Disabled Students UK
LightNews LightNews
banner
disabledstudentsuk.bsky.social
Disabled Students UK
@disabledstudentsuk.bsky.social
230 followers 72 following 46 posts
Using disabled-led expertise to improve accessibility in Higher Education. Thrice recognised in #DisabilityPower100.

⛓️‍💥 https://linktr.ee/DisabledStudentsUK
Posts Replies Media Videos
Pinned
disabledstudentsuk.bsky.social
Disabled Students UK @disabledstudentsuk.bsky.social · 28d
📢 Exciting news! Disabled Students UK is launching the Representative Empowerment Project (REP) helping Students’ Unions strengthen support for disabled students.

REP empowers Disabled Student Reps to grow, connect, and lead change through shared learning. Supported by the Paul Hamlyn Foundation.
Illustration showing a group of diverse students, including one in a wheelchair, standing together and smiling, with one person speaking at a microphone. Text reads: ‘The Disabled Students UK Representative Empowerment Project – Empower your disabled student leaders.’ The Disabled Students UK logo appears in the top right corner.
disabledstudentsuk.bsky.social
Students Unions! Do you want to better support your disabled student reps & improve overall student experience?

We’re launching our Representative Empowerment Project (REP) to support you!
Illustration shows a text called Student Unions! The text reads ‘do you want to improve the student experience of your disabled students? We’re launching our REP Projects! The graphics shows a diverse group of students including one using a wheelchair gathered around a microphone, smiling and waving. This is set with a blue and grey background with the Disabled Students UK Logo at the top right of the illustration Illustration titled Benefits of becoming a member? The text lists three benefits, “Empower your student leaders, Build institutional capacity and cultivate national community”. The graphics shows a diverse group of students including one using a wheelchair gathered around a microphone, smiling and waving. This is set with a blue and grey background with the Disabled Students UK Logo at the top right of the illustration Illustration titled How to become a member? The text reads ‘To secure your place, email REP@disabledstudents.co.uk, with a email icon. The graphics shows a diverse group of students including one using a wheelchair gathered around a microphone, smiling and waving. This is set with a blue and grey background with the Disabled Students UK Logo at the top right of the illustration.
October 23, 2025 at 2:28 PM
disabledstudentsuk.bsky.social
📢 Exciting news! Disabled Students UK is launching the Representative Empowerment Project (REP) helping Students’ Unions strengthen support for disabled students.

REP empowers Disabled Student Reps to grow, connect, and lead change through shared learning. Supported by the Paul Hamlyn Foundation.
Illustration showing a group of diverse students, including one in a wheelchair, standing together and smiling, with one person speaking at a microphone. Text reads: ‘The Disabled Students UK Representative Empowerment Project – Empower your disabled student leaders.’ The Disabled Students UK logo appears in the top right corner.
October 21, 2025 at 4:51 PM
Reposted by Disabled Students UK
henabled.bsky.social
‘I am driven by wanting other people to never have the same bad experiences that I’ve had’

A new episode of HEnabled is out! Sophie (Director, Policy and Fundraising at @disabledstudentsuk.bsky.social)
talks to her inaccessible graduation, parasports, and HE policy.

Listen now: linktr.ee/henabled
A graphic with a green background and white text. It reads: 'New Episode Alert! //21. Inaccessible Graduation, Flying Under the Radar, and Policy for Disabled Students: Sophie's Story // Listen wherever you get your podcasts'. In the middle of the screen is the show logo and Spotify code.
October 20, 2025 at 5:41 PM
disabledstudentsuk.bsky.social
🎓⏰ With the new academic year fast approaching, over 100,000 disabled students will be joining UK colleges and universities.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to new students starting university?💡💬
Close-up of a vintage style studio microphone with a metal mesh head, set against a blurred background featuring bright abstract colours in yellow, orange, red and blue.
September 11, 2025 at 11:28 AM
disabledstudentsuk.bsky.social
Starting uni or already a student?

Our Community Space is here, and this month, we are giving you information on the Disabled Students Allowance (DSAs) and the support you can receive.

Sign up on Eventbrite!

