to use the British Sign Language (BSL) equivalent of clapping or 'jazz hands' at all student events hosted by the union, including debates, talks and panels.

The change is in a bid to ensure that all democratic processes, including student senate, are accessible to all students - in particular those with disabilities.

University Of Manchester Students' Union

Agreeing to go ahead with the policy which was passed at senate, the union resolved: "To swap audible clapping out for BSL clapping at SU events in order to make them more accessible.

"To encourage student groups and societies to do the same, and to include BSL clapping as a part of inclusion training."

This isn't the first time that clapping has been banned at student events as last year the National Union of Students (NUS) proposed a similar policy after it was advised that clapping was having a 'serious impact' on some delegates ability to attend conferences.

NUS

A spokesperson from the NUS said: "The request was made by some delegates attending the conference. We strive to make NUS events accessible and enjoyable for all, so each request is considered."

At the time, London School of Economics Students' Union's general secretary told Newsbeat: "Jazz hands are used throughout NUS in place of clapping as a way to show appreciation of someone's point without interrupting or causing disturbance, as it can create anxiety.

"I'm relatively new to this and it did feel odd at first, but once you've used jazz hands a couple of times it becomes a genuinely nice way to show solidarity with a point and it does add to creating a more inclusive atmosphere."

Featured Image Credit: PA Images

Topics: Life News, News, Real