UK Disability History Month 2021

UK Disability History Month (UKDHM) is an annual event focused on the history of disabled people’s fight for equality and human rights. 

UKDHM 2021 will take place from the evening of 18 November until Friday 18 December. The joint themes in 2021 are: 

• Disability and Hidden Impairment
• Disability Sex and Relationships

The University is helping to mark the awareness month by highlighting relevant events and activities, lighting up the Parkinson Building for International Day of Persons with Disabilities (3 December) and sharing the support available for disabled staff and students.

International Day of Persons with Disabilities (3 December 2021)

International Day of Persons with Disabilities takes place during UK Disability History month on 3 December. The University of Leeds will be marking this day by featuring in the #PurpleLightUp campaign. The Parkinson building will be lit purple to symbolise our support for our disabled staff and students and our commitment to improving disability equality and inclusion. 

In celebration of International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Leeds for All have organised a programme of accessible and inclusive events including performances, stories, exhibitions, discussions. All events are free to attend and open to everyone.

Events 

Details of more UKDHM events will be listed below. Please check back regularly for new additions.

University of Leeds events

Disability Rights in the Workplace
Date: Monday 29 November, 12:30-2pm
About: Hosted by the University of Leeds Chronic Pain and Fatigue Staff and PGR Network, this online session aims to outline the legal rights that protect disabled employees, with particular reference to the university workplace. Speaker Rebecca Jiggens, Director of Just Reasonable Ltd. will provide an introduction to disability law and reasonable adjustments. Find out more and book your place with the Disability Rights in the Workplace eventbrite webpage.

 

Disability Services Programme of events
Join Disability Services for a special programme of four online events marking UK Disability History Month open to all university staff and students. Catch up on any missed sessions on the Disability Services webpage.

Supporting Disabled Students
Date: 18 November, 10-11am
About: How can staff best support disabled students? This session will introduce Disability Services, exploring what we do and showing you how to recognise disability. We’ll share top tips and resources, and help you engage with our Service to fully support disabled students.

Autism Explained
Date: 25 November, 12-1pm
About: Come and find out more about autism and learn how to support autistic students effectively. We’ll talk about the main features of autism, the impact autism has in the context of HE, and the strategies autistic people and those working with them can use during their time at university. This session is aimed primarily at academic and SES staff, but students are also welcome to attend.

All About Assistive Tech
Date: 29 November, 12-1pm
About: Assistive Technology Advisor Tom Starkey delves into the assistive technology used by students to access their learning. He’ll explore lesser-known features of popular programs, including Office 365 with apps and elements you never knew existed.

Inside or Outside -  How Inclusive are University Policies and Practices for Meeting the Needs of Neurodiverse Students? 
Date: 15th December, 11am-12pm
About: Two Specialist Study Skills Tutors share their experiences of working with disabled students, including the highs and lows of student journeys through the university system. The aim of this event is to widen understanding of the challenges, strengths and successes of neurodiverse students (including dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD, autism, mental health conditions) at university. This event is open to both staff and students.

 

External Events

UKDHM Online Launch event 2021
Date: Thursday 18 November, 7-9pm
About: The organisers of UKDHM are hosting a launch event evening with guest speakers discussing the topics of 'Hidden Impairments' and 'Disability Sex and Relationships'.

York Disability Week 2021
Date: 27 November - 4 December
About: A week long programme of activities will be taking place to celebrate United Nations International Day of Persons with Disabilities, including talks, workshops and advice sessions.  Find out more on the York Disability History Week website.

UKDHM Disability and Hidden Impairment
Date: Friday 3 December, 12:30 -3:30pm
Location: Bradford
About: The organisers of UKDHM are hosting a launch event for disabled people to tell their stories about having a 'Hidden Impairment'. To find out more and to book a place visit the UKDHM Disability and Hidden Impairment event page.

UKDHM Disability Sex and Relationships
Date: Wednesday 8 December, 12:30 -3:30pm
Location: Bradford
About: The organisers of UKDHM are hosting a workshop performance by Mind the Gap. To find out more and to book a place visit the UKDHM Disability Sex and Relationships event page.

 

Support available for disabled staff and students at the University

• Information about the support available for disabled students is available from the Disability Services team.
• The Leeds University Union (LUU) has information about support for disabled students and the LUU’s approach to accessibility for its members. There are also a number of relevant LUU societies including Mind Matters and Mantality .
• The Equality & Inclusion Unit have compiled a range of disability support and resources.
• There are a range of University equality Staff Networks including the Chronic Pain and Fatigue Staff and PGR network.
• The Wellbeing, Safety and Health website has details of the Counselling and Psychological Support service available to colleagues.
• Occupational Development and Professional Development (OD&PL) have a suite of OD&PL equality and inclusion programmes, projects and events that support and underpin the University Equality and Inclusion Framework.