Disability and Neurodivergence Awareness Month 2025
Celebrating our diverse community of staff and students at Surrey
Disability History Month
Disability History Month (UKDHM) is observed in the UK 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 second Disability and Neurodivergence Awareness Month, through events, activities and resources, we are seeking to dismantle stereotypes and promote a more inclusive understanding of disability and neurodivergence.
Jo McCarthy-Holland - Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
As we mark Disability and Neurodivergence Awareness Month 2025, I am proud to celebrate our community’s ongoing commitment to creating a University where every individual can thrive, contribute, and be valued for who they are. This month offers an important opportunity not only to recognise and celebrate the experiences, achievements, and contributions of disabled and neurodivergent people, but also to reflect on the work still to be done in building an environment that is truly inclusive.
We are committed to removing barriers - both visible and invisible - that can prevent full participation in University life. We are taking steps to ensure our policies, systems, and spaces enable equitable access to learning, research, and work. This includes improving digital and physical accessibility, enhancing staff and student training on disability and neuro-inclusion, and embedding inclusive practice into everything we do - from teaching and assessment to recruitment and leadership.
We recognise that inclusion is not a static goal but a continuous process of listening, learning, and taking action. We are working in partnership with disabled staff, students, and networks to co-create change and ensure that the voices and experiences of our community are at the heart of our decision-making.
This month’s programme of events and activities reflects our shared commitment to fostering understanding, celebrating difference, and challenging stigma. Together, we are shaping a University culture where disability and neurodiversity are not only supported but embraced and celebrated as vital parts of who we are.
Thank you for joining us in this important work. By engaging, learning, and advocating together, we move closer to a future where every member of our community can belong, succeed, and flourish.
Chris Steer - Head of Student Disability & Neuroinclusion Development
I couldn’t be prouder to be part of the Disability & Neuroinclusion team. Not only do I work with the most passionate, dedicated, and hardworking staff but I also get the opportunity to work with the most passionate, dedicated, and hardworking students too.
Disability and Neurodivergence Awareness Month is a great opportunity to shine a spotlight on the work of the Disability & Neuroinclusion team. However, it’s important we remember that striving for equity and inclusion is an ongoing commitment and not confined to a single month.
In my role I get to share in the achievements of a team who have this year; expanded the reach and visibility of D&N, welcomed more disabled students into the University than ever before, implemented countless reasonable adjustments ranging from exam adjustments through to alternative forms of assessment, worked with hundreds of students on a 1:1 basis to support them with study skills and coping strategies, helped many students access support through the Disabled Students’ Allowance, and supported hundreds of students to obtain campus accommodation to meet their needs.
There are still many barriers to inclusivity and there is a long way to go, but it is important we recognise and celebrate the achievements along the journey so far.
Sam Buss - VP Support & Luana Vasconcelos - VP Voice
In our sabbatical officer roles, we’re thankful to work closely with students to make Surrey more accessible and inclusive. One of the ways we do this is through the Student Equality Group and the Disability & Accessibility Network, where we bring students together to discuss and address issues that matter most to them. Our student- led networks provide a safe space for discussions around equality of opportunity at Surrey and how to ensure students from diverse communities feel like they belong.
We continue to focus on disability and accessibility on campus. This upcoming Disability & Neurodivergence Month, we are working with student leaders and volunteers; and different University services on a schedule of events to celebrate our disabled and/or neurodivergent community at Surrey.
We look forward to attending many of the events across the next month and seeing lovely faces on campus.
What's on
Student Curator Display
From Monday 17 November until Friday 28 November, 1st Floor of Library
Explore our 'Different Minds One Surrey' display, which highlights the lived experience of having ADHD. The display also includes an interactive white board where you can share your thoughts and experiences; and enter our prize draw to win free books, and one of our 3D fidget toys!
Menopause training for staff
Tuesday 18 November, 11:30am - 1pm, CVSSP Seminar Room, BA Building, Ground Level, Room 35
This workshop is designed for managers and colleagues who want to understand more about the menopause, it's impact in the workplace and how to appropriately support team members, students, family members, and peers with adjustments. Help to make Surrey an inclusive workplace for all.
Navigating late ADHD diagnosis - student workshop
Thursday 20 November, 12pm - 2pm, Library Training Room Level 1
Join Ellica Akbarzadeh, Disability & Neurodiversity Subnetwork Leader, explore the topic of late ADHD Diagnosis. This informative and engaging workshop will explores Ellica's personal journey and discuss the strengths and challenges a diagnosis brings. There will be free snacks!
Let's Talk: Carers Roundtable for staff
Thursday 20 November, 10am - 12pm, 81MS02​
We’re inviting colleagues who are carers to join an open roundtable discussion. This is your opportunity to share your experiences and tell us what support would make a real difference.​
You voice matters!
