Disabled and Chronically Ill Network
The Disabled and Chronically Ill Network aims to provide a space for staff and students to connect, share experiences and information, and provide support. We also aim to raise awareness and visibility of disability issues at the University, to help promote a culture that supports disabled staff and students
You can report an accessibility issue on campus here
We use “disability” as an umbrella term to include physical disability, mental illness, chronic illness, sensory impairment, and neurodiversity. We understand not everyone who experiences these things would call themselves disabled and you do not have to identify as disabled to be included in the Network
The Disability Network is for all staff and students at the university under the broad umbrella of ‘disability’ who want to connect with others, share experiences, or promote change.
Allies who are interested in supporting the aims of the Network are always welcome to join or attend meetings. Allies are included in all meetings and events as it also allows people to attend as allies if they are concerned about disclosure.
We run monthly Network meetings which are open to all who wish to attend. We aim to make these meetings as accessible as possible and allow both in-person and remote access. We have a channel in Teams which is open for a text-based chat at any time, and we are holding our monthly meetings there via audio, video, and text-based chat while we are all working remotely.
We also link in with the university’s Disability Equality Group and various university EDI teams.
No.
We understand disclosing a disability or illness at work can be anxiety-provoking, so you never need to disclose any issues to take part. You are also welcome to tell colleagues you attend meetings as an ally, or to discuss your issues in meetings in the third person. We also have an anonymous form which you can use at any time to share experiences or suggest agenda items.
How do I join?
To join, email DisabilityNetwork@exeter.ac.uk and ask to join the mailing list and the Teams channel. That’s it!
Emails are always sent out as BCC, so your email address is never shared with others and only visible to the three Network co-ordinators who manage the email account.
Contact us:
Email: DisabilityNetwork@Exeter.ac.uk
Follow us on Twitter: @UoEDisabled
You can also leave feedback on our anonymous form HERE
Global Minds: Understanding International Students’ perspectives on Disability and Neurodivergence
Multi UK University Study - International Neurodivergent Student Research Project
There is cultural variation in awareness, conceptualisation and understanding of neurodivergence. International students studying in UK universities and who are neurodivergent may or may not be aware of the support available and there is currently little understanding of the ways in which international students seek support for a disability or having a neurodivergent condition.
Our researchers are collaborating with researchers at Universities of Bath, Sussex, Lancaster, Queen Mary University of London, Hertfordshire, Portsmouth, and Sunderland to investigate non-disclosure of disability among international students in UK universities.
The survey is now live on our website. We would appreciate your help in encouraging as many international students as possible to take part. Any questions about this project please contact Rachel (r.griffiths@exeter.ac.uk).