#DisabledStudentsUK #CommunitySpace #DisabledStudents #DisabledStudentsAllowance
A poster by Disabled Students UK. The title says “Community Space.” The text reads: “A space to learn more about being a disabled student in higher education. Your chance to make friends with other disabled students! At the bottom, there’s an illustration of a diverse group of people, including wheelchair users, people with visible and invisible disabilities, and people of different backgrounds. A poster by Disabled Students UK. The title says “What is the Community Space?” The text reads: “A space where you will learn more about the support that is available to you!”, “Your chance to learn more about Disabled Students UK and how to get involved!”, and “To meet other like-minded disabled students!” There’s an illustration of a person in a wheelchair holding hands with another person standing beside them, both smiling.
September 8, 2025 at 1:40 PM
disabledstudentsuk.bsky.social
Thanks to everyone who contributed to our Annual Disabled Students Survey🎉

Still want to share your thoughts about accessibility in education?💭

Navin is researching diversity, inclusion & social justice ‪@soebristol.bsky.social ‪@allfieuk.bsky.social‬
Survey details below📝✍️⬇️
Sharpened coloured pencils arranged in a rainbow gradient on a white background.
August 20, 2025 at 12:00 PM
disabledstudentsuk.bsky.social
Are you Neurodivergent and have done, are doing or are considered doing a PhD?

Researchers at Open University are investigating how doctoral study works (or doesn’t) for neurodivergent people.

Take their 30 minute survey: forms.office.com/e/ft9jyWsPUW

Questions? Email lindsay.odell@open.ac.uk
August 11, 2025 at 2:23 PM
disabledstudentsuk.bsky.social
Calling all disabled students! 📣

Join us for our monthly Change Forum!

Date: Thursday 14th August 2025
Time: 1–2pm
Location: Online Event

We will be discussing how AI is impacting disabled students.

Get your free tickets now!

#DisabledStudentsUK #Community
#DisabledStudents #ChangeForum
Illustration of a diverse group of disabled students, including a wheelchair user and people with different mobility aids, celebrating together. Text reads: “Change Forums – Monthly discussions with disabled students.” Top right shows the Disabled Students UK logo. Illustration of a group of diverse disabled people standing together, including a person using a wheelchair and individuals with various cultural backgrounds. Text explains topics discussed at Change Forums: issues facing disabled students, policy developments, student activism, and DSUK initiatives. A pink button says “Get your tickets via Eventbrite.” Text promoting the August Change Forum by Disabled Students UK. Topic: “The rise of generative AI in Higher Education.” Questions listed include how AI affects disabled students, use of AI as assistive tech, and university responsibilities. Event date is Thursday 14th August 2025, from 1pm to 2pm. It’s an online event. Illustration shows a group of diverse disabled individuals. A pink button says “Get your tickets via Eventbrite.”
August 11, 2025 at 2:10 PM
disabledstudentsuk.bsky.social
The deadline to complete the Annual Disabled Student Survey is Thursday 31st July 2025.

Your experiences matter — help shape a more inclusive future in education.

Let your voice be heard!

Link is in bio 🔗
A graphic by Disabled Students UK reminding viewers that the deadline to complete the Annual Disabled Student Survey is approaching. The main text reads: “The deadline to complete the Annual Disabled Student Survey is approaching! Complete the Survey by Thursday 31st July 2025. Make sure your voice is being heard!” At the bottom right, there’s an illustration of a person in a wheelchair holding hands with a standing person
July 17, 2025 at 1:12 PM
disabledstudentsuk.bsky.social
Are you a Disabled Students’ Officer, or someone who advocates for disabled students?
Join us at our upcoming Focus Group to share your insights.
This is a paid opportunity to make your voice heard.
Contact michael@disabledstudents.co.uk
to register your interest!
#DisabledStudentsUK
Ad from Disabled Students UK inviting disabled student reps to join paid focus groups to share experiences and improve support. Includes logo and illustration of diverse disabled individuals. Text reads:”Are you a disabled student rep? Join a paid opportunity to make your voice heard! Whether you are a current Disabled Students’ Officer, Society Chair, Network Lead, or you represent disabled students in some other way, we want your input! Join us at one of two upcoming Focus Groups to share your insights & experiences of representing disabled students, and enable us to provide the training and community to help you feel confident, empowered, and supported in your role. Informational poster from Disabled Students UK about the 2025/26 Representative Empowerment Project. It outlines an 8-week training programme for disabled student reps, SU staff training, and a national community space for support and collaboration. Text reads: “What is the Representative Empowerment Project? Piloting in 2025/26, DSUK will provide: ● An 8-week Specialist Rep training programme empowering you to become effective campaigners and advocates ● Bespoke Students’ Union staff training to enable your SU staff to support, and work with you! ● A national community space for Disabled Student Reps to come together for mutual support, collective organising, and knowledge-sharing Poster from Disabled Students UK inviting disabled student reps to join focus groups on training, community space, and SU staff support. Includes an illustration of a diverse group of disabled individuals. Text reads: “Join our focus groups to discuss various topics! ● Training topics — what do you need to know (or wish you knew)? ● Training programme — what schedule & style suits you best? ● Community space — what platform do you want to use to connect with fellow Reps? ● Community rules — how should we run this space together? ● SU staff training — what do you need from your SU, and what do you wish they understood? ● and more!” Announcement from Disabled Students UK about two upcoming focus groups. One is on 18th July via Zoom with £40 compensation; the second will be scheduled based on availability. Accessibility support available upon request. Text reads: “Join the upcoming Focus Groups! Focus Group 1 When: 18th July, 13:00 - 15:00 Where: Zoom Compensation: £40 Focus Group 2 Date to be decided based on your availability. We will be able to facilitate BSL interpretation or human-generated captioning for this session if requested by 18th July. Contact michael@disabledstudents.co.uk
July 16, 2025 at 4:22 PM
Reposted by Disabled Students UK
harrietcannon.bsky.social
I know I'm a broken record here - assessment methods are (almost) never competence standards, and therefore you'll need to do something to address the inequity of traditional exams for disabled students, at which point you might as well do the same for all students wonkhe.com/wonk-corner/...
It smells like AI, but how do I prove it?
The Royal Statistical Society (RSS), Institute of Mathematics and its Applications (IMA), and London Mathematical Society (LMS) have published a punchy joint statement expressing concerns about academ...
wonkhe.com
July 15, 2025 at 7:48 AM
disabledstudentsuk.bsky.social
Are you a disabled student and find certain forms of assessment inaccessible? Join our Inclusive Assessment Co-Creation Session and share your insight!

Date: 10th July
Time: 14:00–16:00
Location: Zoom

Participants receive £40!

To sign up, email contact@disabledstudents.co.uk
A promotional graphic from Disabled Students UK for an event titled “Inclusive Assessment Co-Creation.” The text invites students to share their experiences and ideas to improve inclusivity in academic assessments. The session takes place on 10th July 2025 from 14:00 to 16:00 on Zoom. Participants will receive £40 for their contribution. To sign up, attendees are asked to email contact@disabledstudents.co.uk. The graphic features a group of diverse people, including individuals with visible disabilities, and the Disabled Students UK logo appears in the top right corner.
July 4, 2025 at 11:49 AM
Reposted by Disabled Students UK
sophiemattholie.bsky.social
Reminder to all disabled university students that the Annual Disabled Student Survey, run by @disabledstudentsuk.bsky.social, is open until the end of the month!

Share your experiences as part of the UK's biggest survey on HE accessibility here: app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk/s/dsuk-resea...
Promotional graphic featuring a diverse group of people, including individuals with visible disabilities, celebrating and raising their hands in unity. The text reads: "Take part in the Annual Disabled Student Survey 2025! Make your voice heard." There is a Disabled Students UK logo in the top right corner.
July 3, 2025 at 5:03 PM
disabledstudentsuk.bsky.social
Calling all Disabled Student Reps! DSUK is launching the Representative Empowerment Project - Let’s build power together 💪

- Get specialist training
- Join a national community of Reps
- Help shape the future of the project

Launching 10th July 2025
Sign up: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/representa...
DSUK graphic titled “Calling all Disabled Student Reps!” promoting the launch of the Representative Empowerment Project. Offers specialist training and a national community space for Reps. Event on Zoom on 10th July 2025 from 12pm to 1pm. Includes diverse illustrated group of people, including disabled students.
June 30, 2025 at 8:25 AM
disabledstudentsuk.bsky.social
In this month's Change Forum for disabled students and SUs we will be discussing the Annual Disabled Student Survey:
- What is the Survey and how is it influencing policy?
- What are the advantages of spreading the Survey?

