Disabled Student Commitment Community of Practice Events

Disabled Students’ Commission launched the Disabled Student Commitment, which is a call to the sector and its organisations to make the step change necessary to create a more inclusive higher education environment for everyone.

The Disabled Student Commitment Sign Up Page

Upcoming Events

Join us for our community of practice event exploring the journey from commitment to action, this session focuses on disabled students’ on-course experience and will feature presentations from institutions in the South West of England.

Agenda

Time Item Lead Speaker 
9:00 – 10:00 amArrivals, refreshments and networking [for those attending in person]
10:00 – 10:15 amWelcome and housekeepingHarriet Cannon
Assistant Head of Disability Support, University of Leeds
Welcome address Harriet Cannon
Assistant Head of Disability Support, University of Leeds
Welcome address from DSC ChairProf Deborah Johnston (TBC)
Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive of the University of Bedfordshire
or Luke Howson (LSBU) & Shapna Compton (University of Greenwich)
10:15-10:30 amTBC The regulator’s perspective on the disabled student on-course experience. TBC
TOPIC 1:  Requests to share information 
Exploring how institutions can make disclosure and information sharing easier, reducing the need for students to repeatedly explain their disability. This touchpoint focuses on consent, trust, communication, and joined-up support.
10:15 -10:30 amTBCTBC
10:30 – 10:45 amInfo Sharing at Leeds projectClare Taylor, Lucy Elliot
Disability Services, University of Leeds
Topic 2: Choosing a course of study
Considering how disabled applicants access clear, accessible information about courses, support, and student life. This touchpoint emphasises informed choice and confidence before applying or enrolling.
10:45 – 11:00 amTBCTBC
Topic 3: transition to university
Examining how students are welcomed into university life and supported from day one. This includes timely support plans, accessible induction activities, and creating a strong sense of belonging.
11:00 – 11:15 amTransitions into University Julie Lynch
Head of Disability & Inclusion, University of Hull
11:15 -11:25 amQ&AHarriet Cannon, Assistant Head of Disability Support, University of Leeds
11:25 am -11:40 am Comfort break
Topic 4: On-course experience
Focusing on the learning, teaching, assessment, and wider student experience once students are studying. This touchpoint highlights inclusive practice, effective adjustments, wellbeing, and student success.
11:40 – 11:55 amCompetence standards review project
Harry Robinson
Student Researcher, University of Leeds
11:55 am -12:10 pmCore Inclusive PracticesJenny Alderton
Head of Disability and Inclusion, York St John University
12:10 -12:25 pmInclusive exam papers projectDr Salma Al Arefi
Lecturer & SALIP, University of Leeds
Topic 5: Moving forward
Exploring how universities support disabled students to prepare for employment, further study, and life beyond graduation. This touchpoint considers careers support, employer engagement, and successful progression outcomes.
12:25 – 12:40 pmCareers: supporting disabled students into employmentClaire Alford, Careers Consultant & Disability Lead, Careers Service, University of Leeds
12:40 – 12:55 pmQ&AHarriet Cannon
12:55 – 13:00 pmFinal remarks and closeProfessor Charlotte Haigh, Associate Pro Vice Chancellor Enhancement & Student Experience

Past Events