Events

Labour Party online event – 8 December

Please join us for a special Disability History Month 2025 online event on Monday 8 December at 7pm to mark 20 years since the 2005 Disability Discrimination Act – a landmark achievement of the last Labour government. We will be joined by Stephen Timms MP, Minister for Social Security & Disability, Maria Eagle MP, who steered the Act through Parliament, Joe Watkinson of Disability Labour, Marie Tidball MP, and other special guests. The panel will share their recollections of the campaign for the DDA, and the benefits that came from it, as well as the challenges still to come.  Sign up here to register for the event on Monday 8 December at 7pm:

A BSL interpreter and palantypist will be available.You can use the registration form to submit any questions for the panel.

RIBA celebrates UK Disability History Month 2025

https://www.riba.org/news/riba-celebrates-uk-disability-month-2025

Plymouth University

https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/about-us/university-structure/service-areas/equality-diversity-and-inclusion/disability-support/uk-disability-history-month

UK Disability History Month 2025 at Queen Mary

Disability and Neurodiversity – ‘From conversation to commitment’: Queen Mary’s work to make Disability Inclusion more than words

Date: Thursday 20 November 2025

Time: 11.15am-12.15pm

Location: MS Teams – Find out more and register

As part of Queen Mary Professional Services Conference 2025, please join Dr Natasha Blitvic (Staff Disability Network Co-chair) and the Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Team as we take a Deep Dive into Disability and Neurodiversity Inclusion; this session will include an overview of support available for disabled colleagues and their managers, and features an in depth discussion on the topic with special guests Jonathan Morgan (Chief Governance Officer and University Secretary) and Priti Patel (PS Service Development Programme Director).

This session assumes no prior knowledge (or lived experience of disability) and aims to showcase recent progress from our Culture & Inclusion Enabling Plan as the University takes further steps on our journey to become the most inclusive of our kind.

Workshop: Developing Inclusive Education for Neurodivergent Learners

Date: Thursday 20 November 2025

Time: 10.00am-11.30am

Location: MS Teams – Book your place

How can we design education inclusively? How can educators better support neurodivergent learners?

In this interactive workshop we will discuss barriers that learners who learn differently face and we offer strategies and tools that can support educators being more inclusive in the design and delivery of their teaching and student support.

If you are unable to make the session on 20 November, the next one is planned for Wednesday 18 February 2026, 2.30pm-4.00pm and you can already book your place.

Please note that before attending this workshop you have to take the online module: Introduction to neurodiversity.

After completing this workshop, you will be better able to:

1. Address the barriers for neurodivergent learners in the classroom; 
2. Reflect on inclusive practice in the design, delivery, and assessment of your modules; 
3. Apply strategies and tools to support neurodivergent learners

Queen Mary Academy also offer bespoke workshops on neurodiversity to schools and teams – please contact qmacademy@qmul.ac.uk to enquire.

UK Disability History Month flag raising event

Date: Wednesday 26 November 2025

Time: 12.30pm – 1.00pm

Location: Outside the Queens’ Building, Mile End

You are warmly invited to a flag raising ceremony marking UK Disability History Month 2025. The Disability Pride flag will be flown as a visible symbol of Queen Mary’s commitment to championing our disabled community. 

The Disability Pride flag was first created by in 2019 by Ann Magill, who later redesigned it in 2021. This was to make the flag more accessible in a number of ways, including by avoiding any strobe or flicker effects when viewing the flag on a screen and scrolling. Revised, more muted colours were also used and rearranged to reduce eye strain, with each stripe given a different level of brightness, so that they can be more easily distinguishable by people with colour blindness.

The flag’s symbolism (based upon the original description by its creator) is:

• Having All Six “Standard” Flag Colors: signifying that the Disability Community is pan-national, spanning borders between states and nations
• The Black Field: Mourning and rage for victims of ableist violence and abuse
• The Diagonal Band: “Cutting across” the walls and barriers that separate disabled people from society; also light and creativity cutting through the darkness
• The White Stripe: Invisible and Undiagnosed Disabilities
• The Red Stripe: Physical Disabilities
• The Gold Stripe: Neurodivergence
• The Blue Stripe: Mental Health Disabilities
• The Green Stripe: Sensory Disabilities

Disability History Month: SANDS x PGRSoc: Highlighting Disabled and Neurodivergent PGRs

Date: Thursday 4 December 2025

Time: 11.00am-2.00pm

Location: iQ East Court (Scape) 3.01 & Online – Anyone wishing to attend (including online) should complete this short form.

Join SANDS and PGRSoc to hear from some great neurodivergent and disabled PGR (research) students. This event features an inclusive, accessible, and series of talks, each from a different disabled and/or neurodivergent PGR, talking about their research or experiences of research, including a break for social networking over coffee (and cakes!) and plenty of time for discussion and questions between talks.

Everyone is very welcome to attend, including all staff and students at Queen Mary.

Find out more about Queen Mary Students’ Union UK Disability History Month events taking place.

Lunch & Learn – Creating digital content at Queen Mary

Date: Monday 8 December 2025

Time: 1.00pm-2.00pm

Location: MS Teams webinar event – Register to attend

Join Joe Saxon, Digital Content Manager and Chair of the Content Accessibility Champion Network, for a practical Lunch and Learn session all about accessibility at Queen Mary.

Whether you edit web pages, create documents, or design presentations, this session will help you understand your role in making our digital content as inclusive and accessible as possible.

Get Active x Disability History Month

The Get Active timetable has been expanded to provide a greater number of sessions as part of UK Disability History Month. All of the sessions are open to students and staff and to book on, people can visit the What’s On page or the QMSU Sport App.

There are lifts in the reception to the gym which can be used to access the Sports Hall and the Mind & Body Studio. There are also changing rooms and showers in Qmotion Fitness Centre for people to change before and after the sessions.

To come and view the facility prior to the session, the gym offers free tours, or to schedule a visit please feel free to contact s.pardoe@qmul.ac.uk and she would be happy to show you around.

Wheelchair Basketball: Taster Session

Where: Qmotion Sports Hall (E1 4FZ)

When: Tuesday 2 December

Time:  5.00pm-7.00pm

Boccia Pop-Up

Where: Geography Square (E1 4NS)

When: Thursday 4 December

Time: 1.00pm-2.00pm

Seated Volleyball

Where: Qmotion Sports Hall (E1 4FZ)

When: Friday 5 December

Time:  1.00pm-2.00pm

Chair Yoga

Where: Qmotion Fitness Centre, Mind & Body Studio (E1 4FZ)

When: Friday 5 December

Time:  1.15pm-2.15pm

Disability History Month: Navigating Your Path to Employment

Date: Thursday 11 December

Time: 12.30pm-1.30pm

Location: Book your place on the Careers Hub

Join Careers and Enterprise for an empowering workshop designed to help students with disabilities confidently navigate the journey to employment.

Staff Disability Network – Tea & Talk

Date: Thursday 11 December 2025

Time: 2.00pm-3.00pm

Location: Online via MS Teams. Please see the Staff Disability Network Teams site for more info and for the link to join.

Members of the Queen Mary Staff Disability Network will meet with the Co-Chairs of the network and colleagues from the EDI Team, for an informal Tea & Talk session focusing on recent progress around Reasonable Adjustments for Staff.

Staff can find out more information about joining the network on the Staff Disability Network page. 

Staff Disability Network – Coffee drop-in sessions

Join members of the Staff Disability Network for their regular coffee drop-ins. These sessions are held on MS Teams and are not recorded. They are an opportunity to meet and chat with other members of the network in an informal setting. Staff can find out more information about joining on the Staff Disability Network page. 

Upcoming coffee drop-in sessions that coincide with UKDHM are:

• Thursday 27 November, 11.00am-11.30am
• Friday 5 December, 11.00am-11.30am
• Thursday 11 December, 11.00am-11.30am
• Friday 19 December, 11.00am-11.30am

Project SEARCH

DFN Project SEARCH is a national charity that enables young adults who have a learning disability or autism spectrum condition to secure meaningful permanent employment, with tailored job coaching to help bridge the gap between education and employment. 

In 2025, teams across both the Queen Mary and the Students’ Union have had the pleasure of meeting and working with some of Project SEARCH’s interns. Positions span across departments of retail, administration, portering, catering, IT, and domestics. 

