On 3 December it is International Day of Persons with Disabilities, marking 30 years since the annual observance was proclaimed by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly. 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, live with some form of disability; 80 per cent live in developing countries.

This date of importance 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
• a new 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

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

Resources and Support for Staff

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

Staff can also access the Workplace Adjustment toolkit, launched in UKDHM 2021 for more information and guidance for staff and managers, including our membership to the Business Disability Forum.

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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