By Raeva Waqiah-Malik, Silvia Vangelova, and Fernanda de Madariaga
This issue, we are sharing some events organised by UK Disability History Month, focusing on this year’s theme of Livelihood and Employment. During these events, individuals will be encouraged to find their place in the career field by spotlighting the challenges faced due to society’s stigmas and breaking down barriers of exclusion. Furthermore, this issue will bring you events that highlight the struggles of being under-represented in the publishing community, especially with regards to mental health. Events such as book launches, Q&A and library drop-in sessions hope to provide a path of inclusion that otherwise might be harder to find.
UK Disability History Month 2024 Launch
Thursday, 14 November, 6:00-7:30 p.m. at Sir James Matthew Building, Southampton
Join the University of Southampton Diversity Team in celebrating the first day of UK Disability History Month, coinciding with the Southampton Arts and Humanities Festival. This interactive event, “Get Shredder Ready!” will explore identities and labels through creativity, showcasing artwork by allies and individuals with lived experiences of disability. Established in 2010, UK Disability History Month is focusing this year on Livelihood and Employment. Organised with the UoS Disability and Neurodivergence Network, the event highlights inclusion and human rights struggles within the disabled community. Tickets are free. Click here.
SYP UK: SYP Q&A – Volunteering as an Under-Represented Publishing Professional or Hopeful
Thursday, 21 November, 7:00-8:00 p.m. on Zoom
A not-to-miss opportunity! A Q&A and panel on volunteering with the Society of Young Publishers (SYP) as an under-represented committee member. Current volunteers from various branches will share their experiences and answer questions about time commitment, support and inclusivity. This event is a chance for under-represented individuals interested in next year’s committees to learn more. The panel will be recorded and available on YouTube. Accessibility features include Zoom automatic captions. The event is free. Book tickets here.
Matt Haig and The Life Impossible at St Mary Magdalen Church
Friday, 22 November, 7:00-8:00 p.m. at St Mary Magdalen Church
Waterstones will welcome Matt Haig to discuss his newest release, The Life Impossible. Haig is an advocate for mental health awareness. Having suffered from depression, Haig strives to break down barriers for the stigmas surrounding mental health issues and those who feel under-represented within it. Haig is well-known for his emotionally charged and touching novels, where he grasps the reader with intricacy and depth, exploring the strains that life can cause on someone’s emotional and mental health. In The Life Impossible, Haig narrates a story of crime, adventure, loss and self-discovery. This is an excellent event to join, especially for a community where representation and awareness matter the most. For more information and tickets for the event, click here.
Archive Drop-in Session: Disability History Month
Wednesday, 27 November, 4:00-6:00 p.m. at LSE Library: The British Library of Political and Economic Science
The LSE Library offers a brilliant opportunity to explore its archives and special collections during Disability Awareness Month. Curators and archivists will be present to help academics, and anyone interested, learn more about the history-making moments of the fight for equality and to advise on how to make the most of the materials held at the facility. The exhibition will include materials from suffragette Rosa May Billinghurst, the Disablement Income Group (DIG) and the Gay Men's Disabled Group newsletters, to name a few. This event is perfect for anyone who wants to expand their knowledge and delve deeper into the history of disabled communities and their fight for equality. Admission is free; you can reserve a spot here or simply drop by at your leisure.
Disability History Month Flagship Event
Friday, 29 November, 12:00-5:00 p.m., Reading Students’ Union, Whiteknights Campus, Reading
This engaging drop-in event will feature networking, workshops and exhibitions centred on the national theme of Livelihood and Employment. Participants can connect with disability support organisations, discuss workplace accommodations and attend sessions on resume building, interview tips and career opportunities in the heritage sector. The day will conclude with a panel discussion hosted by the Reading Students' Union, fostering inclusivity and allyship in the workplace. Register to attend here.