Let's Talk About Disability
Photo by Henri Calderon, from Warwick Inclusion Conference session 'Inclusive teaching for autistic and neurodivergent students'. Catch up on key learning from the session here.
The Disability Taskforce developed the 'Let’s Talk About Disability' campaign in 2020/21 to raise awareness of disability in a positive and inclusive way. The campaign consists of regular instalments of messages celebrating different areas of disability with useful links and resources for staff and students to look at.
Let's Talk About...
Dyslexia and Dyspraxia
In this instalment we highlight ways we are working to recognise the strengths and creativity of dyslexic and dyspraxic staff and students in our community.
Unseen Disabilities
Did you know, over 90% of disabilities at Warwick are unseen? In this instalment we are looking at unseen disabilities, which can include sensory, neurodevelopmental, social, learning, speech, mental health and other types of disabilities.
Disability History
Annually during November/December UK Disability History Month is celebrated. In this instalment we look at this event creating a platform to focus on the history of disabled people's struggle for equality and human rights.
Visual Disabilities
In this instalment we look at how blind people and people with serious visual conditions might experience sight loss in very individual ways, but they all face challenging barriers in their day to day life.
Mental Health
In this instalment we are marking University Mental Health Day (the first Thursday in March annually). This day is a reminder to look after ourselves and support others but to also continue talking about our mental health and wellbeing.
Autism
In this instalment we explore how having a better understanding of how members of our staff and student community might see the world from a uniquely individual perspective is how we can embrace difference and raise awareness.
D/deaf Awareness Week
Annually in May, Deaf Awareness Week is celebrated. In this instalment we are talking about D/deaf awareness and the support that is available at Warwick.
Physical Disability
In this instalment of 'Let's Talk About Disability', we are talking about physical disabilities and the social model of disability.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Annually in September, Rheumatoid Arthritis Awareness Week (RAAW) is celebrated. In this instalment we are talking about what rheumatoid arthritis is.
Endometriosis
Annually in March Endometriosis Action Month is celebrated. In this instalment we are talking about the ways Endometriosis can have a significant impact on a person's life.
Accessibility
Annually, on the third Thursday of May, Global Accessibility Awareness Day is celebrated. In this instalment we are talking about how you can learn more about accessibility.
Assistance Dogs
Annually in August, International Assistance Dog Week (IADW) is celebrated. IADW was created to recognize all the devoted, hardworking assistance dogs.
“This series is all about challenging the idea that disability shouldn’t be talked about, or is too difficult to talk about. Instead, these pieces aim to celebrate and inform in a positive and accessible way. This is important for us as creating inclusive cultures where diversity is recognised, understood, and valued will help Warwick to achieve our vision of excellence in education and research. I hope you will find the series educational and engaging, and please do spread the word in your teams and departments so we can get more people talking about disability.”
Jane Furze (Director of Marketing, Communications, and Insight and Senior Disability Champion for Communication).
We are committed to creating a culture in which diversity is recognised, understood, and valued. To do this, we need your help to better understand the make-up of our community - please answer the diversity monitoring questions on your personal record. Staff can update on SuccessFactors and students on Student Records Online. It should only take a few minutes of your time. Find out more about what we ask and how we use it.