Disability and Neurodivergence Awareness Month 2024
Celebrating our large and diverse community of staff and students at Surrey
Disability History Month
Disability History Month (UKDHM) is observed in the UK from November 16 - December 16 each year. Established in 2010, it aims to raise awareness of the history, struggles, and achievements of people with disabilities in the UK. The month-long observance highlights the importance of disability rights, equality and inclusion, drawing attention to the historical and ongoing barriers faced by disabled people.
Here at Surrey, this work extends well beyond the month, but we are taking this opportunity to showcase what is available for staff and students, to promote awareness and understanding and to reflect on the ongoing social and systemic challenges disabled people encounter. This includes the stigma, discrimination, and lack of accessibility that often affects people with disabilities.
During our first Disability and Neurodivergence Awareness Month, through events, workshops, activities and resources, we are seeking to dismantle stereotypes and promote a more inclusive understanding of disability and neurodivergence.
Join us in taking this opportunity to recognise the progress made in disability rights while also highlighting the work still needed for full accessibility, representation and equality.
To understand how to be a better ally for disability and all minoritised groups, please see our Allyship in Higher Education e-learning module
Professor Tim Dunne - Executive Board Sponsor to the Purple Network
Surrey has many amazing qualities as an institution. It puts the student experience at the heart of everything that it does. We also have probably the best Students' Union in the country; the Sabbatical Officers and the Union team of professional staff work tirelessly to engage students to stimulate their interests and to create voice opportunities for the whole community.
Surrey is also a deeply inclusive community. We recognise there are staff and students who have a wide range of characteristics, including those with disabilities and neurodiverse experiences. If we are truly to live up to our values, Surrey must be a place where everyone is included; that means configuring our processes and learning environments - not to mention our infrastructure - in a way that works for neurodivergent and differently abled members of the community.
Part of my role is to support The Purple Network's activity and to advocate - at the Executive Board level - where issues or concerns have been raised that need action. Working with the dynamic and committed Purple Network is one of the reasons why I'm proud to be Surrey and I’m delighted to support the University’s first Disability and Neurodivergence Awareness Month.
Sarah Clements - Senior Lecturer in Children & Young People's Nursing and Purple Network Chair
As we head into autumn and dark nights close in, now is the perfect time of year to light the University up purple to celebrate the diversity of our community. Purple has been increasingly used as the colour to represent disability, the vibrancy of the colour inspiring people to challenge the outdated views around disability and to better value disabled people in society.
I am delighted that for the month ahead students and staff representing our disabled and neurodivergent community will participate in the University’s first Disability and Neurodivergence Awareness Month.
A full programme of events has been compiled ranging from accessible sports and a neuroinclusive silent disco - to academic showcases and support sessions.
The University is taking this opportunity to raise the profile of the huge contribution disabled and neurodivergent staff and students make to our diverse community. I encourage everyone to get involved!
Sam Buss - VP Support
In my role I’m incredibly lucky to work closely with students to make Surrey more accessible and inclusive. One of the ways I do this is through the Disability and Accessibility Working Group, where we bring students together to discuss and address issues that matter most to them. During these meetings, we raise concerns with the Director of Student Life and Campus Services in order to ensure that the voices of disabled and neurodivergent students are heard at every level.
This year, I have a strong focus on disability and accessibility on campus. I've been working alongside staff and students in organising events for Disability and Neurodivergence Awareness Month, offering a platform for students to share experiences, learn, and celebrate the diversity within our community.
I look forward to attending many of the events across the next month and encourage as many students as possible to make the time to as well.
Heather Lane - Lecturer in Specialist Practice Community Nursing and Pathway Lead for Community Children's Nursing Programme & Neurodivergent Network Chair
The University’s Disability and Neurodivergence Awareness Month affords us the opportunity to stop and really see our diverse community.
The University is committed to ensuring equity and inclusion for all students and staff – and this month-long celebration will provide an invaluable opportunity for us to come together to be seen, heard and listened to.
Neurodivergence is often invisible where the challenges remain unseen. We invite you to see us, to celebrate our differences and strengths.
What's on
Photo by Johann Siemens on Unsplash
Photo by Johann Siemens on Unsplash
Tree of resilience
Thursday 14 November - Friday 20 December, Stag Hill Hive
Drop by anytime to share your experiences by writing or drawing on a tag to hang on the tree. Each tag symbolises a personal challenge, a moment of resilience, or a message of support.
