UK Disability History Month (UKDHM) is an annual event, which began in 2010, spanning from mid-November into mid-December, which focuses on the history of disabled people's fight for equality and human rights. Since its inception, UKDHM has become a huge success, running events, providing resources, and giving a voice to disabled and differently-abled people across the UK.
The dates of UKDHM purposely occur before, after, or during several other observances, to bring together and highlight how they are impacted or relate to disability. For example, it covers Anti-Bullying Week (19 to 23 November), HIV/AIDS Day (1 December), International Day of People with Disabilities (3 Dec.) and International Human Rights Day (10 December).
Each year, there is a theme for the month, to highlight the many experiences of people with disabilities. This year’s theme is ‘Disability, Life and Death'.
Explore what our student leaders have planned throughout the month as we mark this incredibly important month.
Also, check out these external Disability History Month Events!
Representing You... Meet the Disabled Students Officers!
The Disabled Students’ Officer represents the needs and interests of disabled students in the Union, the University and beyond, and will have the opportunity to make meaningful change for disabled students. They will have the opportunity to create and run campaigns on issues that affect students with disabilities, build community amongst disabled students on campus and to work across the Union to improve accessibility throughout the student experience!
Danilo has lots of goals this year to make student life better for all disabled students! This includes:
- Organising weekly events to help disabled students make friends and enjoy their time at UCL
- Improving provisions at UCL for disabled students, particularly students with assistant dogs
- Ensuring greater accessibility across SU activities
- ...in addition to general support and engagement so that he can help as many students as possible.
At the Students' Union, we believe it's incredibly important to have a community of peers that understand your identity and experiences, so check out two of our many community-focused groups for Disabled and Neurodivergent students!
Supported Fitness Sessions
TeamUCL are offering disabled students four free 1-2-1 fitness sessions in our campus gym, TeamUCL Gym, no gym membership needed!
This programme can be accessed by students with any disability, such as mental health conditions, physical disabilities and neurodivergence. The programme is designed to help you take your first steps towards an active lifestyle at your own pace, and learn how to use the gym in a safe environment.
What’s in it for you?
- Build confidence and independence in the gym.
- Improve your physical and mental wellbeing.
- Receive personalised support from our qualified Fitness Instructors.
Find out more and register here!
If you have any questions, please email teamucl@ucl.ac.uk.
Project Active Weekly Classes
Project Active offers a variety of in-person and online weekly classes, which are inclusive, beginner friendly, low cost and low commitment!
We have a range of classes across both Bloomsbury campus and UCL East campus. Project Active weekly classes are wheelchair accessible, please find out more information on the event page.
No membership is required! Book onto your class via the What's on Calendar or Project Active webpage!
It's important to TeamUCL that everyone feels able to access all areas of sport and physical activity at UCL. As Project Active develops, we are keen to keep expanding our range of activities, so keep checking back with us to hear even more! If you have any questions, please email su.projectactive@ucl.ac.uk.
Free TeamUCL Gym Passes for Disabled Students' Network members!
Are you a Disabled Students' Network member? You can get a free gym pass for the TeamUCL Gym!
We're committed to supporting disabled and neurodivergent students throughout their university journey.
We have a comprehensive page which outlines the academic, financial, and wellbeing support available to help you thrive during your time at UCL.
Please read some testimony from disabled students who’ve accessed support from the service:
