UK Disability History Month (UKDHM) promotes and celebrates the historical contributions of the disabled community, by giving a platform to focus on the challenges and structural barriers they have faced and continue to face. Established in 2010, UKDHM was created to educate the general public in order to break stigmas and change the outlook on disabilities throughout the UK. This month focuses on their advocacy for equality and human rights and runs from November 16th – December 16th. 

The theme for 2023 is ‘Disability, Childhood and Youth’ which focuses on the Experience of Disablement amongst children and young people in the past, now and what is needed for the future. You can find out more about their work and this year's theme here 

The Students’ Union aims to provide opportunities for all students to come together, increase our understanding and to show our support for equity in the disabled community.  

Disabled Students Forums  

We host monthly Disabled Student Forums, where students have the opportunity and space to speak directly to University and Students’ Union services about their experiences on campus and to make positive changes which will help shape their university journey. The next Preston forum will take place on December 6th and the next Burnley forum will take place on December 12th, both forums are accessible in person and online.  

Disabled Students Hub 

This is your one stop shop for advice, support services, SU events and forums

We’re here to support you throughout University life, and there may be times where you need support and representation.

The Advice Service is a free, confidential, independent and experienced service for UCLan students to access representation and support. To access support and hear from an advisor, please complete the 'Contact an Advisor' form.

UKHDM Events  

Disabili-Tea Hosted by Disabled Students Society  

A space to socialise and meet other students from the Disabled community. They’ll be serving hot drink and biscuit. Get your free ticket online here.

Tuesday 21st November 

4:30pm – 7pm 

Harrington Social Space – Preston Campus  

Disabled Students Brunch Hosted by Disabled Students Society 

Meet the Disabled Students Soc at Brew & Bake Preston for Brunch 

Sunday 26th November  

10am - 1pm 

The Disabled Students Society know that coming to university with a disability presents its own set of unique challenges. Joining the Disabled Student Society gives you a wonderful community of people who all understand the difficulties you might face either academically or socially. They aim to provide a place for discussion, socialising, collaboration for disability and related issues. “We want to provide accessible socials, fundraising events, campaigns for disability awareness, trips and so much more!” 

Sign up to their society and grab tickets to their events! 

UKDHM Sports Sessions  

All students are invited to have a go at a range of disability inclusive sports. Taking place at Sir Tom Finney Sports Centre across the month, we’ll be putting on Boccia, Curling, Wheelchair Baskeball, Ping Pong, Goalball and Wheelchair Rugby. You can find out individual dates and times through our events page here 

Introduction to British Sign Language  

Want to learn how to communicate with the deaf community? We're hosting an Introduction to British Sign Language training session. Thank you to Dr Junhui Yang from the School of Psychology & Humanities, who has kindly volunteered to come along and run the session over in the Students' Union building. 

We only have limited spaces for this training session, so if you wish to come along, please register your attendance by purchasing a FREE ticket

Tuesday 28th November  

3pm – 4pm 

Flintoff Room, Preston SU Building 

The University offers many different types of support for students with disabilities, with all information being easily accessible on the Student Hub.  

Students with a disability are able to complete an online disclosure form for support which can lead to you getting allocated an Inclusive Support adviser or officer, who will work with you and your course team to put in place support, including:  

• Help with declaring a disability and providing evidence 

• Assisting with applying for Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSA)  

• Putting in place reasonable adjustments in your teaching and learning, such as extra time in exams  

• Setting up Student Wellbeing Ambassadors, to provide support like mobility assistance, sighted guide 

• British Sign Language (BSL) interpreting 

You can find out more here

Follow us on socials or check our website to stay in the loop on the events coming up!