Disability History Month 2024

The lived experiences of disabled staff and students takes centre stage as we mark Disability History Month, which starts today (14 November).

The month’s theme is Disability, Livelihood and Employment. According to the Office for National Statistics, 24% of people of working age in the UK have a disability. Understanding different lived experiences helps us create a more inclusive university where everyone can thrive.

Professor Yota Dimitriadi, Lecturer in Computer Science Education and Chair of the University's Staff Disability + Network, said: “Disability History Month is an opportunity to learn more about disability history and raise further awareness on how individuals, communities and organisations can become more disability aware, disability confident and confront ableism: listen to the voices of disabled people, acknowledge contributions, foster empathy, change policies.”

What’s on

Whether you're disabled yourself, support colleagues or students with disabilities, or want to be a better ally, there's something for everyone at Reading this Disability History Month.

Our flagship event, Access for All: Disability Support and Stories (29 November, 12:00-17:00, Reading Students' Union), is a drop-in event featuring a panel discussion with staff and students, networking opportunities, interactive workshops, and exhibitions from local and national disability support organisations. You can also learn more about workplace accommodations and how to be an effective ally.

See the full calendar of events online now.

Other events this month

• Make Your Own Kind of Music (14 November, 19:00-20:30, online) - Join Professor Allán Laville, Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Diversity and Inclusion, as he shares his personal journey of being autistic in academia and how it now helps him flourish in the workplace (hosted by the Centre for Autism Wellbeing Hub)
• Picturing Our Lived Experiences (19 November, 12:30-13:30, online) – find out how to be part of a new photographic exhibition capturing the diverse experiences of disabled people, those with chronic illnesses and neurodivergent people.
• Seven Years and Counting (26 November, 12:00-13:00, online) - Celebrate seven years of the Staff Disability+ Network's journey with an online party - register by 19 November to receive a special gift.
• Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution(4 December, 17:30 –19:30, L22 London Road Campus) - Join us for an evening of cinema, connection and conversation as we explore and reflect on lived experiences about disability on screen.
• Making an Autistic Living (12 December, 19:00-20:30, online) - Hear from Pete Wharmby, an autistic speaker and writer, about navigating professional life as an autistic person (hosted by the Centre for Autism Wellbeing Hub)

Training and development

• Neurodiversity at Work e-learning course, available throughout the month. This self-paced training covers understanding neurodiversity, workplace considerations, and relevant legislation. ‘
• Implementing Reasonable Adjustments, available throughout the month and beyond. This e-learning module is designed to provide staff with an overview of the University's guidance on implementing reasonable adjustments for our students.
• Accessibility Awareness Basics workshop (27 November, 14:00-15:30) – learn about digital accessibility and how to create documents that can be used by everyone.