Disability History Month
14 November to 20 December 2024
From 14 November to 20 December 2024, Strathclyde celebrates Disability History Month (DHM). DHM provides a space to focus on the history of the disabled rights movement and the struggle for equality and human rights.
The month is also an opportunity to challenge the myths and stereotypes that permeate the lives of disabled people and to elevate the voices of disabled people of the past and present. DHM also allows us to reflect on how ableism has shaped society, law, medicine, policy, and public and media discourse.
DHM includes the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on 3 December.
We have organised various events that provide opportunities for the Strathclyde community to engage, connect and reflect.
Find out more
Disability inclusion at Strathclyde
Driving forward disability inclusion
The University recently established a Disability Inclusion Steering Group and a Neurodiversity Working Group to lead our work on advancing access, equality, and inclusion for disabled and neurodiverse people in the Strathclyde community.
Supporting disabled applicants
Our new online resource for disabled applicants provides bespoke information and guidance on applying to study at the University as a disabled applicant. The resource was developed by an autistic recent graduate of Strathclyde via a paid work placement arranged by the Careers & Employability Service and hosted within the Widening Access Team.
Supporting disabled students
Disabled Students' Rep: Jay McKee, strathunion.disabledstudentsrep@strath.ac.uk
Disability & Wellbeing Service
The Disability & Wellbeing Service has a range of advisers with specialist expertise in disability, health, mental health, and counselling. They offer a broad range of support to students with any disability, mental health, and wellbeing-related needs.
Careers & Employability Service events
Check the Careers & Employability Service calendar for events throughout the month, hosted by employers and the Careers team.
Clubs & societies
Disabled Students Group: a space for students to share experiences, voice concerns and work together on campaigns addressing issues around accessibility.
Neurodiverse Students Association: a community group for neurodiverse students at Strathclyde. Join them to meet students who might be facing similar experiences at university.
Quiet Hour at Strath Union
Strath Union hosts a quiet hour every day from 9am to 10am.
During this time, no music will play on Levels 1 and 2. Screens are also either turned off or display a notice that it's a quiet hour.
By establishing a quiet hour, we're helping to create a less sensory-stimulating space for all, which will be particularly helpful to those who may be neurodiverse or have mental health conditions.
Supporting disabled staff
Disabled & Neurodiverse Staff Network
The Disabled & Neurodiverse Staff Network provides an opportunity to build a more inclusive and diverse university community and to enhance channels of support as well as community and visibility for disabled and neurodiverse colleagues at Strathclyde.
Staff Disability Advisor
Strathclyde has a dedicated advisor for staff with disabilities, including long-term health conditions. To contact Doug Ross, the Staff Disability Advisor, email douglas.ross@strath.ac.uk.
Exhibition: Disability History in the Strathclyde Archives
- Date: Thursday 14 November 2024 to Friday 20 December 2024
- Location: Level 3 of Andersonian Library, 101 St James Rd, Glasgow G4 0NS. The venue is accessed via stairs or platform lift.
- Time: During library opening hours
This year's Disability History Month theme, 'Disability, Livelihood and Employment,' is reflected in an exhibition showcasing materials from the Occupational and Environmental Diseases Association (OEDA) Archives at the University.
Founded by Nancy Tait, OEDA originated as the world's first asbestos action group, SPAID, which became a charity in 1978. In 1981, which was the International Year of Disabled People, the Society for the Prevention of Asbestosis and Industrial Diseases (SPAID) launched the SPAID Fellowship to support individuals disabled by industrial exposure to asbestos, providing a space for connection and sharing experiences.
The display includes documents, posters, and photographs related to the Fellowship and the International Year of Disabled People.
Exhibition: My Cultural Inclusion Story
- Date: Monday 18 November to Friday 29 November 2024
- Time: During building opening times
- Location: Jackie Kay Plaza Foyer, Level 4 of the Learning & Teaching Building. It can be accessed via 51 Richmond Street.
Dr Andrea Tonner and Fiona Dawson, Department of Marketing, share a photography exhibition for DHM 2024. Featuring images and poems about cultural and digital inclusion created by people with learning disabilities during research workshops, this exhibition allows us to explore the experiences of cultural inclusion.
Disability History Month at Strathclyde Playlist
A selection of documentaries, docu-dramas and fictional programs, films and radio shows focusing on disability history, disabled people's rights, key social issues, and arts and culture. Curated by the University’s Equality & Diversity Office. View the DHM playlist (log-in required). The playlist can be accessed at any time.
