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Disability History Month 2024

14 November – 20 December

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Celebrate Disability History Month at Âéw¶¹´«Ã½

This year at Âéw¶¹´«Ã½, we have an exciting and inclusive programme of virtual and in‑person events taking place for Disability History Month (DHM) between Thursday 14 November and Friday 20 December.

 is an annual, month-long observance of the history of the disability rights movement; a celebration of the lives of disabled people past and present; and a commemoration of the achievements of disabled people.

UKDHM aims to achieve equality for those with disabilities and to challenge disablism by exploring oppression. This year's theme is Disability Livelihood and Employment.

Building on the success of last year's third Disability History Month at Âéw¶¹´«Ã½, the month-long programme of events – led by the DisAbility and Wellbeing Network (DAWN) – will kick off with a launch event on Monday 18 November. Staff and students are invited to come along and enjoy live music, stalls with Âéw¶¹´«Ã½’s disability support and a chance to view our Disability Visibility showcase. No tickets are required for this event and speeches and music will begin at 12.30pm.

Meredith Wilkinson, DAWN co-chair said: "We are looking forward to hosting Disability History Month once again at Âéw¶¹´«Ã½. We have some exciting things coming up for both students and staff. This is a time not only to learn more about disability but to reflect upon our own attitudes towards disability.

"As an empowering and inclusive university, we value the diverse range of staff and students we have at Âéw¶¹´«Ã½, and events like DHM celebrate that diversity."

"Disability History Month is an important event in our calendar where we can reflect and raise awareness about disabled people’s fight for equality.

Although we strive for inclusivity all year round, it’s important that we dedicate a whole month to stamping out stereotypes, barriers and prejudices that still impact our disabled staff and students today.

I look forward to coming along to the events that are planned throughout the month and encourage you all to do the same.

Our Staff Disability and Wellbeing Network (DAWN) membership continues to grow and I thank colleagues in the Network alongside the other teams across Âéw¶¹´«Ã½ for the work that has gone into the planning and realisation of this year’s events.

We welcome disabled staff, students and our allies to come along to events, have fun and increase your understanding of disability inclusion and ways to wellbeing."

Susan Orr, Pro Vice-Chancellor Education and Equalities

Upcoming DHM events

There are currently no related events for this subject. You may find more events of interest in our events calendar.

Disability History Month: Alumni interview with Mark Esho

Disabled History Month: Vicky Foxcroft (Shadow Minister for Disabled People)

Alumni stories

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Disability Power 100 – Britain’s 100 most influential disabled people

Celebrating diversity is so important, and the Disability Power 100 is here to do just that. This is an annual publication that highlights and champions the work of the top 100 disabled influencers in the country, as nominated by the public.

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'In life, some things happen'

When thinking of disabilities, people often forget those who are visually impaired and how their day-to-day experiences may be affected, especially when studying.

Therefore, one of our students has provided two posters – technically both the same – yet showing how they viewed the image prior to their visual disability and after. This highlights how people see the world differently, but also that disabilities do not only occur from birth. They can be experienced by any of us through the course of our life and will undoubtedly alter our perspective and point of view, whether literally of figuratively.

Right: Bollywood poster depiction of Hindi film 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai' which translates, 'some things happen' with added text 'In Life' and 'directed by destiny'. At the top of the poster is a digital abstract drawing of the two famous Bollywood actors named, Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol. Both are main characters in the film.

Disability, health and wellbeing resources