Find out more on the Queen Mary Project SEARCH webpage.

Project SEARCH Quiz

Date: Monday 15 December

Time: 11.30am

Location: Online via MS Teams – email Sean Pollock for the link to join

Join in with this interactive ‘Do you know your Neuros?’ online quiz, created, coordinated and hosted by Project SEARCH interns with support and input from job coaches. An exciting prize is on offer for the winner to receive a free tour and lunch, hosted at the Project SEARCH sister site Clyde and Co, a law firm in Aldgate with city views overlooking iconic London sights.

Do join if you can!

UK Disability History Month Book Display at Mile End Library

Library Services celebrate literature focusing on disability in all its forms throughout the year and UK Disability History Month is no exception. 

Throughout the month a selection of books will be on display in the foyer and the Library Services Team will also be adding new titles to their collection, including both e-books and physical copies. Pop in to take a look and also visit our Media Recommendations to access a full reading list, especially curated for the month.

Carer’s Rights Day – Thursday 20 November 2025

UKDHM coincides with Carer’s Rights Day that is taking place on Thursday 20 November and is organised by Carers UK. Also referred to as caregivers, carers are individuals who provide unpaid care and support to family members, friends, or neighbours wo have a physical or mental illness, disability, or frailty. In the UK alone, approximately 6.5 million people fulfil the role of caregivers, making a significant impact on the lives of those they care for and society as a whole.

Many disabled people are themselves carers for others, with 27% of carers who completed Carers UK’s ‘State of Caring’ survey in 2022 saying they had a disability

Carers Rights Day shines a light on the invaluable work undertaken by carers throughout the UK and is an opportunity to help to ensure they receive the recognition, support, and resources they deserve. The theme for 2024 is ‘Recognising your rights’.

At Queen Mary the Parents and Carers Network aims to support the working lives of employees with caring responsibilities. 

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2024 Events

Launch UK Disability History Month 2024

Thu, 14 Nov 2024
18:30–20:00
Online

Speakers Include:

View the recording of the launch here.

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Inclusive Companies Webinar

12 December 2024
11:00 am – 12:00 pm

Facilitated by: Dr. Richard Rieser OBE


This year’s theme, “Disability Livelihood and Employment,” explores the historical context of the disability pay gap, systemic barriers, and the future of disability inclusion in the workplace. With the recent government mandate on Disability Pay Gap reporting, we’ll discuss its potential for change and the challenges that lie ahead.



Key Takeaways:

Historical roots of the disability pay gap

Systemic barriers to fair employment

Recognition of disabled individuals’ contributions

The impact of the Disability Pay Gap Reporting mandate

Actionable strategies for an inclusive workplace



Click here to register, be part of this important discussion: https://lnkd.in/eYmmBWJ6

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Resources at University of Plymouth

Disability History Month at the Charles Seale-Hayne Library

As part of Disability History Month the Charles Seale-Hayne Library has a fantastic display on Level 1 containing a selection of books and some links to further information. 

In addition to this the Disability History Month libguide has been released and as part of the month are promoting their Tech for Learning guide as well. 

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Hard Graft: Work, Health and Rights

Exhibition
19 September 2024 – 27 April 2025 
Wellcome Collection, 183 Euston Road, London NW1 2BE

Explore the profound impact of physical work on health and the body at our new major exhibition.

‘Hard Graft: Work, Health and Rights’ delves into the stories of underrepresented workers and their rights within precarious and unsafe labour environments. From protests to healing practices, the exhibition unveils hidden histories of resistance and collective action.

Through a collection of over 150 items, including historical objects, contemporary artworks, films and new commissions, we invite you to witness the interconnectedness of working practices across the globe and the enduring fight for workers’ rights.

Visit the Wellcome Collection website here.

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Manchester Central Library Showcase Exhibition

Exhibition
October 2024 – January 2025
St Peter’s Square, Manchester M2 5PD

The Disabled People’s Archive is currently holding an exhibition at Manchester Central Library in the display cases on the ground floor near the café. This is to celebrate UK Disability History Month and to showcase all the hard work we have done in the past few years on the project.

