What is it?
Disability Pride Month is celebrated annually throughout the UK in July. Originating in the US in 1990, the month aims to celebrate the diverse identities and achievements of disabled people, shift stigmatised narratives, and challenge ableism through the social model of disability. Celebrated in the UK since 2015, the month acts as a platform to highlight both visible and invisible disabilities, neurodivergence, and mental health conditions.
How to get involved
Major disability charities like Scope and Disability Rights UK champion the month by promoting community events, advocating for structural equality, and providing workplace resources. The Inclusive Employers website also has information on how to celebrate Disability Pride, including involving the disabled community in planning and providing training.
What resources are available to me?
The University has an Expect Respect module, providing an introduction to equality, diversity and inclusion principles and values at Kent, and how that translates to expectations around behaviour. There is also guidance on inclusive language.
You can explore the University Library reading list on neurodiversity and the LGBT+ reading list, to discover fiction, memoir, non-fiction, podcasts, audio books, and audio-visual books. You also can access other literary resources through the Libby App with your University of Kent free access.
The Careers and Employability team have an opportunities page for students with demographic-specific opportunities, which includes opportunities for neurodiverse students.
You can find out more about Support for Trans Individuals and the Gender Affirmation Fund (available to students who identify as transgender, non-binary or gender neutral) on the Kent website, and there is an LGBTQIA+ Student Life Guide.
What networks are there?
Kent Students’ Union have numerous societies and networks you can join, including the LGBTQ+ Network, the LGBTQ+ Society, the Queer POC Society, the Transgender and Non-Binary Students Society, the Accessibility Network, and the Neurodivergent Society. There is also a Canterbury Trans Network for all transgender, intersex, and non-binary people at Kent. It is independent from the University and run by non-binary people for non-binary people.
How do I report an incident?
Students and staff can report an incident such as harassment or bullying through Report + Support. You can either make a named report and speak to an adviser or give an anonymous report. We also recommend downloading the Safe Zone app, as this is a free and simple way to summon first-aid, security, or safety assistance via your mobile phone.