This article in the Guardian is an interesting read. Alex explains he is in constant pain due to a long-standing back condition yet struggles with the idea of using the term ‘disability’. He mentioned things that students have said to me time and again: the importance of taking people at face value, visual disabilities… Read More Shielding and taking people at face value – Disability in the news
The theme this year is ‘Access: How far have we come? How far have we to go?’. Disability History Month (UKDHM) is a chance to look back at progress made, but also an opportunity to think about challenges, both new and deep-rooted, that still need to be met. UKDHM is now in its 11th year. I’ve… Read More It’s the start of Disability History Month 2020
The new adaptation of Roald Dahl’s ‘The Witches’ has come in for a lot of criticism. Justified criticism. Cue apologies from the creators of the film. What happened: I haven’t watched this remake but have watched the 1990 version more the once. I have seen images showing the hands of the Grand High Witch, who… Read More The Witches: a new scandal but an old problem
Wonkhe & Tredence UK have carried out a survey called ‘Don’t Drop Out’, which involved over 7,000 students from 121 providers. The purpose was able to identify who is at risk of dropping out of their course and why. Some of the reasons highlighted in the survey were: – Loneliness – Struggles with mental health… Read More How to support those at risk of dropping out
1 in 5 of the UK working age population are disabled. Yet, last year, only around 35,000 people applied for Access to Work (AtW). That’s less than 1% of the disabled workforce. This is partially explained by the following: most workplace adjustments don’t cost any money to implement it could be that the adjustment needed… Read More An underused scheme and a determined job seeker – Disability in the news
”…Providing some practical (interview) tips for students can make a real difference to them increasing their chances of a successful outcome. This is especially important for neurodivergent students who may have some additional challenges with communication…and increased levels of anxiety.’’ One huge change that has happened during Covid-19 has been the flip to, and necessity… Read More Virtual interview advice in a time of Covid-19
Across the country, there are lots of carers who support family members, friends and neighbours. During the pandemic, ‘informal carers’ (meaning they are unpaid) may well have been providing extra care, whilst holding down a job. This might be because the person they are caring for hasn’t had access to the same level of support… Read More Flexible working for carers
Classification has long been a contentious issue within Paralympic sports. Recent news stories have circulated about wheelchair basketball athletes who have been affected by rule changes, ahead of the Tokyo Paralympics: https://www.itv.com/thismorning/articles/the-paralympians-told-theyre-not-disabled-enough-to-compete Working in Universities, we are very mindful of the need for webinars and meetings to be accessible for all. Community captions have been… Read More Paralympics, YouTube and fashion models – Disability in the news
Careers Consultant, Viki Chinn, reflects on the challenges faced as a disabled individual in a time where COVID-19 has changed the way we work and collaborate: Before COVID-19 I wonder what I would have said if someone had told me six months ago that there would be a period of time, in the not too… Read More When the adjustments need adjustments: managing the COVID-19 work from home challenges
Disability-friendly employer Disability-friendly employers are organisations that are serious about equality & diversity. They will have structures in place to ensure that their disabled employees feel welcomed and valued. Some-such employers will be signed up to schemes and initiatives or perhaps have their own staff disability network. These companies often display disability-related logos on their… Read More Everyday disability terms explained – disability friendly employers, disclosure
AGCAS Disability Task Group Blog 