Photo by RhondaK Native Florida Folk Artist on Unsplash
Photo by RhondaK Native Florida Folk Artist on Unsplash
Disability Awareness Art
Thursday 14 November, Drop by between 6:00pm - 8:00pm, 05DK02
Join this accessible and inclusive drawing session looking at art created by artists with disabilities and then recreating them.
Photo by Dustin Tramel on Unsplash
Photo by Dustin Tramel on Unsplash
Silent Disco
Friday 15 November 7:30pm - 9:30pm, Studios - Surrey Sports Park, £3pp
Students are invited to join this neurodivergent friendly and inclusive way of enjoying music and dancing. Register
Photo by Fauzan Saari on Unsplash
Photo by Fauzan Saari on Unsplash
Blind Football
Sunday 17 November, 9:00am OR 10:30am, Arena C, Surrey Sports Park, £1pp
For students, this coached session offers both sighted and visually impaired participants a unique opportunity to learn the fundamentals of blind football, focusing on teamwork, spatial awareness, and communication. Register
Boccia competition
Monday 18 November, 4:00pm - 6:00pm, University Hall
An opportunity for anyone to try this inclusive sport, which focuses on precision and dexterity. Email Julia Sienko via js02940@surrey.ac.uk to attend.
Coping Kit Assembly
Monday 18 November, 2:00pm - 3:00pm, Stag Hill Hive
An event for students to assemble their own "coping kits" filled with items and resources to help manage stress and support mental health. Register.
‘Talking Diversity with Employers: How Open Should You Be?’ Careers Panel Event
Monday 18 November, 6:00pm - 7:30pm, Online
For students, did you know that diversity and inclusion is not just for specific groups of people, it includes you, no matter what your background. You will play a vital role in diversity and inclusion at whatever workplace you end up in, so join this event and find out why it is so important. Register
Carers Outreach event
Wednesday 20 November, 10:00am - 1:00pm, Lecture Theatre Block Lower Concourse
An opportunity for staff and student carers to engage with charities and organisations that support carers, including young and parent carers. Register or drop in.
Launch of Carer Support Network
Thursday 21 November
New staff network will officially launch and SurreyNet carer resources area will be published.
Scope ‘Disability 101’ Webinar on disability inclusion
Thursday 21 November, 11:30am - 1:00pm, Online
This session will include lived experience of what disability is, how we talk about it and how to be a good ally. Register via hrld@surrey.ac.uk
Student Curator Project
Monday 25 November - Friday 29 November, 1st Floor of Library
Curated book and artwork exhibition to celebrate Disability and Neurodivergence. Drop in during library opening hours.
Photo by Jeremy Yap on Unsplash
Photo by Jeremy Yap on Unsplash
Film Screening: screening of 'Mary and Max'
Monday 25 November, 5:00pm - 8:00pm, Shepard and Bellairs, 1st Floor Library
A long-distance friendship blossoms between two unlikely people, through letters.
Tailored ADHD drop-in with Dr Catherine Lowe
Wednesday 27 November, 3:00pm - 5:00pm, Shepard and Bellairs, 1st Floor Library
A drop-in session for students to learn more about ADHD support and adjustments
Scope Disability Introduction to Social Action Workshop
Thursday 28 November, 11:30am - 1:00pm, Online
A workshop on understanding what social action is, what social issues you're interested in and what actions are possible to take. Register via hrld@surrey.ac.uk
Extenuating Circumstances and Disability – Drop-in Sessions for students
Tuesday 26 November - Stag Hill Hive, Wednesday 27 November - Stag Hill Hive & Thursday 28 November 2024 - Manor Park Hive, 11:00am - 12:00pm
During the course of your studies, you may experience unforeseen exceptional circumstances that temporarily impair your ability to participate in your programme, submit your assessments or attend examinations or other assessment related events such as an in-semester test or a performance. In such exceptional cases, you may consider applying for extenuating circumstances. Come and find out more about how you can access this provision.
Menopause Awareness Workshop
Thursday 28 November, 11:30am - 1:00pm, Ivy Room, Oak Suite
Introduction to Menopause, symptom management and support available. Open to staff and students. Register via hrld@surrey.ac.uk
Support for Students undertaking Professional Placements
Monday 2 December, 12:00pm - 2:00pm, Online
Past and current students who are disabled or neurodivergent will share experiences of finding, securing and undertaking placements. This will be followed by a presentation on 'thriving in placement' and questions. For students and staff who would find it beneficial for their roles. Register via hrld@surrey.ac.uk
Therapy dogs on campus
Tuesday 3 December, 1:30pm - 3:00pm, Hari's Bar, Students' Union
Make time to take advantage of the 'paw-sitive' impact that dogs can have. Please register
Purple Light Up and Purple Dress Up
Tuesday 3 December, All day
As part of our commitment to disability equity and inclusion, we encourage everyone to wear something purple and we'll also be joining the #PurpleLightUp campaign.
