Disability History Month 2022 - Student Guide - University of Kent

Student Guide

Disability History Month 2022

What's on and support around disability.

Disability History Month at Kent

16 November - 16 December 2022

Find out what's on for Disability History Month, from talks and interactive events in Canterbury and Medway. Explore the disability history timeline of progress in disability support and provision at the University of Kent, and watch the series of short films about the experiences of disabled students, staff and alumni.

Event highlights

View the full programme of events open to students and staff on Kent Union's DHM events calendar, or search 'DHM' on the Student Support and Wellbeing Calendar.

#DHMKent22

Photos of some of the events that took place on our campuses to celebrate Disability History Month at Kent 2022

People gathered for the exhibition and film screening: Our Stories, on 6 December 2022 in Marlowe Building

People gathered for the exhibition and film screening: Our Stories, on 6 December 2022 in Marlowe Building

People gathered for the exhibition and film screening: Our Stories, on 6 December 2022 in Marlowe Building

Timeline exhibition hanging in Marlowe Foyer: Disability History at Kent 1965 - 2022

Reading materials displayed as part of Exhibition ofr Disability History at Kent: Our Stories

Picture of similing Chloe Timms, author, in a pink jacked and black top sitting in her wheelchair

Picture of students taking part in a wellbeing creative workshop including finger casting in December 2022 as part of DHM

Picture of students taking part in a wellbeing creative workshop including finger casting in December 2022 as part of DHM

Blog posts for Disability History Month 2022

Film series: Our Stories

Students, staff and alumni on their lived experience of disability, and ways to reduce stigma and improve inclusion in our Kent community, and beyond.

To access larger or full-screen view, click the name beneath each video. Full transcripts are available at the bottom of this page.

Maisie

Staff member, Canterbury campus. (2 minutes)

Josie

Undergraduate student, Medway campus. (2 minutes 18 seconds)

Anna

Staff member, Medway campus. (5 minutes 40 seconds)

Millie

Former student. (2 minutes 21 seconds)

Jonjo

Former student. (2 minutes 29 seconds)

Jane

Postgraduate student, Canterbury campus. (1 minute 47 seconds)

Hannah

Staff member, Canterbury campus. (2 minutes 42 seconds)

Casper

Student, Canterbury campus. (8 minutes 48 seconds)

Timeline: our place in disability history.

The timeline was on display in the Marlowe building lobby (outside MLT1) from Thursday 24 November until Friday 16 December. The physical exhibition was audio described on SoundCloud.

Explore the full timeline here as a narrated video (7 mins, closed captions available), or scroll down to read a slightly abridged version.

You can also download this content as a large-print accessible Word document.

1965

Kent welcomes first students.

Archive photo. Woman being lifted out of bus into wheelchair.

The first 500 students arrive at the University of Kent, including Ann Smith, a wheelchair user. The unprepared University hastily adds infrastructure to increase accessibility, including grab-rails in her room.

1970

New laws for equal access.

Two people viewed from behind walking down steps towards a concrete building.

The Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970 is a breakthrough for disability rights. Local authorities must now provide equal access to educational facilities. This leads to the addition of some disabled parking on campus in 1971.

1975

Disability in prospectus.

University of Kent 1975 prospectus cover in pink, set over an archive image of library shelves.

At the time of its first mention in a prospectus, the admissions process for disabled students seems to be based on the medical model of disability: where the disabled person's body is viewed to be the barrier.

1979

First disability advisers.

Archive photo. Woman facing camera, sat at desk with old computer.

David Reason, a disabled academic, is appointed the first Adviser to Disabled Students. Eve Wilson (pictured) also acts as Adviser in the 1980s. It soon becomes clear that the workload is too much for a single role.

1983

Social model of disability.

Man with sunglasses, striped top and short grey hair and beard sitting in wheelchair.

Kent alumnus and lecturer Professor Mike Oliver (pictured here in 2018) develops the 'social model of disability', a new way of thinking after years of a 'medical model'.

The MA he leads is the first course in what is later termed Disability Studies.

Read Mike's 1983 book online

1980s

Progress on campus access.

Archive map showing recommended routes for wheelchair users across a university campus.

Throughout the 1980s there is a sharp increase in the rate at which funding is allocated and works carried out to increase physical accessibility across campus. Funding commitments include ramps and accessible toilers in many buildings across campus.

