The University is one of the key supporters of the first Ableism In Academia conference (AIA) being held at UCL on 23 March 2018.

Even in a field where inclusivity and diversity are given due priority many pressures and challenges are faced by disabled, chronically ill, and neurodiverse staff in HE. By engaging in debate around academic ableism, including how it intersects with gender, race, class, age, and sexuality, AIA aims to create a policy-facing manifesto that will challenge academia’s existing notions of able-bodied perfection and provide impetus for change.

AIA organiser Nicole Brown, is Academic Head of Learning and Teaching within UCL’s Institute of Education, as well as undertaking PhD research here at Kent with Dr Jennifer Leigh (CSHE).

The event will be live-streamed to ensure wide accessibility and members of staff are warmly invited to participate by following the steps summarised on Nicole’s website.

The AIA keynote speaker is Fiona Kumari Campbell (University of Dundee), author of Contours of Ableism.