Using Principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) to create inclusive PowerPoint slides
Wednesday 4 December, 10:00am - 12:00pm, Online
This interactive session for staff will cover a range of useful design techniques which specifically support inclusive learning for students with learning disabilities. Register.
Raising HIV Awareness with Peter McPherson
Wednesday 4 December, 2:00pm - 3:00pm, Online
To mark this year's World AIDS Day, join us for an in-conversation event with Peter McPherson, an actor known for his performances in both theatre, TV, and film.
GSA Performances of 'The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time'
Wednesday 4 December - Saturday 7 December, Bellairs Theatre, Ivy Arts Centre
GSA students bring this dramatic comedy and coming-of-age story to life. See times and book tickets.
Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash
Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash
Craft and Connect
Thursday 5 December, 10:00am - 12:00pm, Hari's Bar
Staff and students are invited to drop by to enjoy some crafting.
Lunch and Learn: Women's Network - Sharing our experiences of disability and neurodivergence as Women at Surrey
Monday 9 December, 12:00pm - 1:00pm, Online
Space and time over lunch for women to come together to share personal experiences, either of their own neurodivergence and/or disability at work, or being a carer for someone with a neurodivergent condition/long-term condition/disability. All welcome, even if you just want to come and listen. Register via hrld@surrey.ac.uk
Tailored ADHD drop-in with Dr Catherine Lowe
Wednesday 11 December - CANCELLED
This event has been cancelled at short notice.
If you have any questions about supporting students with ADHD, please email Dr Catherine Lowe via c.a.lowe@surrey.ac.uk and she will respond in due course.
Understanding Disability, Neurodivergence, and Mental Health to Support our Students
Thursday 12 December, 1:00pm - 2:00pm, Online
A presentation and conversation for staff about the interconnectedness of disability, neurodivergence, and mental health and how these factors influence the experiences of students. It will also be a space in which we can explore together how we can better foster an inclusive, supportive environment that empowers students to thrive. Register via hrld@surrey.ac.uk
Disability and Neurodivergence at Work
Friday 13 December, 1:00pm - 2:00pm, Online
This HR Connect Webinar is open to all staff and aims to raise awareness of how disability and neurodivergence can be supported in the work context and how we can work towards greater disability and neuro inclusion. Register via hrld@surrey.ac.uk
Key staff networks in this area
The Purple Network
The Purple Network aims to support and advocate for those at Surrey who identify as having a long-term condition or a disability. It aims to highlight issues and to build a cohesive response whilst celebrating the strength diversity brings.
To join the Network, email purplenetwork@surrey.ac.uk
Neurodivergent Network
The Neurodivergent Network provides support and raises awareness around for neurodivergent people at Surrey. It is also intended to offer a space to celebrate the strengths that a neurodiverse workforce and community can bring.
If you would like to join the Network,, click here
Carer Support Network
The Carer Support Network is a community and network for staff who are carers or parent carers or those with disabilities or chronic, long-term health conditions. The network offers support, opportunities to network and feeds into Surrey's work towards disability equity.
To join the network, please email carers@surrey.ac.uk
Key student networks
The Student Equality Network
The Student Equality Network is comprised of a group of students who are passionate about promoting equality at Surrey and who help ensure the Union is well-informed about the experiences of the different groups who make up our diverse student community. Volunteers can share their views and help shape how the Union supports students, and run campaigns or projects that celebrate or highlight diversity.
The Disability & Accessibility Working Group
This group provides an opportunity for students to discuss issues of accessibility with the Union and with University staff including staff from the Chief Students’ Officer office and from the University Estates team.
The International Working Group
This group provides an opportunity for students to discuss issues impacting our International Student population with the Union and with University staff including staff from the International Student Advice Team.
Further reading
Let's Talk: Disability
Abi Hayes is a Biochemistry undergraduate student and disability activist at the University of Surrey. Abi, who helped establish this year's Disability and Neurodivergence Awareness Month, shares the highs and lows of life as a disabled student.
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