Disabled Staff Community

A statement from our Co-chairs

We stand with everyone affected by the recent acts of violence

Put your safety and wellbeing first

Following the recent breakouts of violence across the UK, disabled people are now more at risk than ever. As a community of disabled people, we understand all too well how the spread of hateful misinformation and growing social tensions inevitably lead to disabled friends and colleagues rightly feeling targeted, vulnerable and isolated. Echoing the recent article, Supporting our university community, we advise all to avoid problem hotspots and work from home if at all concerned, and please check local news and social media for reports of violent disorder before heading out.

Extending weekly catchups, Thursdays at 10AM

To support our members during August and leading into the next academic session, we will be extending our online safe-space catchups, providing a 30min weekly window for members to spend time with other disabled staff and allies with no agenda, just a space to share concerns, support each other and connect. Direct links to come, with further links shared across community channels.

Our community is always open to welcoming new members who support an affirmative approach to disability, so please do reach out if you’d like to join us!

Stay safe on-campus and maintaining your wellbeing

To receive immediate support from security whilst on campus, Download Safezone

And, if your mental health is suffering as a result of things happening now, don’t wait, reach out today. Having private help and support can make a world of difference.

Counselling is available (six sessions) with the university’s Confidential Care providers as part of our university’s Employee Assistance Programme.

You can access confidential care by phoning the helpline: 0800 085 1376

Consider Maximus, for help negotiating reasonable adjustments and support for mental health 

Maximus are a government funded initiative that provide free confidential support (a) identifying what further reasonable adjustments might look like, (b) to receive help developing a personal wellbeing support plan and (c) to gain access to 9 months of free advice and guidance.

For information and to register for help, see: https://atw.maximusuk.co.uk

Act now: The earlier you reach out for help the more help you can receive

Read: Our Anthology, Histories of Disability: The good and the great, the bad and the ugly  

The Disabled Staff Community’s Histories of Disability exhibition, developed in partnership with colleagues, students and friends from STAART and NADSN, is now available to view or download

Long term, our aim is to publish these stories, to continue to promote their reach and to use them as a medium for creating greater understanding and sensitivity both at home and across NADSN’s network of UK Higher Education Institutions. If this exhibition has inspired you, you have any questions or feedback to share, please do drop us a line at disability@gre.ac.uk

Training our Disability Champions

Our external community allies offer regular opportunities to learn about the spectrum of disability, experiences at work and best practices.

Below find our current recommendations and links to upcoming training opportunities:

18 September:  d&i Leaders Disability at Work Online Summit 2024

Opens: 08:40 Online networking

Think differently about disability. The 5th Annual d&i Leaders Disability at Work Online Summit will bring together 200+ diversity, inclusion and HR, recruitment and talent professionals, along with employee network members, looking to attract, recruit and retain disabled talent.

For more information and to register online: This event is live online attendance only, costs vary.

24th September: FREE Webinar Hosted on Zoom: Dyslexia: definition, diagnosis and next steps

Opens: 11:00am

The NHS estimate that up to 1 in every 10 people in the UK has some degree of dyslexia, meaning it's a difference that's important to understand.

In the webinar you'll hear discussion about the following topics and more:

• How can I tell if I have dyslexia?
• How can dyslexia affect self-esteem?
• What is auditory working memory?
• What would a diagnostic assessment meeting involve?
• What would happen after a diagnostic assessment?

For more information and to register online: This event is a free Zoom hosted webinar.

Day One: Inclusive and accessible advertising and brand communications

Day Two: Accessibility Leaders and Champions

For more information and to register online: This event is open to in-person and online attendance, costs vary.

Meet our community

Our members

Our Community is open to all university staff who self-identify as disabled and non-disabled staff that identify as allies.

Members are invited to take support, inspiration and develop understanding from community engagement.

Aims

To provide a safe space

To encourage creativity

To collaborate and strive for improvement

To promote the advancement of one another

Values

Opportunity: To open opportunities for disabled staff by showcasing community achievements and improving representation through enhanced stakeholder awareness.

Recognition: To celebrate the achievements and successes of our disabled staff, and disabled persons within the wider community. Demonstrating and promoting what is possible, charting the successes of the community and defining the support required to make it happen.

Empowerment: To inspire our members and allies to strive for progression within their careers. Showcasing skills and ambitions, telling stories and developing understanding. Inspiring, supporting and enabling our members to achieve their ambitions.

Executive Committee 2024/25

The executive committee represents, leads and undertakes the work of the community.

Chair

• Alan Dudley

Vice-chair

• Megan Rudden

Community chairs are elected to lead the community and hold responsibility for the strategic delivery of the community's aims and values.

Executive officers 

Our Executive Officers are elected to provide support relating to community operations and represent professional specialisms, inclusivity champions and disabled leaders.

• Beverley Woodhams
• Francesca Granieri
• Irfan Chishti
• Louise Hewitt
• Maira Pasmaki
• Matthew Nadeau
• Melanie Thorley
• Mostafa Azzi
• Vikki Wood

To learn more or join our staff community, email: Disability@gre.ac.uk