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Disability History Month 2023

16 November – 16 December

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Celebrate Disability History Month at DMU

This year at DMU, we have an exciting and inclusive programme of virtual and in-person events taking place for Disability History Month (DHM) between Thursday 16 November and Saturday 16 December 2023.

UK Disability History Month (UKDHM) - search @UKDHM or use #UKDHM to share - is an annual, month-long observance of the history of the disability rights movement; a celebration of the lives of disabled people past and present; and a commemoration of the achievements of disabled people. UKDHM aims to achieve equality for those with disabilities and to challenge disablism by exploring oppression and this year’s theme is Disability, Children and Youth.

Building on the success of last year’s second-ever Disability History Month at DMU, the month-long programme of events - led by the DisAbility and Wellbeing Network (DAWN) - boasts a comedy night with ‘The Lost Voice Guy’, a mindfulness session, a disability showcase, a ‘Disabled Women in Academia’ panel event, and an ADHD drawing workshop.

Meredith Wilkinson, DAWN co-chair said: “We are looking forward to hosting Disability History Month (DHM) once again at DMU. We have some exciting things coming up for both students and staff.  This is a time not only to learn more about disability but to reflect upon our own attitudes towards disability.  As an empowering and inclusive university, we value the diverse range of staff and students we have at DMU and events like DHM celebrates that diversity.”

Our dedicated Disability History Month microsite​ contains a full list of what's on, alumni interviews and lived experiences of disability, and also further resources such as tips for more inclusive meetings. You can also check out our DMU Events calendar for details on how to book onto or access events. Both will continue to be updated throughout the season.

"I am really looking forward to our programme of exciting and informative events for our third UK Disability History Month at DMU. UKDHM is a chance to highlight the history of disability whilst also looking forward to ways to increase awareness, acceptance and pride.

Our Staff Disability and Wellbeing Network (DAWN) membership continues to grow and I thank colleagues in the Network alongside the other teams across DMU for the work that has gone into the planning and realisation of this year’s events.

We welcome disabled staff, students and our allies to come along to events, have fun and increase your understanding of disability inclusion and ways to wellbeing."

Leanne Herbert, DAWN co-chair

Upcoming DHM events

There are currently no related events for this subject. You may find more events of interest in our events calendar.

Disability History Month: Alumni interview with Mark Esho

Disabled History Month: Vicky Foxcroft (Shadow Minister for Disabled People)

Alumni stories

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Disability Power 100 – Britain’s 100 most influential disabled people

Celebrating diversity is so important, and the Disability Power 100 is here to do just that. This is an annual publication that highlights and champions the work of the top 100 disabled influencers in the country, as nominated by the public.

Find out more
dhm-poster

'In life, some things happen'

When thinking of disabilities, people often forget those who are visually impaired and how their day-to-day experiences may be affected, especially when studying.

Therefore, one of our students has provided two posters – technically both the same – yet showing how they viewed the image prior to their visual disability and after. This highlights how people see the world differently, but also that disabilities do not only occur from birth. They can be experienced by any of us through the course of our life and will undoubtedly alter our perspective and point of view, whether literally of figuratively.

Right: Bollywood poster depiction of Hindi film 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai' which translates, 'some things happen' with added text 'In Life' and 'directed by destiny'. At the top of the poster is a digital abstract drawing of the two famous Bollywood actors named, Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol. Both are main characters in the film.

Disability, health and wellbeing resources