Disability History Month 2023

UK Disability History Month (UKDHM) is an annual event which aims to promote disabled people’s rights and their struggle for equality now and in the past. This year UKDHM will take place from the 16th November until 16th December 2023. 

What is a disability? 

Disability is defined as a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on the ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities and can mean different things to different people. 

It can be a mental health or physical condition, visible or hidden, it can last 12 months or longer, and be recurring. It may include:

• specific learning disabilities
• dyslexia
• mental health difficulties (such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders, alcohol/substance abuse etc.)
• autism
• ADHD
• a long-term health condition (such as cancer, epilepsy, MS, HIV, diabetes, chronic fatigue syndrome or arthritis) 

An estimated 1.3 billion people experience significant disability. This represents 16% of the world’s population, or 1 in 6 of us. (WHO) The University Provides support such as:

• appointments with advisors 
• advice on getting a medical diagnosis
• guidance on disclosure or providing evidence
• teaching, learning and assessment adjustments 
• additional financial support
• administrative support 

You can find out more about the University Disability Services below:

www.plymouth.ac.uk/about-us/university-structure/service-areas/equality-diversity-and-inclusion/disability-support