We have 14 cases labelled A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N. In total we have 63 items, all of which are numbered with a corresponding paragraph of information in our programme which you can find below. We will also have roaming copies in the exhibition space. 

We are using this showcase as an experiment of how to host an exhibition in the most accessible way possible in a space we can’t control, so that we can help design future exhibitions and displays in a way that works for disabled people. One way we have done this is by having programmes available online for those who may not be able to make it to the library to see the exhibition in person. We have created programmes in accessible formats as well as having scans and images of what is in the exhibition space. 

See the programme here.

UKDHM at Queen Mary

There are many great events taking place throughout the month at Queen Mary.
Please consult their programme here.

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UKDHM at De Montfort

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 14 November and Friday 20 December.
See the full programme here.

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Celebrate 40 Years of SPECTRUM

Saturday November 16, 2024  
15:00–18:00
The Whitworth Suite, Unity 12, 9-19 Rose Road, Southampton, SO14 6TE

This celebration will honour the incredible journey of SPECTRUM over the past four decades, highlighting our achievements in advocating for disability rights and empowering disabled individuals. It will be a wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow members, share stories, and enjoy good food and drinks.

The venue is fully accessible, and if you have any specific accommodations or dietary requirements, please let us know in advance so we can make the necessary arrangements.

Please RSVP to ensure your place at this landmark event.
contact us at info@spectrumcil.co.uk.

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UKDHM Art Event – Design Session

November 15, 2024  
13:00–15:00
 the Olive Grove Café, Central Methodist Church, Preston PR1 2NL

Everyone welcome to contribute to the designing session of what will become our UK Disability History Month Community Artwork piece. This artwork will be user-led in its focus, and, following the themes of Disability Employment and Livelihood (this year’s Disability History Month theme).

We will then be holding on Wednesday 20^th November 2024; 1pm / 13:00 – 3pm / 15:00 at Committee Room A, Town Hall, Preston PR1 2RL for the UKDHM Art Event – Creative Session #1

This will be the first of several creation sessions, where those in attendance, using plans from the Design Session, will begin making a Community Artwork piece for UK Disability History Month 2024. Artwork supplies will be provided, along with hot and cold beverages. Further sessions will be planned during this creative session and the design session, depending on the availability of the groups in attendance throughout UK Disability History Month 2024.

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Beds SU – Students with Disabilities forum

18 November 2024
15:30
Luton Campus

Join us for an informal and social Student Forum to discuss the opportunities and challenges people with disabilities face when seeking employment. This event seeks to capture your views and explore the ways in which the SU and University can better support students into getting employment alongside their studies or post university.

Your Co-President Seyi Lowo, members of the University Careers team and to be confirmed local charities and business will join the conversation.

This event is open to All students with disabilities and if you are unable to join in person there will be online access via Microsoft teams.

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BDF webinar: Inclusive Enough? Navigating self-ID in the workplace

26 Novermber 2024
14:00–15:00
Online

Is it really necessary for employees to share information about their disabilities in a truly inclusive workplace? We will dive into this important debate and explore how organisations can support all employees, however they choose to identify.

This webinar will be hosted by Texthelp and introduced by Donna Thomson, Principal Marketing Specialist, Texthelp. Hear best practices and challenges from leading voices on how to support employees with sharing, and learn actionable steps to enhance EDI efforts and support diverse identities.

More info here.

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Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS) event: Living with motor neurone disease: a special talk for Disability History Month

27 Novermber 2024
12:30–13:30
Online

This one-hour online talk will provide an overview of motor neurone disease (MND), local MND services and research. We will explore what it means to live well with MND.

Join Rachel Thomson, Sussex MND Care & Research Network Coordinator, and Fiona Eldridge, MND Specialist practitioner, Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust, for this online event, hosted by Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS) for Disability History Month.

https://www.sussex.ac.uk/equalities/newsandevents/evnts?id=66086

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Herts Disability Workshop

27 November 2024
13:00–16:00
University of Hertfordshire LC154

Hear from Herts Alumni about disabilities as a whole and their personal experiences. Covering topics ranging from Neurodiversity and ADHD to Workplace Barriers, Understanding Accessibility and Disability Inclusion, there will be an interactive workshop discussing each topic in a manageable manner. With 4 workshops in total and a Q&A panel towards the end, this event aims to provide a holistic overview on disabilities in their entirety!

