Taking place from 4-10 February, find out more about our collaborative campaign led by the Disabled Students’ Network and the Disability & Dyslexia Services (DDS).
We feel it's important to empower all students to learn about the challenges of having a disability at university, especially invisible illnesses. As a result, we're proud to be running Disability Awareness Week from 4-10 February, a collaborative campaign led by the Disabled Students’ Network and the Disability & Dyslexia Services (DDS).
Find out more about the week and how you can get involved below!
What's happening?
We all know that Royal Holloway is a tight-knit campus community, where everyone basically knows everyone. But did you know the College’s Disability & Dyslexia Services (DDS) is currently supporting over 1200 students with their physical impairment, learning difficulties, mental health or any longstanding medical condition that may affect their ability to engage with their studies? We spoke with Head of Disability & Dyslexia Julie Wright to get her take on the week:
“I am delighted that the College is having its first Disability Awareness Week and to be working with the Disabled Students’ Network on this. DDS can support students who have a disability to put in place a range of College reasonable adjustments.
"We can also support students to apply for a grant through the Disabled Students’ Allowance which can provide some extra sources of support. You will need to provide evidence of your disability to complete your registration with DDS. We encourage you to register at the start of your studies but welcome students getting in touch at any point.
You can contact us through disability-dyslexia@royalholloway.ac.uk or come to FW143. We will be in EWD on Wednesday [6 February] lunchtime, so do come along to see us then.”
Get involved!
Over the course of the campaign week there will be a series of free events open to all students, regardless of whether you self-identify as having a disability or not! Chris Keane, you Disabled Students Rep, is especially excited about the events to come:
“We're really excited about Disability Awareness Week as it's the first of its kind at Royal Holloway!
"This campaign is so important to us because we want to destigmatise disability and make it more talked about on campus - whether you have a disability, know of someone who does, or just simply want to learn more about it, this week is for YOU!
"Be sure to like 'RHUL Disabled Students' Network' on Facebook to hear about our latest news, meet other disabled students and find out what cool stuff we've been doing on campus.”
We want to bring everyone together to stand in solidarity with the disabled community at Royal Holloway, so please get involved with our panel discussions, Disability Sports Day or come down to the Emily Wilding Davison building to meet the Disabled Students’ Network and DDS!
Show me the events!
As always, any questions or suggestions to make student life better at Royal Holloway are welcome. You can share your Bright Idea with us or send me a message on Facebook!
Willow Wong // Vice President Welfare & Diversity