Every year between 20 November and 20 December, Disability History Month provides us the opportunity to recognise the histories, achievements and experiences of disabled people. It invites us to reflect on the progress made, the barriers that still exist, and the collective responsibility that we share in building a more inclusive and equitable culture.
Staff Disability Network
“To honour Disability History Month this year, the Staff Disability Network are highlighting the importance of raising awareness around the continued support needed for the disabled community on campus. Our network is focused on improving the lives of disabled staff members on campus by advocating for our network members, collaborating with DEI leads across campus and increasing awareness and understanding for those with disabilities. Anyone who identifies as disabled is welcome to join the network for support, advocacy or as a way to meet individuals with shared experience here at Sussex. Please go to our webpage to learn more or email staffdisabilitynetwork@sussex.ac.uk to join.” Staff Disability Network Co-chairs
What’s happening?
The Students’ Union have organised various events that encourage learning, connection and open conversations about disability, across our community.
Student Union events:
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25 November - Panel on Intersection of Disabilities and Gender-Based Violence at the Meeting House, 3pm-5pm (In collaboration with 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence)
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27 November - Film screening of Crip Camp, 5pm-7pm
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1 December - Pub Quiz, Falmer Bar, 7pm
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2 December - ‘Know Your Rights’ Workshop, 2pm-4pm
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9 December - Exhibition 'Celebration and Struggle of Disability History at Sussex' at the Debating Chamber, 11am-3pm
Further information about these events can be found on the Students’ Union "What's On" page.
Disability Equality and Inclusion at Sussex University
We are committed to building an inclusive and equitable culture, delivering inclusive and accessible education, providing effective support for disabled students, empowering our disabled staff colleagues and working toward a physically and digitally accessible environment. Central to this commitment is our Disability Equality and Inclusion Steering Group, which brings together stakeholders from across the University to guide strategy, monitor progress, and champion best practice.
Last academic year, the University completed a review of reasonable adjustments for students, which led to the introduction of our first mandatory Disability Awareness training for staff. Alongside this, a range of actions and initiatives are underway across the University to advance disability equality and inclusion.
As a Disability Confident Leader, we take pride in the progress made, but we recognise there is still much work to do. This Disability History Month, we reaffirm our commitment to listening to disabled voices, taking meaningful action, and continuing to develop a culture where all staff and students feel valued and empowered.
2025 Disability History Month Theme
In light of The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, this year’s national Disability History Month’s theme focuses on the issue of assisted suicide and its impact on people with disabilities. The theme reflects ongoing national discussions, including extensive debates in Parliament, about proposed changes to assisted dying legislation in the UK. These conversations have become increasingly prominent and raise significant questions for many disabled people. For some, the debate touches on issues of autonomy and choice; for others, it raises concerns about how society understands, values and protects disabled lives.
We recognise that this is a complex and sensitive topic. Listening to the voices of disabled staff is essential to understanding the real issues that affect the lives of the disabled staff, students and community members. We also acknowledge, and want to highlight, that perspectives on this theme vary widely, including within the disabled community.
As an institution that values open listening, freedom of speech and thoughtful dialogue, we believe it is important to acknowledge difficult and sensitive topics whilst engaging respectfully with the diversity of experiences and opinions. We do so with care, understanding, and a commitment to supporting everyone in our community.
We recognise that this topic may be difficult for some members of our community. If you are, or have been, affected by it, please consider reaching out to the support services listed below.
Further resources:
For more information, guidance, and support on wellbeing, and disability equality and inclusion, you can access the following resources:
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Wellbeing, Student Hub – Wellbeing information and resources for students
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Student Disability Support – Advice and support for disabled students.
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Faculty Wellbeing Consultants – Support and guidance for students’ wellbeing, including disability-related considerations.
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Staff Wellbeing Hub- Resources, advice, and support for staff wellbeing, including mental health and accessibility.
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Report and Support - Use the Report and Support Tool to let us know if you or someone else has experienced behaviours such as bullying, harassment, a hate incident, sexual violence, domestic abuse or discrimination.
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Staff Disability Network – A community for disabled staff to connect, share experiences, and influence university policy.
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Neurodiversity Staff Support Network – Peer support and resources for staff who identify, or would like to learn more about, neurodivergence.
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Disability Awareness Course – Mandatory staff training.
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Workplace Adjustments Toolkit – Guidance on implementing reasonable adjustments for staff.
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Digital Accessibility Tools- A list of tools available at the university to support digital accessibility.
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Business Disability Forum Resources – External guidance and resources on disability inclusion in the workplace. Sign up with your university email address and navigate to the Knowledge Hub.
Image Credit
This photo was taken by Chona Kasinger, sourced from the Disabled and Here collection.