Livelihood and Employment: An Introduction to Disability History Month

Welcome to Disability History Month 2024! Lead by SU President - Sharanya Sivarajah, VP Education - Madelaine Gray, and Disabled Students’ Community Officer - JJ Littleton, we are proud to focus on the theme of Disability Livelihood and Employment.

Welcome to Disability History Month 2024! Lead by SU President - Sharanya Sivarajah, VP Education - Madelaine Gray, and Disabled Students’ Community Officer - JJ Littleton, we are proud to focus on the theme of Disability Livelihood and Employment. This month is about exploring the rich history of disabled individuals in the workforce, their contributions, and the barriers they continue to overcome. 

Employment is not just a means of survival; it’s a key to independence, identity, and social inclusion. Throughout history, disabled people have faced countless challenges in accessing fair employment, but they have also made invaluable contributions, transforming workplaces and society in the process.

This campaign seeks to shed light on the persistent inequalities in job access, wage equity, and workplace accommodations, while also celebrating the resilience and achievements of the disabled community. Join us in honouring the trailblazers, learning from past struggles, and working together to create a more inclusive future where disability and livelihood go hand in hand.

We'll be collaborating with our incredible student groups as well as taking to the stage for the return of the much-anticipated, Disability Looks Like Me Creativity Showcase! No matter how you celebrate it’s bound to be an enjoyable time, and we are looking forward to celebrating the month with all students across campus.

Meet your Disability History Month Leads:

Sharanya Sivarajah - President

 

Madelaine - VP Education

 

JJ, your Disabled Students Community Officer

 

Neurodivergent Society

 

Games Society

How Are We Celebrating?

This year we have designed an events programme which includes a range of different activities for you to get involved in, including a Panel Discussion on the Future of work and Disability, boccia taster session, film screenings and of course, the return of the Disability Looks Like Me Creativity Showcase!

View our full DHM events here.

Disability Looks Like Me Creativity Showcase:

Calling all Disabled Creatives! We want to showcase your talent at our Disability Looks Like Me Creativity Showcase!

We’re looking for:

  • Poetry readings / spoken word.
  • Musical Performances
  • Theatre Excerpts
  • Visual art, short films

Sign Up Using This Form

The Showcase takes place on Friday 29 November from 6 pm. Medicine will be transformed into a cosy, intimate venue for a chilled evening of performances from Students and Staff. 

If you have any questions, drop us an email at voice@su.rhul.ac.uk and we’ll be happy to help!

Together, we can reimagine the world of work—one where disability is not a barrier but a pathway to opportunity, dignity, and equality.