On 3 December it is International Day of Persons with Disabilities, an annual date of observance first proclaimed by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly in 1992. It aims to promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities in all spheres of society and development, and to increase awareness of the situation of persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life. Today, the world population is over 8 billion people and more than one billion people, or approximately 15 per cent of the world's population, have some form of disability.

This date falls within UK Disability History Month (UKDHM) where staff and student activities have been taking place on campus.

Business Disability Forum – a leading business membership organisation in disability inclusion – have resources available online:

• If you don’t mind me asking… webisode and podcast page launching for a second season, exploring the lives of disabled people, how they see themselves and their experiences.

• An opinion piece “A day for listening not just speaking” from Angela Matthews, Head of Policy and Research released for International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

• Membership resources for University of Sussex staff through their Knowledge Hub - register for access using a Sussex staff email account.

• A new A to Z of disability resource of key terms and topics including accessibility, common conditions and less visible disabilities.

We encourage you to explore the resources available, get involved and get in touch through support at Sussex:

Resources and Support for Staff

• All staff are encouraged to complete the Disability Essentials elearning on LearnUpon.

• Staff can also access the Workplace Adjustment toolkit, for more information and guidance for staff and managers, including our membership to the Business Disability Forum.

• The Staff Disability Network is for members of staff who have a disability. You can find more information about the network and links to useful resources on our disability equality and inclusion pages.

• If you would like to join the network or would like further information, you can contact the network by emailing staffdisabilitynetwork@sussex.ac.uk

Resources and Support for Students

• Information for students is available on the Disability Advice page and the Student Hub for health, support and wellbeing services available at Sussex.

• The Disability Team provides confidential information and advice to current and future students on disability-related study support and accessing disability-related funding.

• Students can also find out more about reasonable adjustments for teaching, exams, and assessments.

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