The annual observance of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) on 3 December was proclaimed in 1992 by the United Nations General Assembly resolution 47/3. The observance of the Day aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights and wellbeing of persons with disabilities.
Events
- Spectrum.Life are hosting an International Day of Persons with Disabilities virtual event on 7 December at 1.15pm for its members which includes Christ Church students. Join Spectrum.Life as they talk about disability rights and the wellbeing of persons with disabilities. To register on the Spectrum.Life platform use your Canterbury Christ Church email address.
- The History of Disability, 7 December, Medway Hub, 1pm – 2.30pm or online
Dr Eilis Boyle & Dr Emily Bartlett will be giving a talk on the History of Disability, incorporating historiography and the importance of including disabled people in your work.
- Disability Month Book Club, 15 December, 12noon-1pm, Medway Hub
Join the club in the Mezzanine or Teams in reading Disability Visibility by Alice Wong & others! Teams link here. The book is available in our University Libraries or sign up to Libby or BorrowBox to get the free audiobook.
The Student Disability Network wants to hear about your experiences
The network are hosting two focus groups:
- International Day of Peoples with Disabilities, 2 December, 1-2pm, Cafe 41 - this is a chance for individuals with disabilities to come together and share experiences and help improve student life for disabled people. Please email disabledstudentsociety@ccsu.co.uk to confirm attendance.
- Learning Support Plan Focus Group, 6 and 7 December, 12noon-1pm, Cafe 41. Please complete this form to let us know if you wish to attend.
Free tea, coffee and biscuits are available!
Support for our students with disabilities
To help you succeed, our specialist Student Disability Team can support and advise you if you’re facing (or potentially facing) disabling barriers to studying independently at University.
You can contact the team via:
- An online registration form
- Email disability@canterbury.ac.uk
- Virtual Drop-ins from Monday- Friday, between 12 noon and 1pm, via Blackboard
If you are a home student with disability and have not applied for Disabled Students’ Allowance you still can. Disabled Students’ Allowance can cover some of the extra costs you have because of a mental health condition, long term illness or any other disability or learning difference.
Helpful Book Scheme
The Student Wellbeing Team has worked with the Library to identify a range of books to help you manage your health and wellbeing through helpful reading. This also includes support for long-term health conditions such as Arthritis, Diabetes, Crohn’s disease and chronic fatigue.
Accessible Learning
The University is committed to making its learning accessible to all.
- Blackboard Ally – is a tool which allows you to download alternative formats for common documents to make your learning resources more accessible in your Virtual Learning Environment.
- Library Accessibility Services – the Library has a range of services to make their services more accessible from their digital library to book fetching service, from alternative formats to proxy borrowing it is now easier for all students to access their books and resources.
- Productivity Software – the University is always adding to their offer of free tools, apps and software to help students with their writing, note taking and time management.
Expect Respect
Canterbury Christ Church University and the Students’ Union believe all students, staff and visitors have the right to live, study and work in a safe and supportive environment, free from discrimination, bullying or harassment of any form.
If you witness or experience bullying or harassment due to a disability we want you to feel confident that reporting the incident will be taken seriously by the University and you will be provided with the support you need.
Find out more about our Expect Respect Pledge and how we all play a part in creating an inclusive and welcoming University for all.