March 2023
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This conference brought together government, regulators and stakeholders to examine the priorities for supporting disabled students in Higher Education.
It came as the Disabled Students’ Commission consults on a new Disabled Students Commitment for the higher education sector, and was a timely opportunity to assess the consultation response and outcomes expected in early 2023.
We are pleased to have been able to include keynote sessions with Professor Geoff Layer, Chair, Disabled Students’ Commission; Nicola Turner, Senior Fair Access Adviser, UCAS; Atif Choudhury, Founder and Director, Diversity and Ability; Elia Chitwa, Disabled Students’ Officer, Cambridge Students’ Union.
Delegates considered the position of disabled students and the wider equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) agenda in governance structures, roles and responsibilities, and priorities for university leaders in championing and managing strategies, policies and implementation.
There was discussion on the coordination of services and support across student contact points, and how providers can embed monitoring, self-assessment and accountability into delivery plans.
The conference was also an opportunity to consider what is needed to support disabled students through the cost of living crisis, with discussion on student wellbeing and the priorities for both provider funding and the Disabled Students’ Allowance.
Further areas for discussion included:
- transition: easing the journey into higher education
- welfare: improving student life on campus - increasing awareness of available support
- working towards equality: narrowing attainment gaps - embedding inclusivity into curricula and assessment
- life after university: supporting graduate outcomes - the transition into work
The conference was an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who attended from the DfE; DWP; The Scottish Government; and the Welsh Government.
