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Let's talk about unseen disabilities

Did you know? Over 90% of disabilities at Warwick are unseen

The Equality Act (2010) considers any long term condition that has a substantial impact on the person to be a disability. But how aware are we that the majority of those disabilities are unseen? They can include medical, sensory, neurodevelopmental, social, learning, speech, mental health and other types of disabilities.

The overwhelming majority of the disabilities that staff and students have disclosed at Warwick are 'unseen':

  • Over 91% of disclosed staff disabilities are hidden
  • Over 97% of disclosed student disabilities are hidden

People experience disabilities in a very personal and individual way. This makes it even more important for all of us to increase our awareness and work together, helping Warwick to be inclusive and accessible to all.


How to make your webpages and emails accessible

Accessible webpages are ones which are really easy to read (readability) and are built well for people who might use assistive technology to access them. Find out more about making your webpages fully accessible for our audiences.

ITS guidance on web accessibility

Read the blog

The Disabled Students' Officer's blog page this week will feature guest posts from disabled students detailing their experiences with invisible disability, as well as a post from the DSO Isabelle advising on her top tips for making the most of university whilst living with a hidden disability.

Disabled Students' Officer's blog page

What support is available to staff and students?

Library and IT Services

The Library and IT offer assistive software and technologies for use at both home and on campus.

  • Assistive software and productivity tools can improve your e-reading accessibility.
  • Try watching the Library e-book video playlist to find out how you can adjust and improve an e-book's appearance.
  • Students can register with RNIB Bookshare, an online educational Library with over 600,000 titles in accessible formats which can be used alongside assistive software. Eligibility isn’t limited to people with a visual impairment; Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia and physical disabilities are included too.

The Library also offers a range of services and support, including bookable accessible and sensory study rooms, where students can adjust their sensory environment to their own individual preferences.

See the Library's accessibility support


Reasonable adjustments

The Disability Framework provides guidance to staff on reasonable adjustments as a result of any type of disability.

See the Disability Framework


Disabled Staff Network

The Disabled Staff Network offers an opportunity to connect, socialise and support one another.

See the Disabled Staff Network


Disability Team

The Disability Team in Wellbeing Support Services offers advice and support to students on a broad range of disabilities. You can also find links to external support organisations.

Visit Disability Team website