1993

Disabled Students Allowance (DSA).

Students at old fashioned desktop computers in a university Library.

The Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) is established to help disabled full-time students cover equipment, non-medical helpers and general costs. However, part-time students will not become eligible for the DSA until 2000.

1995

Support unit created.

Blue steps in large modern atrium with a wall of windows on the left.

The Disability Discrimination Act 1995 gave rights to disabled people to prevent discrimination on the grounds of disability. This law change is a factor in Kent making the decision to establish a coordinated Disability Support Unit around this time.

2004

Formalised review processes.

Colour photograph of male student in study bedroom with an old fashioned computer.

New requirements for reasonable adjustments to make buildings accessible take effect in 2004. As a result, Kent's Disability Support Network Group and the Disabled Access Working Party gain importance, and are set to be merged into one review body.

2015

Disability to accessibility.

View from above of eight university students sat at indoor table with laptops and books.

In 2015, Kent partners with DisabilityGO (now AccessAble) to create an online accessibility guide to its buildings.

From 2017, the Kent Inclusive Practices (KIPs) make teaching more accessible by anticipating the needs of disabled students.

AccessAble campus guides

2017

DHM: raising awareness.

Two people seated in conversation.

From 2017, Kent staff and students start collaborating to celebrate Disability History Month (DHM) with many events and initiatives. For DHM 2018, a series of humorous films feature students describe some odd attitudes towards disabled people.

'People are Weird' on YouTube

2018

Kent leads on accessibility.

Group of six smartly dressed people on stage holding an award.

Kent wins a Times Higher Education award for Outstanding Student Support, recognising innovative proactive rather than reactive approaches to access requirements.

In 2019, Kent hosts a Digital Accessibility Conference with local public sector bodies.

July 2022

Honorary graduates.

Man in graduation robes speaking at lectern in a cathedral.

Among many alumni who have contributed to improving society for people with disabilities, this year Dr Howard Leicester (pictured) and Kush Kanodia are awarded Doctors of Science for their work on social justice, accessibility, and social enterprise.

Read more

2022

Integrated support.

Photo montage of many faces.

From the mid 2000s, the Disability Support Unit began to grow, incorporating dyslexia and mental health. In 2011, it became Student Support and Wellbeing (SSW), with around 40 full-time and sessional staff. In 2022, SSW has grown to over 70 staff.

Student Support and Wellbeing

This is where we are today. Now let's shape tomorrow.

A panel of four portraits of people,all seated.

The future belongs to all of us. Email EqualityAndDiversity@kent.ac.uk to share your stories, ideas, and expertise.

Disability support and networks at Kent

Student Support and Wellbeing

Student Support and Wellbeing advisers can help students set up the help you need - you can get in touch at any point during your time at Kent.
Accessibility team

The Accessibility team can help students access learning in ways that work for you through assistive technology and by providing alternative formats of teaching materials.
Templeman Library

Templeman Library is set up to enable everyone access to what they need.
Making your content accessible

When creating any content for any audience, such as documents, emails, presentations, meeting notes, images, etc, you're legally obliged to make it accessible for people with disabilities. Get help to do this and make better content for everyone!
Disability Staff Network

The network connects and supports staff who are disabled, have a long-term health condition or neurodivergence, and those working with or who are interested in inclusive practices.
Occupational Health

Kent staff can self-refer to Occupational Health, who can deal with a wide range of work-related health issues.

Useful resources

Invisible disabilities and identity

2021 Master of Research (MRes) thesis by Kent student Charlotte Aspland.

Inclusive workplaces report

Research from Kent Law School academics into how the Covid-19 pandemic has impacted workplaces for disabled people.

UKDHM

Learn more about disability history and social justice on the UK Disability History Month website.

Inclusive Employers

Check out the Inclusive Employers website for podcasts, events and employment advice.

TED Talk

Watch Elise Roy's TED talk, 'When we design for disability we all benefit'.

Accessible Gulbenkian events

On the Gulbenkian site you can filter for audio described, captioned or 'relaxed' showings.

Disability Power 100 list

Kent alumni and 2022 honorary graduate Kush Kanodia is a judge for this celebration of Britain’s most influential disabled people and organisations.

Our Stories - video transcripts

Download the transcripts for the Our Stories film series as accessible Microsoft Word documents: