The University's Disability History Month initiatives aimed to break down barriers and challenge attitudes towards hidden disabilities
Published
A panel event focused on invisible disabilities and a storytelling campaign marked the celebration of Disability History Month at City St George’s, University of London.
Building on the success of last year’s Visible Voices campaign, staff and students have once again shared their experiences relating to disability.
This year, the campaign was updated with new voices including BSc Music, Sound and Technology student Eva O’Neill.
Eva’s story
Eva is the founder of the Neurodiversity Society at City St George’s and lived for many years with undiagnosed ADHD as well as a physical chronic illness. She said for many years, this made her feel like she was a “step behind everyone else.”
Sharing how her attitude has changed over the years, she said:
“In previous years, I was often made to feel like a burden for my issues, for misunderstanding things, and needing more help at times. I was often bullied or excluded and as a teen, I became a selective mute, not saying or doing anything to draw attention to myself.
“The reality is you’ve got to make some noise to be heard. So, I went from the kid in class who never used to talk, to the kid who never shuts up! I got involved as much as I could, in societies, work opportunities, events- and loved every minute of it!
“Getting my diagnoses, the relevant support and putting it all into action was never going to be an easy process. You’ve just got to take the brave first step of reaching out.” Read the full story.
Iain’s story
Iain Branch, Apprenticeship Programmes Assessor, is a member of staff who contributed his story to the campaign this year. After receiving a polycystic kidney disorder diagnosis at age 61 and undergoing dialysis, his life has changed drastically.
“Dialysis has drastically altered my daily life. I am on a strict fluid intake limit of just 750 millilitres a day, which is incredibly challenging. Side effects include anaemia, low haemoglobin levels, and sudden drops in blood pressure, especially if too much fluid is removed. Despite these challenges, dialysis is keeping me alive, and I am incredibly grateful for the care I receive.”
“When asked if I consider myself disabled, I often use the analogy of a rotten pineapple: shiny on the outside, but with serious issues inside. This analogy reflects an important lesson—most disabilities are invisible, and we should approach others’ struggles with empathy and an open mind.”
Lauren’s story
Lauren Regan, Digital Literacies Coordinator, shared her experience of being diagnosed with ADHD at 44.
“The real change took place when I started to realise that I was neurodiverse 4 years earlier. I still remember that lightbulb moment followed by a wave of understanding and self-forgiveness that enveloped me when I discovered that there wasn’t ‘something wrong with me’, like I had always felt and been told, but that my brain just worked differently to others.
“City St Georges was the first place of work where I felt safe to share my self-diagnosis of ADHD and I felt fully supported by my line manager. I remember one of the first meetings that I joined when I started was led by a colleague sharing their experience of being on the Autism spectrum and that really highlighted to me just how inclusive and open my department was.”
‘Uncovering Hidden Disabilities’ Panel Event
Some of the staff and students who took part in the ‘Visible Voices’ campaign were in attendance at the ‘Uncovering Hidden Disabilities’ panel event on Wednesday 11 December.
The event facilitated conversations on hidden disabilities in the workplace, with a panel discussion and Q&A session with staff and students.
Reflecting on this year’s panel event and campaign, Sandra Guzman-Rodriguez, Senior EDI Officer (Inclusive and Accessible Communities), said:
“The event would not have been possible without all the people who have contributed to our disability initiatives this year. Particularly those who have shared stories and who are really paving the way to dismantling ableism and fostering an authentic and meaningful community at City St George’s.”
Staff members spoke on the panel, with some sharing their experiences of hidden disabilities and discussing ways of supporting the University community inclusively as an institution.
One panel member was Professor Jessica Jones Nielsen, Professor and Assistant Vice President (EDI). She said:
“Disability inclusion goes beyond meeting accessibility requirements. It’s about creating an environment where everyone feels seen, valued and empowered to thrive. The challenge for us is to break down those barriers.
“At City St George’s, we’re proud of the progress we’ve made to foster a more inclusive environment. This year we achieved the Disability Confident Leader status and received a bronze award from the Neurodiversity Employers Index.
“But still there is so much work to be done and that is why events like this one are so important as we must continue having these vital conversations.”
At the panel event, Michelle Yembra (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Manager) announced that City St George’s is now a member of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower scheme- an initiative created to support those with less obvious disabilities and conditions.
Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Scheme
Michelle Yembra discussed the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Scheme and said that sunflower lanyards were available for attendees to take. Commenting on the scheme, she said:
“City St George’s are joining this initiative because it aligns with our commitment to foster an inclusive and understanding community.
“It’s a really important step forward in creating a more supportive environment for staff, students and visitors at our university, fostering awareness and reducing stigma.”
“Before our merger, our colleagues at legacy St George’s were members of the programme and legacy City were exploring the membership. Hearing about the power and importance of the scheme at our Tooting campus strengthened the desire to ensure that our newly merged institution of City St George’s, University of London became a member.”