Achievements and Improvements
We have been working towards disability equality since 2006. With so much progress still to be made, it is important not to lose sight of what has been accomplished. Here we celebrate our achievements and thank those who made them possible.
For current activity see our opportunities and challenges page.
London
2016: Melanie and Hamied are invited to speak about the DSN at Westminster Briefing conferences on “Diversity, Inclusion & the Power of Staff Networks”.
Lord Morris of Manchester Memorial Lecture
The University of Manchester’s Disabled Staff Network presented the inaugural Lord Morris of Manchester Memorial Lecture on Thursday 3rd November 2016 at The University of Manchester. This was the first annual lecture focussing on disability equality at The University of Manchester. It took place in collaboration with the Alf Morris family, Mike Kane MP, Manchester Trades Union Council and the NW TUC Disability Forum. Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson DBE was our inaugural speaker!
The lecture series focussing on the rights and equality of disabled people will continue in 2018.
Recognition
2015: Co-chairs Melanie and Hamied won the Award for “Outstanding Contribution to Equality & Diversity (Staff)” at The University of Manchester’s first ever Making a Difference Awards for Social Responsibility and DSN was a finalist in the Inclusive Networks inaugural awards.
International Day of Disabled People
3rd December 2014 and 2015: Celebration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities jointly with the Disabled Staff Forum at Manchester Metropolitan University, our E&D teams and Students’ Unions.
First National Conference
6th June 2014: What Are We Hiding?: The first National Conference for the UK’s Disabled Workforce, was organised and hosted by the DSN at The University of Manchester. The conference focussed on hidden disabilities and the hidden contribution of disabled people to the economy and society.
Staff training
2014: Staff Learning and Development Team work with award winning Result CIC to provide Achieving Your Potential development programme and one-to-one coaching specifically for disabled staff (currently on going).
Time to change pledge
2013: University signs Time to Change pledge and action plan. This is followed by mental health awareness raising through a series of Time to Talk events, workshops and talks around mental health for staff and students.
Dedicated advice and support
2008: Gained support from the University’s President and Vice Chancellor to be one of the first universities in the country to provide dedicated advice and support for disabled staff and managers in DASS!