Disability History Month

Disability History Month 2024

UK Disability History month runs from 14 November to 20 December to recognise the history of disabled people’s struggle for equality and human rights with the theme ‘Disability Livelihood and Employment’. This year, the University and the Students' Union have put on an exciting schedule of events that will be taking place across the University and online during the month so that everyone can get involved. Below you'll find our selection of events, but don't forget to check out full calendar of events.

Find out more about Diversity & Inclusion at the University.

Events for Students

Access For All - Bridging the Student Experience Panel Talk

17:30 –19:00, Reading Students’ Union Flex

Reading SU are happy to welcome a variety of panelists discussing their experience as disabled people and how that affected their transition from student life to the working world. We invite you to join the discussion and attend in person or online.

Access For ALL - Disability Support and Stories Fair

12:00 –17:00, Reading Students’ Union 3sixty and Flex

This dynamic drop-in event is packed with networking, interactive workshops, and engaging exhibitions. Discover local and national disability support organisations, share experiences, and dive into discussions on workplace accommodations and allyship.

'Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution' film screening

17:30 –19:30, London Road Campus, L22, G03

Join us for an evening of cinema, connection, and conversation as we explore and reflect on lived experiences about disability on screen. If you register by 27th November, pop corn guaranteed on the night!

Make your own kind of music: being autistic and navigating life

19:00 –20:30, Online

Professor Allán Laville, ProVice-Chancellor for Diversity and Inclusion at the University of Reading, will be discussing his own journey of self-discovery and how being autistic has helped him to flourish in the workplace. He will cover his journey from school days to University to the present day and include detail some of the challenges along the way.

Making an Autistic Living

19:00 –20:30, Online

Pete Wharmby will be talking about making a living as an autistic person Pete is an autistic speaker, writer, tutor and parent, who is working to improve autism acceptance in society by sharing insights and experiences of autism to the widest possible audience. He has spoken at many conferences and events, often as the keynote speaker, on topics such as autism in education, the experience of autistic students and teachers, the importance of monotropism and special interests and much more.

Picturing our lived experiences

Midday, Online

Staff Disability Plus Network will be launching a call for submissions for network members and allies alike for an upcoming photographic exhibition focused on capturing the diverse lived experiences of disabled people, those with chronic illnesses, mental health, neurodivergent individuals, and those supporting them. This exhibition seeks to explore the everyday objects and moments that reflect personal journeys—those that speak to the reality of living with a disability, mental health, chronic illness or supporting others who do. Join the MS Teams call for more information.

Join the Meeting

Disability History Month 2024