Diversity and Ability

Imagine sitting down for a conversation that could shape your future -only to feel unheard, misunderstood, or dismissed. For many disabled students, a needs assessment is exactly that moment. It’s their chance to ask for support, but if they don’t feel safe enough to speak openly, crucial details can be lost. The result? Recommendations that miss the mark. This session is all about changing that. Learn how to build trust quickly, encourage honest dialogue, and take an intersectional approach; ensuring assessments truly reflect the student’s lived experience, not just their diagnosis. Join Roxanne Steel on Thursday, 10th April, to create a more open and psychologically safe process for every student. #DSA #DisabledStudents #NeedsAssessors #HigherEducation #Disability

Traditional assessments don’t work for everyone - we're part of a project to change that. Diversity and Ability is working with the Office for Students , Norland College , Richmond, The American International University in London , and Independent Higher Education to co-produce a tool that helps students and universities identify inclusive and alternative assessment approaches. By focusing on confidence, self-efficacy, and accessibility, this project will reduce reliance on individual adjustments and create a fairer system for all. 📖 Read more about the project: https://loom.ly/Ui2OzqM #DSA #DisabledStudents #Disability #Neurodiversity #HigherEducation

📢 Supporting disabled students just got easier! This month’s newsletter is packed with need-to-know insights—from DSA changes to big conversations on neurodiversity and inclusion. Don’t miss out. #DisabilityInclusion #Neurodiversity #HigherEd

20 weeks. That’s enough time to train for a marathon, learn a new language, or travel the world. But for disabled students, 20 weeks is the average wait for essential support through the Disabled Students’ Allowance. That’s two full terms without the tools they need to succeed. Some pay out of pocket. Others fall behind or drop out. For disability teams, that means more students struggling, more crisis interventions, and more pressure to bridge the gap. The Disabled Students’ Allowance is failing those who need it most. Why is the system failing so soon after reform, and what can be done to address it? Read more: https://loom.ly/HbiKd1o #HigherEducation #DSA #Disability #Inclusion

Study skills support is a game-changer for student success—but how well do you understand what it actually looks like in practice? Join this webinar to gain a clear, practical understanding of: ✅ What study skills support is (and isn’t) within the DSA framework ✅ How sessions are structured and delivered (face-to-face vs. online) ✅ The expertise and role of study skills tutors ✅ Key factors in making effective recommendations Leave with the confidence to guide students towards the right support and ensure they get the most from their DSA. #HigherEducation #DSA #NeedsAssessors #Disability

758,855 international students studied in the UK in 2022/23. But how many received the support they needed? International students face unique challenges: new environments, demanding coursework, and cultural adjustments. Without the right support, academic confidence and mental well-being can suffer. This Oxford graduate student’s story shows the transformative impact of one-to-one disability support. Personalized mentoring helped rebuild confidence, boost motivation, and reignite their passion for learning. Universities must invest in tailored support to ensure international disabled students don’t just survive—but thrive. 📢 It’s time to take action. Let’s talk about how your institution can better support its students, link in comments. Plain text of carousel: Slide 1 – International students need disability support too! Slide 2 – The Challenge “With my move to England, more challenging coursework, I found myself profoundly struggling. My academic confidence and self-esteem had plummeted, my motivation and engagement—normally quite high—were unnervingly low.” – Arman, University of Oxford Slide 3 – The Turning Point Through one-to-one mental health mentoring with D&A, funded by the University of Oxford, Arman received tailored support. “My work with my mentor has been transformative. She listens intently and remembers what I tell her, which makes me feel truly understood and cared for.” Slide 4 – D&A's Impact “After each session, my motivation and morale improve significantly. I’ve regained a true engagement and desire to learn—something I hadn’t felt in quite some time.” Our approach is intersectional and holistic, focusing on individual students’ barriers and recognising the distinct needs of international students. Slide 5 – Universities, it’s time to act! Invest in one-to-one disability support for international students. The right support transforms confidence, engagement, and academic success. Ready to start? Let’s talk. #HigherEducation #InternationalStudents #Disability #Neurodiversity

We're loving: Lady Gaga's newest music video, Abracadabra! Why we're loving it: Gaga is once again paving the way for inclusion. This time, by ensuring wheelchair users and those who use mobility aids can try the choreography. Seated movement and cane work aren’t just part of the performance; they’re a statement. It’s no surprise Gaga is leading the way, given her own experiences with fibromyalgia. Authentic representation like this isn’t just refreshing. It’s necessary. More of this, please! 💜✨ #Diversity #Inclusion #Disability #Neurodiversity #Accessibility

🚨 Update on Our Next Inclusion Event! 🚨 Our Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) and Disabled People’s Inclusion session has been rescheduled to 13th March. Same vital discussion, just a new date! We’re still looking forward to seeing you there as we dive into the essentials of inclusive emergency planning. If you haven’t signed up yet, there’s still time!

Have you thought about the costs of not investing in EDI? - Inclusion Training – A few hundred pounds per person. - Replacing an Employee – 6-9 months of salary (hiring, onboarding, lost productivity). - Legal Mediation – Thousands. Tribunal? Even more. - Reputation Damage – Priceless. A small commitment today prevents massive expenses tomorrow. Ready to get ahead of the risk? Let’s talk. https://loom.ly/udJEpEE #EDI #Inclusion #HR

Are your non-medical help recommendations making the biggest impact? The right support can mean the difference between a student struggling or thriving. But how do you know if your recommendations truly meet their needs? Get insights like these in 'From Barriers to Breakthroughs: The True Impact of Recommending Non-Medical Help (NMH) Support' on Thursday 27th February, 12:00–13:00. ✔ Discover what high-quality NMH support looks like ✔ Learn how one-to-one mentoring & study skills empower students beyond just academics ✔ Identify what makes an NMH provider reliable and effective ✔ Make confident, informed recommendations that maximise student success Expect real-life case studies, practical insights, and expert guidance. This session is designed to help you strengthen your role in the DSA process. 📅 Save your spot now!