Disability History Month events

UK Disability History Month (DHM) is running 18 November – 18 December, and there is a host of events for colleagues to attend.

Plus, below there is information about the Business Disability Forum, our membership benefits and how you can make the most out of this resource which is available to all staff at the University of Reading. Whether you identify as disabled or neurodiverse or are an ally; you can make a huge difference to the lives of people around you, by advancing your own knowledge about lived experiences that differ to your own. 

You can read more about our plans for DHM and who are we are doing at the University to improve the lived experiences of our colleagues and students who identify as disabled, neurodiverse or as having a long-term health condition or mental health condition.

Empowering Neurodiversity event

Delivered by Lexxic, brought to you by the University of Reading Diversity and Inclusion team 

Thursday 16th December, 15:30 – 16:30 (Teams) 

Please complete this form to register. 

Lexxic are an organisation who “work with individuals, teams and organisations to empower neurodiverse minds and help people be their best selves at work” 

This event focuses on neurodiversity and inclusive language. The University’s Neurodiversity and Disability Review so far has highlighted a need for us to provide an introductory level of understanding for those students and colleagues who would like to develop their understanding of neurodiversity and the inclusion of neurodiverse individuals.  

More online events around the University, and externally

Library Diversity and Inclusion resources

You can visit the Library’s Disability and inclusion - LibGuides at University of Reading online space, filled with resources relating to disability inclusion and stay up to date with research in this area. 

Business Disability Forum – Membership benefits and log in instructions 

The University is a member of the Business Disability Forum, which has a plethora of resources available to support colleagues with disabilities and those managing them

How to join

• Register by following the ‘Account Register’ link.  
• Enter your name and UoR email address  
• You can now access all the resources available to support colleagues with disabilities, neurodiversity and long-term health conditions.  

Once you have created a log in and signed in, you will be able to use the below links to access documents and many more:  

• ‘Briefing documents’ Breakdowns of a range of disabilities and employment adjustment suggestions, including suggestions for how to hold conversations etc.  
• People manager guides, including ‘deeper dive’ docs for HR & D&I teams.  
• Inclusive technology  
• Policy and research  
• Toolkits e.g. Neurodiversity toolkit, Inclusive communication toolkit etc.  
• Events & conferences  

There is an Advice Service available Monday – Friday, 09:00-17:00.

Support includes:

• Case management support (for example, when carrying out absences, performance, or dismissal procedures).  
• Reviewing language and accuracy of forms, documents, organisational communications, announcement, surveys, and consultations.  
• Advice on complaints and disputes.  
• Advice on how to understand when adjustments may and may not be ‘reasonable’.  
• Managing employees and customers with a disability or long-term condition.