UK Disability History Month is taking place across our campuses and aims celebrate lives as disabled people and challenge disablism.
One of the themes of the national awareness month is disability and hidden disability.
But what is a hidden disability?
Sometimes called an invisible disability, a hidden disability is one that does not have outward physical signs. Some examples include Autism Spectrum Condition; dyslexia; epilepsy; mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression; diabetes, chronic fatigue, visual impairments and hearing loss.
People with hidden disabilities can often experience a lack of understanding about their disability and may be challenged by others when exercising their rights to reasonable adjustments.
As an inclusive community, we want to do more to ensure our colleagues, peers and friends who have hidden disabilities are more supported and we have a better understanding of the issues they face.
The Student Disability and Inclusion Team are available to help and support students with disabilities including physical disabilities, mental health conditions, sensory impairments, long-term health conditions and Specific Learning Differences.
The team can make recommendations for additional support for students including access to Learning Support (e.g. notetaking), dedicated spaces such as the Assistive Technology Suite, peer support, short-term mentoring as well as adjustments to teaching and learning and additional exam recommendations.
The UoS Disability Staff Network aims to promote a work environment in which staff with disabilities are supported and valued, enabling them to fulfil their potential. The team provides peer support to staff, gives a voice to staff with disabilities, contributes to policy development and the University’s equality action plans.
COVID-19 and hidden disabilities
The COVID-19 pandemic has created additional challenges for people with hidden disabilities.
Some of our community may be exempt from wearing face coverings for reasons set out by the UK Government. If they are exempt, they may choose to wear hidden-disability lanyards, however it is important to remember, this is a personal choice and it is not necessary to show evidence of an exemption.
People with hidden disabilities such as hearing impairments may rely on lip reading, and therefore face coverings can make this difficult. There are a number of transparent face coverings available for teaching staff and those in student or staff facing roles to use as required. Speak to your line manager if you would like one of these coverings.
Hidden-disability lanyards are available from the Student Hub in Building 37.
Further guidance is available on the Face coverings page of our Health and Safety during COVID-19 SharePoint site.
More information about hidden disabilities is available on the UK Disability History Month website.
