As Disability History Month 2024 draws to a close, we want to thank everyone who came along to an event, performed in the Disability Looks Like Me Creativity Showcase and engaged with blogs or online content. We especially want to thank our Sabbatical Officer Leads, Sharanya and Madelaine and Disabled Students Community Officer, JJ.
As Disability History Month 2024 draws to a close, we want to thank everyone who came along to an event, performed in the Disability Looks Like Me Creativity Showcase and engaged with blogs or online content. We especially want to thank our Sabbatical Officer Leads, Sharanya and Madelaine and Disabled Students Community Officer, JJ. It is important that the conversations had within this time continue and are met with action.
To engage with this year’s theme, Livelihood and Employment, the month began with collaborations between the Disabled Students Community and the Careers Service to inspect inclusive employment opportunities and networking as well as informative sessions that gave advice on navigating the job market as a Disabled person by exploring how the Careers Service can support your career journey and practical steps for inclusive workspaces.
This term, RHSU have been working closely with the Careers Service to identify areas of improvement for the Disabled Students community including improving communication between the Careers Service and Royal Holloway Students’ Union together with hosting more collaborate events responding to student priorities. To find out more on how the Careers Service can support Students with a Disability, please click here.
Throughout the month, events included a boccia taster session, a panel discussion on the future of work and disability and board games & brushes. The events explored the rich history of disabled individuals at university and in the workforce, their contributions, and the barriers they continue to overcome along with providing a chill and fun space for networking. We want to say thank you to all the individuals and societies involved in these events including Neurodivergent Society, Games Society, Craft Society and Art Society.
One of the standout events was the return of the Disability Looks Like Me Creativity Showcase (pictured below) featuring Students and Staff across RHUL and our Disabled Students Community Officer, JJ. On the night, talented students showcased a wide range of creative expressions from spoken works to song writing and musical performance. Each performance was an inspiring testament to Disabled creativity, providing a platform for student to share their voices and stories with the broader community.
Throughout the month, the events provided a space for celebration and connection, as well as understanding the importance of this year’s theme - Livelihood and Employment. What was taught, learnt, and explored proved that there can be a world where disability is not a barrier but a pathway to opportunity, dignity, and equality.