This Disability History Month (16 November–16 December), where we champion and celebrate inclusivity and equality, we start by asking our students what this month means to them and why it matters:
“Disability History Month allows me to see myself represented in people who are visible to the general public, displaying that my difference is not something that I face on my own… I think it is important to have a time where we can celebrate this difference within ourselves and see it as something uplifting.” – Grace
“Disability History Month ensures awareness of issues within the community and encourages real acceptance and true integration with society. I feel like other movements have encouraged strong support and general awareness for other marginalised groups, and I would like to see the same for the disabled community.” – Becca
“Disability History Month is important for our community, to educate and inform us all on how we can make the world a more accepting place for people with disabilities.” – Kira
Disability History Month art competition winner
The winner of this year’s staff and student competition is student Yiming Zheng (MA Textile Design). Yiming wanted to create an illustration to promote awareness of blindness and partial sightedness, and the importance of creating a friendly and inclusive environment. It aims to draw attention to the uncertainty around trying new things and the unknown as well as the challenges of using public transport that can be part of the life of a person who is blind or partially sighted.
What’s on
A series of events and activities will be taking place across the month. Just some of the highlights include those in the table directly below:
| Wednesday 23 November (13:00-15:00) |
Yacht sailing
Town Quay Marina, Southampton, SO14 2AQ. This sailing opportunity is open to all students. Waterproof clothing is provided, and we advise wearing trainers or flat shoes. If you would like to express your interest, please contact Paul Hopkins by email at: [email protected] Please note, spaces are available on a first-come first-served basis, and numbers are limited. |
| Friday 25 November (19:00-23:00) |
Southern Sharks vs Team Southampton wheelchair basketball match
Jubilee Sports Centre, Jubilee Sports Hall, University Road, Southampton, SO17 1BJ. We are excited to be joined by the Southern Sharks to play wheelchair basketball – and this year, they are challenging our very own Team Southampton’s Sharks basketball team. Book a free spectator’s space for the wheelchair basketball match on Eventbrite. |
| Monday 28 November (19:30-23:00) |
Quiz and Curry: Disability in Sport Week
The Bridge, Building 42, Highfield Campus. Join a disability in sport themed quiz over a curry with the chance to win big prizes while raising awareness of disability in sport. The quiz entry is £1 per person, and curries start from £5.95. No pre-booking is required. |
| Monday 28 November – Friday 2 December
(The quiet hours in the gyms are Tuesday and Wednesday from 14:00-15:00.) |
Free fitness classes
Mayflower Gym, West Park Road, Southampton, SO15 1DQ. Jubilee Sports Centre, University Road, Southampton, SO17 1BJ. Southampton Sport are running free fitness classes open to all throughout the week:
The free fitness classes are bookable with a free sports pass via the Southampton Sport App. Instructions:
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| Monday 28 November (Between 12:00-14:00) |
Personal Training advice
Jubilee Sports Centre, Jubilee Gym, University Road, Southampton, SO17 1BJ. Book a personal training advice session using a free sports pass via the Southampton Sport App. Instructions:
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| Monday 28 November (13:30-15:30) |
Give it a go: Impaired art workshop
The Plant Pot, Building 42, University Road, Southampton, SO17 1BJ. The unique workshop – delivered by SUSU – is a chance to experience painting in an unusual way – creating art without using your eyesight or hands. Book a free place on Eventbrite for the impaired art workshop on Highfield Campus. |
| Tuesday 29 November (16:00 – 18:00) |
Give it a go: Impaired art workshop
Winchester School of Art Cafe, Park Avenue, Winchester, SO23 8DL. The unique workshop – delivered by SUSU – is a chance to experience painting in an unusual way – creating art without using your eyesight or hands Book a free place on Eventbrite for the impaired art workshop at the Winchester School of Art campus. |
| Tuesday 29 November (16:00-17:00) |
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Sports Forum hosted by VP Sports but led by students
Veg Out Space, Level Two, Building 42, Highfield Campus. Come along to the forum and find out what is being done to develop the inclusivity and accessibility of sport on our campuses – open to students for the first time. Whether you have questions, feedback, or just want to listen, you are welcome to join. The forum was created as a place for underrepresented voices to be heard. No booking is required. |
| Tuesday 29 November (14:00-15:00) |
Boccia: Launch coming soon
Jubilee Sports Centre, University Road, Southampton, SO17 1BJ. Reserve a space for the first Boccia session on Eventbrite. Visit the Student Event calendar on SharePoint or via the My Southampton App for all sessions. |
| Tuesday 29 November (11:30-12:00) Thursday 1 December (13:00-13:30) |
1:2:1 swim coaching – open to all levels
Jubilee Sports Centre, Jubilee Pool, University Road, Southampton, SO17 1BJ. 1:2:1 swim coaching is bookable with a free sports pass via the Southampton Sport App. Instructions:
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| Thursday 1 December | International Day of Disabled Persons flag raising
Jubilee Plaza, Highfield Campus. |
| Thursday 1 December (18:00-20:00) |
Relaxed games night
The Bridge, Building 42, Highfield Campus. Play tabletop escape rooms or board games in a relaxed environment. Book your free space for the relaxed games night on Eventbrite. |
Please note: If you are unable to attend a pre-allocated gym booking, please notify Southampton Sport. Non-attendances or a no show after 15 minutes may be subject to a fee and/or suspension of membership.
Further opportunities include:
- 10,000 Able Interns – last chance to get involved
10,000 Able Interns – a newly launched programme to connect students with a disability with paid internship opportunities at top-tier firms across a range of sectors. Catch up on SUSSED for more information about the Able Interns opportunity. The deadline to apply is this Sunday 20 November 2022. - Check out the SUSU Disability History Month campaign webpage with other ways to get involved this month.
Coming soon
Please keep an eye on SUSSED news as we will be sharing allyship tips for Disability History Month and beyond.
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