Let’s Talk Education: Disability History Month

Since taking on my role as PVC Education at Bath, one of the things that has brought me the most joy at work, is meeting and connecting with members of our community to talk about the key issues in education.

'Let's Talk Education' is my approach to capturing and sharing those conversations with our community.

UK Disability History Month runs from 14th November to 20th December. It's an annual event, creating a platform to focus on the history of the struggle of people with disabilities for equality and human rights, and to create space to celebrate those who champion and advocate for positive change.

I was therefore delighted to invite Isobel Shone, Chair of the Disability Action Group, and Steven Lawrence, Deputy Director for Student Access and Success to join me to discuss this important topic in the context of education at Bath.

We, of course, were only able to scratch the surface in this short video, but covered some important areas, including our current governance work, our strategic focus on ensuring our education and student experience enable all students to thrive, and the importance of connecting with and supporting one another.

I was particularly struck by Isobel's reflections on the impact of a lecturer acknowledging disabled students in the first session of the academic year, and the fact that a fear of getting things wrong can sometimes hold us back from having important conversations.

This is an area of continued learning for me, as I'm sure it is for many of you too, particularly in light of updated sector guidance, but I'm hugely encouraged by the examples of good practice already happening, and the passion and appetite from both our staff and students for continued enhancement.

Staff received a communication from Cassie Wilson (Pro-Vice-Chancellor Student Experience) at the beginning of the semester with some useful links to current guidance, so we've included some of those again for ease below, and I'd encourage you to engage with our wider activities this Disability History Month, which you can explore here, with huge thanks to all those involved.

Useful Links for Staff Supporting Disabled Students:

You can review guidance on supporting disabled students here, or contact the Disability Service with any queries.
Advice on supporting students through teaching and learning in addition to guidance to support wider resources available via the Teaching Hub. You can also contact the CLT directly with specific queries or to discuss training and development for teaching staff.
Along with the Disability Service and Centre for Learning and Teaching, the Student Support and Safeguarding Teams can also offer students wellbeing support, as needed.
The library also offer specific support for those with disabilities, including a new referral form, which you may wish to explore and/or signpost.
It's essential to look after your own wellbeing as you support students through challenges and difficulties - you can access support here, including information about the free and confidential counselling available to staff 24 hours a day.
For concerns about students who you feel may be at risk, you can access urgent advice and support using the 4321 advice line or email 4321@bath.ac.uk . This is available to all staff Mon-Fri 9-5 and helps ensure we join up the relevant specialist teams to best support you and our students.
You can also learn more about Disability support for members of staff.