DAiSY FEST 2025
Friday 21 November, 10am - 4pm, G Live, GU1 2AA
Join DAiSY and friends for the DAiSY FEST 2025 Forum - an engaging day of conversation, collaboration, and connection, designed to bring artists, organisations, and communities together to explore how we support and grow inclusive creative practice.
Zine-making workshop for students
Tuesday 25 November, 12pm - 2pm, Sheppards and Bellairs Level 1 Library
Join ThriveWell and the Students’ Union for a hands-on zine workshop exploring identity and inclusion in a fun and creative way. Attendees will learn what zines are and create their own mini-zines using collage, drawing, or writing.
Disability & Neurodiversity Subnetwork Meeting: Jobs, placements & employability
Wednesday 26 November, 1pm - 1:40pm, Online
This student meeting will focus on Employability - exploring student experiences, existing University support and potential opportunities to improve access, representation, and inclusive practices within the University and Students' Union.
Disability & Neurodivergence Stall
Monday 1 December, 11am - 2pm, Outside Co-op (inside Library building)
Come along and take part in mini-games to win prizes, break down some common misconceptions and find out more about the resources available across the University and Union. Whether you want to find out more about a specific service or are just interested in learning more - come along!
Purple with Purpose! Purple Light Up and Purple Dress Up
Wednesday 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.
Wear purple, take action!
Dog therapy for ALL
Wednesday 3 December, 1pm - 2pm, Front Room
Enjoy a break from your studies or work with a bit of dog therapy! You will have a 30-minute time slot to freely roam around the different dog stations. This is the perfect opportunity to chat to friends or meet new people in a relaxed setting, whilst also meeting some furry little friends.
Tom's Midnight Garden - relaxed performance
Saturday 6 December, 2:30pm - 4:00pm, Bellairs Theatre, Ivy Arts Centre
See this tender and magical tale of time travel, growing up, and the lasting power of love and memory. A timeless story of wonder, childhood, and the strange beauty of the past, perfect for the whole family.
Key staff networks in this area
The Purple Network
The Purple Network supports and advocates 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, please email purplenetwork@surrey.ac.uk
Neurodivergent Network
The Neurodivergent Network raises awareness and provides support 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.
To join the network, please, click here
Carer Support Network
The Carer Support Network is for staff who are carers or parent carers of those with disabilities or chronic, long-term health conditions. The network offers support, opportunities to connect and it feeds into Surrey's work towards disability equity.
To join the network, please email carers@surrey.ac.uk
Key student networks
Student Equality Network
This network is comprised 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.
Disability & Accessibility Subnetwork
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 Estates team.
Race Equality Subnetwork
This subnetwork has been set up to create the opportunity for students to share their experiences and drive meaningful change for race equality. It is open to students who self-identify as being from a racial minority ethnic background and/or students who are interested in the topic of race equality.
International Students Subnetwork
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 support and information in this area
AccessAble
The University of Surrey works in partnership with AccessAble to support students, staff and visitors across campus by providing detailed and up to date accessibility information. AccessAble surveys venues across the UK and Ireland to offer a reliable accessibility guide, helping users identify accessible locations and available facilities through their website and free app.
Surrey Sports Park (SSP)
Established in 2010 as part of the University's vision for excellence in sport, SSP has evolved into a vibrant community hub that serves both the university and wider public. SSP have invested in several pieces of adapted equipment available for members to use and are currently working on setting up accessible sessions to further support inclusivity. Keep an eye out for upcoming events and opportunities!
Disability & Neurodivergence Procedures and Guidance
Our procedures and guidance recognise that disabled staff and students are an integral part of the University community. Accessible, inclusive and appropriate provision is core to the values of the University. Further, our Tailored Adjustments Plan (TAP), acts as a living record of workplace adjustments relating to supporting an individual with a disability and/or long term health condition.
Allyship in Higher Education e-learning module for all
Allyship is crucial in ensuring that all members of our community feel valued, respected, and supported. Effective allyship involves understanding the experiences of marginalised groups, advocating for equity, and taking tangible steps to foster an inclusive environment. This training provides the tools and knowledge necessary for participants to become proactive allies, promoting positive change at Surrey.
Supporting Disabled Students: A Guide for Staff and Faculty
As part of our ongoing commitment to staff training and development, we recommend this short online training to all roles that are student facing in professional services and academia.
This course explores the challenges that disabled students face and offers practical solutions to help staff and faculty better support them, ensuring that all students can thrive in their higher educational experience.
Motor Development and Impact Lab at Surrey
The University's Motor Development and Impact (MoDI) Lab was set up to bring together research at Surrey which investigates typical and atypical motor development. Researchers investigate the impact of motor development across the lifespan on social and cognitive skills, as well as physical and mental health.
Staff wellbeing spaces
We are proud to offer our community access to family friendly spaces and wellbeing rooms across our Stag Hill and Manor Park campuses, reflecting our commitment to inclusivity and support for our diverse community.
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