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Disability History Month

Disability History Month (DHM) runs from mid-November to mid-December. Disability History Month is supported by a wide range of disability groups, unions and voluntary organisations, and aims to promote disabled people's rights and their struggle for equality now and in the past.

If you are planning an activity for Disability History Month, or an EDI event at any time of the year, please get in touch with the EDI Centre.

Disability History Month 2024

This year Disability History Month runs from Thursday 14 November to Friday 20 December.

Disability Support Fair - Thursday 28 November

Imperial's Equality Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Centre are setting out stalls in the Main Entrance 10.00-16.00 to talk to university staff about the various support options available. Whether you have specific needs or want to know more about what we offer, our team is here to help!

Advice Café: 13.30-15.00. Sit down with our expert disability advisors. Gain insights on how we can assist you directly or learn how to be a better ally in the workplace.
Workplace Adjustments: Get practical guidance on essential workplace adjustments and how to implement them effectively for a more inclusive environment.
Workplace Adjustments Passport: Discover how this valuable tool can enhance your discussions with your manager and facilitate smooth implementation of adjustments.
Free giveaways: Don’t miss out on exclusive merchandise and delicious sweet treats available while supplies last!
Panel Discussion: 11.30-12.30 covering Workplace Adjustments, Disability Passports, and Inclusive Recruitment

Imperial People profiles

We will be publishing profiles throughout the month and sharing the details on this page.

Nico Henry: Representation and championing inclusivity

“People have different disabilities and a lot of them are very hidden. If anyone has any issues, including accessibility issues or anything they want to discuss – I’m here.”

Nico Henry is Deputy President (Welfare) for Imperial College Union, having recently completed his undergraduate degree in theoretical physics. In his role Nico supports the liberation and community networks at the students’ union. Some of the projects he is currently working on focus on working conditions for students, shared ownership of spaces, active travel (particularly cycle safety) and standardising student experiences of mentorship programmes across faculties.

Read Nico's full profile online.

Meg Spiteri: Representing the student voice

“It’s about connecting students with other people going through the same thing and having a sense of community.”

Alongside her PhD with the Department of Bioengineering, Meg is the Imperial College Union Disabilities Officer. In her role Meg is keen to improve information on adjustments available for postgraduate students, particularly those in a research degree and is working on this with the Early Career Researchers Institute.

Read Meg's full profile online.

Mary Adeturinmo: Combining science and creativity

Mary lives with Sickle Cell Disease and is a passionate advocate for those living with the condition.

“Raising awareness about living with Sickle Cell can help others facing similar challenges and demonstrate that it is possible to thrive in science while living with a disability.”

Alongside Professor Julie Makani, a former Provost’s Visiting Professor, Mary co-founded the Sickle Cell Group, a platform for research, scientists and patients which facilitates various research projects.

Find out more about Mary’s Sickle Cell advocacy work.

Previous years

Events in previous years have ranged from panels to seminars as well as communication campaigns aimed to raise awareness and visibility. In 2023 we covered:

In previous years published Bringing different perspectives: navigating education and career with a disability and More than meets the eye: Meet five Imperial staff and students with invisible disabilities.

Still from video of female student talking to camera — As part of Disability History Month, Imperial students have opened up about the support they received from Imperial’s Disability Advisory Service, from autism social groups to accommodation adaptations.

In 2020, we published a video featuring Imperial students talking about the support they received from Imperial’s Disability Advisory Service, from autism social groups to accommodation adaptations.

Tips and advice for disabled colleagues — As part of Disability History Month, Imperial staff have shared their tips and advice on how to tell a manager about a disability, how managers have supported them and how the Calibre course has helped them.

In 2020, we published a video featuring Imperial staff sharing their tips and advice on how to tell a manager about a disability, how managers have supported them and how the Calibre course has helped them.