18 November to 18 December is Disability History Month, its focus this year is on Relationships & Sex and Hidden Impairments.
"Living with a hidden disability requires courage, strength and tenacity of spirit, it also requires an understanding and supportive work environment. The support and care I’ve experienced within the university have enabled me to hold on even when I felt I couldn’t continue. I know that is not the case for everyone within the university . It is my hope that as we continue to develop our sense of fairness in equality, diversity and inclusion, that everyone, with a disability and without, would know they are supported as a person within the university community."
Matthew Nadeau - Chair of the Staff Disability Network
Hidden disabilities can produce a whole range of emotions, anxieties, and doubts in someone living with one. The inability to share with others can be an isolating and lonely experience for those without a friend in the workplace to share their lived experiences with.
Fear of others discovering a personal secret and, perhaps, being treated unfavourably at work in the advancement of one’s career are real barriers for those of us who live with debilitating effects of our unseen attackers.
Please consider your response to colleagues who may have a hidden or obvious disability, your support is crucial to them positively coping with their disability and thus continuing to work and live within the university as valued and productive members of our community.
Thank you to Matthew and the Staff Disability Network
Inclusivity at Greenwich
Equality, diversity and inclusivity are important to us at the university, and we are committed to a programme of action to overcome barriers to representation and inclusion through our university strategy. We are proud of our Staff Disability Network who model what is achieved by staff whose abilities are often a source of creativity and fortitude, and the positive impact this has on work and society to celebrate inclusivity. Only by eradicating barriers to participation will we make it universally easier for all. We also recognise the importance of the BAME Staff Network, LGBT+ Staff Community, Women’s Staff Network, allies and the wider community in promoting disabled staffs' equality, and acting as agents of change at the university.
The work of our Staff Disability Network
The staff disability network aims to:
- Provide a safe, supportive and confidential forum for sharing experiences, networking and discussing identified issues that affect members of staff across the University
- Act as a lobbying group to raise awareness of disability at work, with specific emphasis on the barriers staff face and improving understanding of this amongst leaders.
- Organise events to highlight issues affecting disabled staff at work
- Provide a platform to discuss day to day issues around working with a disability and how to overcome them
- Offer practical support to staff and line managers, such as how to request reasonable adjustments
You can find out more about the network and how to join on the Staff Disability Network page.
Greenwich Students' Union
As part of Disability History Month, Greenwich Students' Union will be hosting events to explore intersectionality, disability activism, and challenge misconceptions.
Be part of It's a Spectrum - Experience of Disability Exhibition - this exhibition will share the personal experiences of people with disabilities to highlight the range of feelings and perceptions on disability. The GSU are currently gathering responses and preparing for the exhibition launch. You can read more in our article, including how to participate.
To find out more about GSU events as part of Disability History Month visit the Disability History Month page on the GSU site.
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Disability History Month Teams Background
