Watch again: First ever Disability History Month Lecture

Real lived experiences of people with disabilities were shared at the University's first ever Disability History Month Lecture on Wednesday evening (23 November).

A panel of colleagues from the University joined guest speaker Dr Hamied Haroon, founder and chair of the National Association of Disabled Staff Networks and researcher at the University of Manchester, to discuss ways to increase accessibility and ensure everyone is valued.

Dr Haroon, spoke about the barriers he has overcome in his life and career, the work he has led to improve diversity and inclusion in higher education, and the importance of celebrating ourselves.

Dr Allán Laville, Dean for Diversity and Inclusion, presented an update on the University's Disability and Neurodiversity Review. The event concluded with a panel discussion in which staff and students discussed their experiences of working and studying at Reading and explored what the University's commitment to diversity and inclusion really means to people with disabilities.

UK Disability History Month runs from 16 November-16 December to recognise the history of disabled people’s struggle for equality and human rights. Its theme this year is Disability, Health and Well Being.

A recording of the Lecture can be viewed below.

For a full schedule of Disability History Month events at the University, visit the Staff Portal preview article or the RUSU website.