Disability History Month is a national celebration that invites everyone to recognise, celebrate and reflect on the experiences and achievements of people with disabilities. Nationally, it is celebrated between 20 November to 20 December. To make sure our student community can fully take part, we are following suit with several other universities and celebrating Disability History Month throughout the month of November.
Disability History Month is a national celebration that invites everyone to recognise, celebrate and reflect on the experiences and achievements of people with disabilities. Nationally, it is celebrated between 20 November to 20 December. To make sure our student community can fully take part, we are following suit with several other universities and celebrating Disability History Month throughout the month of November.
This year, the national theme is “Disability, Life and Death”, exploring and encouraging conversion about how the value of the lives of people with disabilities has been questioned and challenged throughout history and today. Including new and recent legislation. It challenges us to confront the ways right to life and dignity of the disabled community has been undermined and to reaffirm that every person’s life holds equal worth and value.
Working with Royal Holloway Students’ Union (RHSU), we have reinterpreted this theme as “Let’s Talk About It.” While the national conversation focuses on vital and heavy issues of life, death and legislation, we want to encourage open, compassionate discussion about disability and everyday life within our student community. Staying connected to the national theme by encouraging conversation about how disability shapes student experiences, including but not solely the feelings of exclusion, disadvantage or devaluation, while reflecting the realities of students here at Royal Holloway. Additionally, by reframing to less intense topics, we aim to make discussions more accessible, approachable and relevant to our campus community.
This month, we will be holding events and creating spaces for meaningful conversations about disability. These will be mainly lead by me, your Disabled Students Community Officer.
JJ Littleton
Disabled Students Community Officer
Hello, I’m JJ Littleton and since September 2024, I have had the pleasure to serve as the Disabled Students Community Officer. At present I study and research in Electronic Engineering. Designing and fabricating adaptive hardware and sports equipment for several years prior to university, as well as being as involved as I could with disability advocacy during my studies led to me being encouraged to apply for this role. Growing up immersed within the world of disability has given me a deep understanding, commitment and literacy within accessibility and the community. Due to this experience, the role has often felt like a natural fit, closely aligned with work I would be doing with or without the position.
Disability History Month is an important campaign and time of year to allow focus on national support behind systematic and social changes. To me, the month and theme it is a great reminder and celebration that while we may not be separate from our conditions, we are more than and not defined by them. Even when society or government legislation fails to support or, intentionally or not, devalue us.
Alongside me, student leader and advocate Claude Kumar is helping lead our awareness and lobbying efforts.
Claude Kumar
Hiya! My name Claude Kumar and I'd consider myself a student advocate and campaigner!
I’m an MSc Clinical Psychology student, throughout my undergrad I was involved in various campaigns and initiatives targeted towards widening access. From campaigns such as Deaf Awareness Week to encouraging a more open and transparent conversation about accessibility of Higher Education as a Senior Course rep. Even though I, myself am disabled, I’m constantly learning from the community around me, teaching me more than I ever thought I could know. Disability History Month is crucial in so many ways, not only is it a time to spotlight the persisting inequality faced to this day but also to recognise just how far we’ve come. I view this month as a time to celebrate the diversity amongst our community, all the amazing things we have and will achieved- as well as the power found in representation. Even with systemic barriers and a government that continues to disparage the community, we are people who contain multitudes, don’t ever let anyone dull your sparkle.
What's On
Many free events this November are being led by JJ, Claude, RHSU, and student groups across campus. From creative workshops and wellbeing walks to film nights, quizzes, and accessible sports, there’s something for everyone. Alongside these social and creative activities, some events focus on learning and discussion, offering dedicated spaces to explore disability, accessibility, and representation.
All activities are inclusive and approachable, with wheelchair access, captions and sensory considerations where possible.
To cap off Disability History Month, we will be celebrating the creativity of our disabled student community at the Disability Creativity Showcase! This is Thursday 27 November, 6–8pm, at The Pride Hub (Egham Highstreet). Enjoy art, writing, performance and more as well as connect with peers while exploring diverse experiences of disability. Everyone is welcome! If you would like to showcase a piece of your work or performance, sign up by completing this form:
As part of this campaign, we are not just celebrating - we are also working to raise awareness on how rights and policy have improved or can be developed to uplift and support our community. This includes showcasing what RHSU, the university and student groups have done so far and highlighting how disability can impact the life of students. We are also advocating for standardised lecture recording across courses, with emphasis on improving accessibility features to a standard that is correct and functional. Finally, showcasing the library’s current involvement in accessibility and collecting feedback. All feedback throughout the campaign will inform further lobbying.
Whether you join us for some events, try a new sport, or take part in lobbying, this November is all about celebrating, connecting and uplifting disabled voices across our campus.
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