Join us Thursday July 3rd 2025 at 3pm: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/july-chang...
A colorful graphic with the Disabled Students UK logo. Text reads: 'Change Forums – Monthly discussions with disabled students.' Below the text is an illustration of diverse disabled students smiling and celebrating together, including individuals using a wheelchair, a white cane, a prosthetic leg, and others standing. A graphic with the Disabled Students UK logo and a heading that says 'Each month, we discuss:'. The list includes: pressing issues disabled students face, key policy developments, insights from student activists, and DSUK initiatives. At the bottom, there's a pink button that says 'Get your tickets via Eventbrite'. An illustration shows a diverse group of disabled students, including a person in a wheelchair, a person with a prosthetic leg, and others of various backgrounds smiling together
June 27, 2025 at 1:35 PM
Reposted by Disabled Students UK
sophiemattholie.bsky.social
"At the heart of all of this is one clear message – disabled students are not asking for luxury. They’re seeking the basic conditions needed to study, participate, and succeed." - A fantastic write up of welfare reforms and the HE landscape from DSUK's Hailie: wonkhe.com/blogs/welfar...
Welfare reforms will hit disabled students hard
Hailie Pentleton explores how reforms to the welfare system will create impossible choices for disabled students trying to access and thrive in higher education Hailie Pentleton explores how reforms t...
wonkhe.com
June 27, 2025 at 10:50 AM
Reposted by Disabled Students UK
wonkhe.bsky.social
NEW on Wonkhe: Hailie Pentleton explores how reforms to the welfare system will create impossible choices for disabled students trying to access and thrive in higher education buff.ly/3nXM0OQ
June 27, 2025 at 11:00 AM
Reposted by Disabled Students UK
sutranscription.bsky.social
Peidiwch ag anghofio Arolwg Blynyddol @disabledstudentsuk.bsky.social sydd ar agor tan ddiwedd mis Gorffennaf! Am fwy o wybodaeth ac i lenwi'r arolwg, cliciwch ar y ddolen gyswllt ganlynol: app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk/s/dsuk-resea...
sutranscription.bsky.social Swansea University Transcription Centre @sutranscription.bsky.social · May 9
Mae'r Arolwg Blynyddol 2025 @disabledstudentsuk.bsky.social yn fyw! Dyma'r arolwg mwyaf ar hygyrchedd prifysgolion hyd yma ac mae wedi cael ei greu gan fyfyrwyr anabl ar gyfer myfyrwyr anabl. Arolwg yn cau ddiwedd Gorffennaf: app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk/s/dsuk-resea... #Hygyrchedd #FeedbackFriday
Poster Saesneg yn cynnwys y logo ar gyfer 'Disabled Students UK'. Mae'r testun yn cynnwys: "Have your voice heard in the Annual Disabled Student Survey! You do not need to have a diagnosis in order to fill in the survey. Disabilities include long term conditions such as chronic illnesses, mental health conditions and neurodiversity.”
June 27, 2025 at 11:10 AM
Reposted by Disabled Students UK
sutranscription.bsky.social
Don't forget the Annual @disabledstudentsuk.bsky.social Survey is open until the end of July! Click here for more information and to complete the survey: app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk/s/dsuk-resea...
sutranscription.bsky.social Swansea University Transcription Centre @sutranscription.bsky.social · May 9
The Annual @disabledstudentsuk.bsky.social Survey 2025 is live! This is the largest survey into university accessibility to date and has been created by disabled students for disabled students. Survey closes end of July: app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk/s/dsuk-resea... #Accessibility #FeedbackFriday
The Disabled Students UK logo sits at the top. The text reads: "Have your voice heard in the Annual Disabled Student Survey! You do not need to have a diagnosis in order to fill in the survey. Disabilities include long term conditions such as chronic illnesses, mental health conditions and neurodiversity.”
June 27, 2025 at 11:09 AM
Reposted by Disabled Students UK
harrietcannon.bsky.social
It's hard to read this, as a career HE disability practitioner. I've dedicated 25 years to supporting disabled students and lobbying for genuine change. But we're going backwards. And I'm tired.

Disabled students are almost twice as likely to have considered quitting wonkhe.com/wonk-corner/...
Disabled students are almost twice as likely to have considered quitting
It’s easy to miss something you’re not looking for.
wonkhe.com
June 25, 2025 at 7:23 PM
disabledstudentsuk.bsky.social
We’re excited to announce two fantastic opportunities to join our team:

Delivery Facilitator
- Link to role description: drive.google.com/file/d/1DcrJ...

