UK Disability History Month is an annual event that creates a platform to celebrate and focus on the history of people with disabilities.
This year it's running from the 18 November to 18 December, covering HIV/AIDS Day (1st December), International Day of People with Disabilities (3 December) and International Human Rights Day (10 December). It also follows on directly from Anti-Bullying Week (16 to 20 November) which is important as 2.5 times as much bullying is recorded towards disabled as compared to non-disabled young people. The national theme this year is "ACCESS - How far have we come? How far have we to go?"
More than 1,000 current Imperial students have declared a disability, a figure which has increased each academic year. Imperial subscribes to the Social Model of Disability which is not solely concerned with what the body can or cannot do but focuses on the barriers that prevent disabled people participating equally in society. Imperial has a lot of services available to ensure you feel supported and have the best experience studying here.
The Disability Advisory Service
The Disability Advisory Service is a service created to support students who have an impairment or disability, specific learning difficulties and other short and long-term conditions. It was created by the College and it's committed to providing the best possible support for all students at Imperial. They acknowledge the fact that each person's disability or impairment can affect them in different ways and therefore the support offered is flexible and tailored.
Departmental Disability Officers
Departmental Disability Officers (DDOs) are the first point of contact within a student's department. They will help organise and facilitate the support we have suggested within the department.
Stay connected
If you're keen to find out more keep an eye on College's Instagram for two great takeovers: on Thursday, 26 November for our Disabilites Officer, Adya Rao and on the 1 December for our Mental Health Officer, Lauren Wheeler.
If you want to get more involved and connect with like-minded people join our Liberation & Community Networks. There are 9 of them with specific ones for Disabilities and Mental Health.