EDI Office
w.padfield2@herts.ac.uk

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TUC Webinar: Negotiating for Reasonable Adjustments

27 November 2024
14:00–15:00
Online

Reasonable adjustments are changes an employer makes to remove or reduce a disadvantage related to someone’s disability at work. But what is defined as ‘reasonable’ and what else should union reps know? Join us during Disability History Month for this briefing on what reps need to know about negotiating for reasonable adjustments.

Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_f4vxG_nmRrOc2aSkVn0S4w#/registration

Contact
tuceducation@tuc.org.uk

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University of Reading – Disability History Month Flagship Event

29 November 2024
12:00–17:00
Reading Students’ Union, Whiteknights Campus

As part of Disability History Month, this dynamic drop-in event will be packed with networking, interactive workshops, and engaging exhibitions reflecting the national theme. There will be opportunities to discover local and national disability support organisations, share experiences, and dive into discussions on workplace accommodations and allyship. The event will wrap up with an engaging panel discussion hosted by the Reading Students’ Union.
Register here

Workshop Programme:
12:00 – 12:30
Skills to work in the heritage sector: MERL
The MERL has been developing its skills offer to school, college and university students over a number of years. In this workshop we shall discuss the various opportunities and offer case studies of successful partnership working.

13:00 – 13:30
Resume Building: HR
How to make your CV stand out when applying for jobs, what to include and how to present it.

14:00 – 14:30
Interview Tips: HR
How to stand out from the crowd at interview stage, how to prepare and receiving feedback.

15:00 – 15:30
Connecting with the Staff Disability Plus Network?: Staff Network
Join the Staff Disability Plus Network for a workshop on fostering an inclusive workplace, offering insights into the network’s initiatives and resources for staff with disabilities.

Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to honour and recognise the profound significance of Disability History Month, as we embrace this year theme of Employment and Livelihood.

For any questions, please contact us on: email events@reading.ac.uk or call +44 (0) 118 378 6718

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The Mariner, the Savant, and the Princess – Three extraordinary lives linked to the Royal Pavilion

30 November 2024
2–4pm
Brighton Museum & Art Gallery

Biracial freelance inclusion researcher for B&H Black History, Suchitra Chatterjee will lead an interactive presentation showcasing the lives of Tom Wiggins, Billy Waters and Princess Sophia Duleep Singh, followed by a Q&A session with the audience. To include extracts of music linked to Tom and Billy.

This session will explore the lives of three remarkable historical figures—Billy Waters, former Sailor and London Busker, Tom Wiggins, Musical Prodigy and Autistic Savant, and Princess Sophia Duleep Singh, Indian royalty, suffragette, freedom fighter and Nurse—through their connections with the iconic Royal Pavilion. Each left an indelible mark on history through their unique contributions to music, social justice, and cultural heritage.

After the talk there will be opportunity to discuss the intersection of race, disability, activism and music and to reflect on how their disabilities both hidden and physical influenced their lives.

Please let us know if you have any access requirements you would like us to be aware of.

Book tickets here.

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Made for More

3 December 2024
6.00pm
School of Global Development, University of East Anglia

In Made for More, Dave Shraga explores these issues with reference to his own journey from a life-changing accident in Zimbabwe, via experiences of non-inclusive employment in London, to development studies, self-employment and charity work in Norwich.

The 25-minute premiere will be followed by Q&A with Dave and the team behind the film, including filmmaker Ayoola Joyalemi.

Room: ZICER 2.02 (take the lift to the top floor of the Zuckerman Institute)
School of Global Development, University of East Anglia

Click for an online campus map

Click if you’d like to register your attendance

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A Life of My Own: Elliott Carswell seeks work

4 December 2024
8.00pm
West London Trades Union Club

West London Trades Union Club’s 2024 UK Disability History Month event is a showing of A Life of My Own: Elliott Carswell seeks work, followed by informal discussion. 8:00pm, Wednesday 4 December 2024, in the bar, 33-35 Acton High Street, London, W3 6ND, access details at https://wltuc.com/access. Free. Non-members welcome.

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