Consulting Lead
- Link to role description: drive.google.com/file/d/121EF...

Apply now by the 16th June 2025
A recruitment announcement from Disabled Students UK. The image features a diverse group of people, including individuals with visible disabilities, standing together and smiling. The text on the image reads: We’re Hiring! Join our team as a Delivery Facilitator or Consulting Lead. Application deadline: 16th June 2025. A job advertisement for the role of Consulting Lead at Disabled Students UK. The responsibilities include delivering consultancy projects for institutional clients, adapting communication to client needs, and centring disabled student voices to build trust. Desired experience includes: providing consultancy or training to universities, applying research on inclusive education, working with student unions or disability organizations, and experience in project-based or consultancy environments. The call to action reads: “Apply now by emailing your CV to tanya@disabledstudents.co.uk.” A recruitment graphic listing key responsibilities and experience required for a role at Disabled Students UK. The responsibilities include: supporting staff to implement strategy, co-creating structure, facilitating follow-through, spotting capacity risks early, and supporting growth and self-advocacy. Desired experience includes: understanding neurodivergent work styles, lived experience of disability in higher education, supporting teams with collaborative planning tools, managing multiple priorities, and demonstrating patience and persistence. The call to action reads: “Apply now by emailing your CV to mette@disabledstudents.co.uk.”
June 5, 2025 at 10:42 AM
disabledstudentsuk.bsky.social
Deadline is Monday 2 June 5pm!

We are recruiting for a Community and Communications Manager to join us for 10 hours a week to help support us to amplify disabled student voice and build relations!

You can see the role description with details on how to apply:
drive.google.com/file/d/1w_B6...
A recruitment poster from Disabled Students UK. It reads: “We are recruiting! Join the team as our Community and Communications Manager!” The image shows a diverse group of animated characters, including people with visible disabilities, smiling and celebrating. A follow-up recruitment poster from Disabled Students UK. It reads: “Help build relationships, share disabled students’ expertise and position DSUK as a leading voice in the sector.” Below, it lists the desired qualities. At the bottom, it says: “Apply now by emailing your CV to tanya@disabledstudents.co.uk.” An illustration shows a wheelchair user and a standing person holding hands.
May 28, 2025 at 9:35 AM
disabledstudentsuk.bsky.social
PhD students have unique needs that must be recognised!

Join us in raising our voices by filling out the Annual Disabled Student Survey. Let's ensure every student's needs are met! 👇

Link to the survey: app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk/s/dsuk-resea...

#DisabledStudents #ADSS2025
The image is for the Annual Disabled Student Survey 2025 by Disabled Students UK. It features a person with a prosthetic leg running. The text reads: "'PhD students can have quite different needs...the university needs to recognise the needs of all its students.' Below this, there is an invitation to participate in the survey: 'Fill out the Annual Disabled Students Survey." There is also a logo for Disabled Students UK in the top right corner.
May 26, 2025 at 2:15 PM
Reposted by Disabled Students UK
natalyad.bsky.social
I feel like a parrot citing the issues of disability access in Higher ed.

We could do so much more if we gave staff proper training and clear access guidance.

Harriet says it all and more.

Unis should also be quicker to fix their mistakes rather than doubling down.
harrietcannon.bsky.social Harriet Cannon @harrietcannon.bsky.social · May 23
So today's 'nod along' is the OIA's annual report, specifically the Themes section. Over 40% of students who bring a complaint to the OIA tell them they are disabled. That's up from a third last year. Let's take a look: www.oiahe.org.uk/resources-an...

#UKHE
Themes in complaints
The Annual Report from the OIA for 2024
www.oiahe.org.uk
May 23, 2025 at 5:37 PM
Reposted by Disabled Students UK
harrietcannon.bsky.social
So today's 'nod along' is the OIA's annual report, specifically the Themes section. Over 40% of students who bring a complaint to the OIA tell them they are disabled. That's up from a third last year. Let's take a look: www.oiahe.org.uk/resources-an...

#UKHE
Themes in complaints
The Annual Report from the OIA for 2024
www.oiahe.org.uk
May 23, 2025 at 8:29 AM