Support
If you would like to find out more about issues affecting disabled people or are seeking more background information to support a colleague or student our list of resources (which will expand over time) may be of help.
The University Library also provides access to hundreds of resources, digitally and in print, across a wide variety of topics.
If you have any feedback on the following information, please get in touch.
Support
We have a number of resources available that have been developed at the University to support disability equity.
The University of Manchester Disability Advisory and Support Service (DASS) supports a variety of different groups, whether students, staff or supporters.
You can book an appointment with DASS by telephone: 0161 306 7512 (x57512 from an internal phone), email: dass@manchester.ac.uk
If a member of staff discloses a disability to you, or you become aware that they have a disability, please discuss a referral to the DASS staff service.
QWELL provides free, safe and anonymous online mental health support. There are no waiting lists for support and no referral needed. Access to these platforms is available instant and 24/7.
Staff network groups are a fantastic way to network with people from all over the University. Many of the groups also offer confidential support and advisory services from their members to any member of staff.
Policies and guidance
Training
Diversity in the Workplace is an online module that intends to support staff to become familiar with equality legislation and looks in detail at all equality groups.
The University Disability Equity Course, provided by DASS is available for any member of staff to self enrol. The course covers what we mean by disability, disability facts, support and legal obligations.
Manchester GOLD mentoring scheme is available to all staff. The scheme matches mentees with appropriate mentors from around the University. Matches can based on a number of criteria including disability.
Resources
The University worked with AccessAble to launch a new app to provide detailed access information to all University buildings. These access guides include all the facilities on campus, including halls of residence, cafes, lecture halls, toilets and bars from a pan disability perspective.
The University is part of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Scheme. The Sunflower shows that an individual has a non-visible disability (also known as hidden disability or invisible disability) and may need additional support, help or a little more time.
Kanopy Streaming provides all staff with access to hundreds of disability related documentaries and films.
Trishna Bharadia, University of Manchester Alumni, talks to the Development and Alumni Relations about living with MS, her passion for disability advocacy and training to dance with Strictly professional Aljaž Škorjanec for her debut in The People's Strictly for Comic Relief.
For activities on campus and advice for staff working at home, Disability Rights UK have partnered with Sport England to produce a range of resources to support people with disabilities stay active.
Co-created by Dr Jessica Bowland, Senior Lecturer in the School of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, this blog considers how to make video conferencing interactions easier, more accessible and more inclusive.
Colleagues with a physical/mental health condition or disability, may be entitled to an Access to Work grant. This provides funds for specialist equipment, mental health support and work-related travel expenses. The below document outlines the application procedure.
External resources
Sometimes staff feel more comfortable talking to someone outside of the organisation. There are a number of well-known external resources which may be useful*.
If you would like to add another resource or spot one that no longer works here, please contact equalityanddiversity@manchester.ac.uk.
*The University of Manchester cannot be held responsible for the content of external websites.
The University of Manchester is a Disability Confident employer. This includes offering interviews to people who meet the requirements for the role that they are applying for.
In 2023 we will be reviewing our Disability Confident status with the hope that this will be upgraded to Disability Confident Leader.
The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has a broad remit which includes protecting people against discriminatory treatment. They are the regulatory body responsible for enforcing the Equality Act.
Disability advice and guidance brings together disability advice, guidance, news, blogs and information from across the EHRC website.
The Equality Advisory and Support Service (EASS) runs a helpline for individuals seeking information or assistance on issues relating to equality and human rights.
The National Association of Disabled Staff Networks (NADSN) connects and represents disabled staff networks from universities and colleges.
All4Inclusion support all people with a disability – rather than specialise, as virtually all other organisations do, in supporting people with just one specific disability.
Developed by researchers from Cardiff University the Disability Discrimination Quiz aims to help you find out if you might be experiencing disability discrimination at work and what to do about it.
ABLEize Disability and Mobility Directory actively seeks out new social activities, charities and support groups to add to a disability directory. They also have information about accessible venues across the country.