Saturday 3 December 2022 is International Day of Disabilities. Disabilities can be defined as any physical or mental condition that limits a person’s movements, senses or activities. The international day is a United Nations day that promotes the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities. The theme for 2022 is ‘transformative solutions for inclusive development: the role of innovation in fueling an accessible and equitable world’.
Bournemouth University is a welcoming, diverse community and this year they celebrated UK Disability History Month. Alice Tai shares her inspiring story during this year’s celebration here: Paralympian Alice Tai receives honorary degree as an ambassador for sport | Bournemouth University.
At Bournemouth University we have the ALS team – for Disability and Additional Learning Support, that is available to all students at Bournemouth University and is there to support students with sensory, or physical disabilities, specific learning differences, medical conditions, mental health difficulties and temporary injuries. You can find out more about them here: Disability & Additional Learning Support (ALS) | Bournemouth University. The team runs 1-1 tailored support and specific skills group workshops.
Disabilities, Accessibility and Neuro-Diverse Campaign- SUBU
Bournemouth Universities Student Union, SUBU, runs a Liberation Campaign, known as the Disabilities, Accessibility and Neuro-Diverse Campaign. It’s led by the officer for this campaign and focus is to support students who self-define within this category, including hidden and invisible impairments and conditions.
One way to celebrate yourself, would be to ask your employer or academic teams, to set up a training session. Anyone can be affected by a disability, and according to the World Health Organisation, disabilities affect over 15% of the population. A training session could bring about meaningful change as it draws on the importance of accessibility to all, to create an inclusive place of work or study.
Dorset has its own disability charity known as Diverse Abilities. They’re made up of a school, adult services, children services and an advice team. If you’re passionate about supporting local charities for disabilities, you can see local events here: Events — Diverse Abilities | Dorset’s Disability Charity | Children & Adults to get involved.
As a student there may be further financial support through a government scheme called the Disability Student Allowance. It’s a non-means tested allowance to help with the cost of equipment, specialist support or travel expenses.
There is lots of celebration, recognition and support out there for disabilities and BU is striving towards an inclusive, accessible place for all. As a BU student, you can help work towards this, with SUBU, BU’s Students’ Union, and campaign for a more inclusive community.
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