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Started in 2010, UK Disability History Month (UKDHM) is an annual event creating a platform to focus on the history of the fight for equality and human rights for disabled people. Its aim is to celebrate the lives of disabled people, challenge ableism and achieve equality.

This week (16 November – 16 December) marks the start of UKDHM 2023.

This year the theme is Disability, Children and Youth, focusing on the experience of disabled children and young people in the past, now and needs for the future. The theme highlights and seeks to change the social exclusion of stigma, stereotypes, negative attitudes and socially created barriers in the environment and the way things are organised.

David Ruebain, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Culture, Equality and Inclusion says, “This year, Disability History Month focuses on the experience of disabled children and young people. All oppression is hurtful and wrong but inevitably, negative attitudes and exclusionary practice can hit young people harder and deeper, causing long-term damage. It is important to take time to look at what was and is wrong and also some of the progress and indeed triumphs. There are several activities and events, including a screening of the magnificent film Crip Camp. I look forward to seeing some of you at these events.”

Resources and support for staff

• All staff are encouraged to complete the Disability Essentials elearning on LearnUpon. 

• The Workplace Adjustment toolkit offers more information and guidance for staff and managers, including our membership to the Business Disability Forum. 

• The Staff Disability Network is for members of staff who have a disability. You can find more information about the network and links to useful resources on our disability equality and inclusion pages. 

• If you would like to join the network or would like further information, you can contact the network by emailing staffdisabilitynetwork@sussex.ac.uk

Resources and support for students

• Information for students is available on the Disability Advice page and the Student Hub for health, support and wellbeing services available at Sussex. 

• The Disability Team provides confidential information and advice to current and future students on disability-related study support and accessing disability-related funding. 

• Students can also find out more about reasonable adjustments for teaching, exams, and assessments.

Events on campus and online

To mark UKDHM the Disability flag will be flying from Sussex House over the coming weeks, and there are events on campus and online:

Staff Disability Network event: Legal Ease Webinar hosted by Business Disability Forum
Wednesday 15 November at 10am

An informative presentation about employer responsibility surrounding the Equality Act 2010 and workplace adjustments. 

Please register your place on TicketSource.

Staff Disability Network event: Access to Work with Claire Salter
Wednesday 22 November 12.30pm -1.30pm, Fulton 109 

Space is limited so registering is essential. 

Minimising barriers and maximising potential, for employees in the workplace. This seminar will provide information about the government funded Access to Work scheme including: 

•   What the scheme is   
•   Eligibility   
•   How to apply   
•   Examples of equipment and software that can be provided.                                   

Please book via TicketSource.

Inclusive Sussex event: Crip Camp Film Screening
Wednesday 29 November 12:30pm – 14.30pm in Fulton B Lecture Theatre

Join our Pro-Vice Chancellor of Culture, Equality and Inclusion, Professor David Ruebain, for a screening of the award-winning documentary, Crip Camp. Crip Camp documents disability activists who attended a revolutionary summer camp for disabled young people in 1970s America that helped build a movement, creating a new path towards equality for disabled people.

Book now on Eventbrite.

Staff Disability Network: informal meet up
Thursday 30 November 11am at ACCA

Please email staffdisabilitynetwork@sussex.ac.uk or use the network Teams chat if you are a member to find out more.