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20Nov2024
Men’s Health Matters
A powerful and thought-provoking session looking at men's health. We will hear from two local charities – Cahonas (Testicular Cancer Awareness) and Prostate Scotland – as well as two Strathclyde colleagues who are lived experience survivors of cancer who will share their testimony and experience. All genders welcome.Location: Mandela Auditorium, located at the Strathclyde Student Union within the Learning & Teaching BuildingTime: 10:00 to 11:30
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26Nov2024
Lets make Zines! Library event
Zine (pronounced 'zeen') is short for 'magazine', and are small self-published works. They can be anything! Drawings, photos, comics, stuff about your favourite show, your day, or things you're passionate about changing. Making a zine is a great way of expressing yourself, spending some time focused on something creative, and de-stressing.Location: Group Room on Level 3 of Andersonian LibraryTime: 2pm to 4pm
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26Nov2024
Canmore Trust Safe Space (student session)
Suicide impacts all of us, whether by knowing someone who has died in this way or having worked through a suicidal crisis or personal attempt. The Canmore Trust are facilitating monthly ‘Safe Space’ sessions at Strathclyde for anyone who has been impacted by suicide at any point in their lives – whether recent or distant.Location: TL466, Wellbeing Room, Learning & Teaching BuildingTime: 4.45pm
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26Nov2024
Canmore Trust Safe Space (staff session)
Suicide impacts all of us, whether by knowing someone who has died in this way or having worked through a suicidal crisis or personal attempt. The Canmore Trust are facilitating monthly ‘Safe Space’ sessions at Strathclyde for anyone who has been impacted by suicide at any point in their lives – whether recent or distant.Location: TL466, Wellbeing Room, Learning & Teaching BuildingTime: 6:15pm
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27Nov2024
Movember Karaoke – Show off your Mo
As Movember comes to a close, join us for an unforgettable night of music, fun, and celebration at the StrathMovember Karaoke Finale! This event is all about coming together as a community to recognize the incredible efforts made throughout the month to support men’s health, and, of course, to show off those fabulous moustaches!Location: The Terrace, Strathclyde Student Union, Learning & Teaching Building
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28Nov2024
Introduction to Disability @ Strathclyde training session
Disability is a protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010, but what do we mean by - and who comes under - the term 'disability'? How can we best support disabled students and staff, and recognise and address the barriers faced in work and study environments? This session will increase disability awareness and examine how we can support disabled students and colleagues.Location: OnlineTime: 10am to 11.30am
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3Dec2024
Lighting up our campus for International Day of Persons with Disabilities
campus buildings will be lit up in purple – the colour of the disability rights movement – to mark International Day of Persons with Disabilities.Location: Various around campus
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5Dec2024
Disabled & Neurodiverse Staff Network meet & greet (online)
The Disabled and Neurodiverse Staff Network are hosting an informal online meet and greet session for staff. All disabled and neurodiverse staff are welcome to attend. Festive jumpers are optional but encouraged. Please contact Douglas Ross (douglas.ross@strath.ac.uk) for the meeting invite.Location: OnlineTime: 2pm to 3pm
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10Dec2024
Disabled & Neurodiverse Staff Network meet & greet (on campus)
The Disabled & Neurodiverse Staff Network are hosting an informal on-campus meet and greet session for staff. All disabled and neurodiverse staff are welcome to attend. Festive jumpers are optional but encouraged. Light refreshments will be provided.Location: Learner Development Centre, TL453. The venue is accessed via stairs or platform lift.Time: 10am to 12am
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11Dec2024
Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution - Film Screening & Discussion
‘Crip Camp’ is an award-winning film which documents the lives of disability activists who attended a revolutionary summer camp for young people with disabilities in USA in the 1970s. These young people forged a life-long social justice movement, creating a new path towards equality for disabled people. Light refreshments will be provided.Location: Mandela Auditorium, Level 1 of Strathclyde Student’s Union, 51 Richmond St Glasgow G1 1XUTime: 2.30 pm
This venue has street-level access, for more information please visit Strath Union Entrance Access.
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12Dec2024
Disability Research Showcase
Join us for an informal online session to learn more from Strathclyde colleagues about the diverse range of disability-related research taking place across the University. All students and staff are welcome to attend. Register via Microsoft Forms.Location: OnlineTime: 10am to 12am
For staff members interested in presenting your research during the session, please email equality@strath.ac.uk.
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16Dec2024
Digital Accessibility training session
this training session focuses on the university’s role in promoting digital inclusion and how accessible practices not only meet compliance requirements but also equip students for workplace success. Through practical examples, testimonials, and actionable strategies, participants will gain the tools to create a legacy of accessibility that enhances opportunities for all.Location: OnlineTime: 1 pm to 2.30 pm