Durham University Disability Support

Meet our Disability Services Team!

On Wednesday 22nd February our Disability Services team are hosting a workshop around managing long term conditions. Come along and meet the team and find out how we can support you during your time at university. PLUS discover ways to manage your wellbeing and explore useful resources.

To register your FREE place please follow the QR code or visit forms.office.com/e/eXQ3rthG7q

Durham Students with Disabilities Association Durham Students' Union

Living Well with MS information event

This event will take place on Thursday 22 September at the Radisson Blu Hotel on Frankland Lane in Durham between 2.45pm and 7pm, although people are welcome to attend part of the day also.

Key speakers at the event include Sarah Taylor, Occupational Therapist from County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust and Beverley Warrington who will talk about mindfulness.

The event is free and includes free parking and afternoon tea. Anyone is welcome to attend, however, numbers are limited so anyone who would like to attend can register their interest at [email protected] or call 07738 949712.

Durham Students with Disabilities Association Durham Students' Union

Epilepsy Action have shared some information about ThinkNinja for epilepsy, a new app designed to help people with epilepsy understand and improve their wellbeing. The company developing the app, Healios, would like to hear from more people with epilepsy, to help them make the app the best it can be.

If you’d like to give it a go, you can sign up on the link below. By taking part, you’ll get access to a range of new and innovative epilepsy support.

ThinkNinja for epilepsy ThinkNinja for epilepsy is a mobile app that supports the mental health of people living with epilepsy. We will be conducting a study to explore if the eight-week programme is an effective tool for improving the mental health of people with epilepsy.

Durham University is undertaking a strategic review of Student Services and Wellbeing.

How can you help

We really want to speak to Durham University Student Service users as part of the evaluation. We are keen to know about your experiences of student services and also any support you have received from colleges. We will be looking to learn about what has gone well as well as opportunities for continued development and improvement.

More information is available in the attached document. Please contact Dr. Alison Oldam from SUMS on [email protected] if you have any queries or would like to take part.

I am not someone who looks lonely. I have friends and family around me, and yet for most of my life, I have felt deeply alone. Hannah Belcher talks in her blog about social isolation.

Friendship study

A PhD Researcher in the Centre for Neurodiversity and Development is looking for 18-30 year old neurotypical or autistic adults to sign-up with a friend to take part in research looking at the influence of a social partner on task performance. For more information and to sign up, please click here. All participants will receive a £5 Amazon voucher for taking part, and friendship pairs will be matched with another pair to play some fun games. The research will take place entirely online via Microsoft Teams. Sessions will be organised flexibly around other commitments. Any questions can be directed to [email protected]

Durham Students with Disabilities Association Durham Students' Union

The Final Frontier is a collaboration between the Assembly Rooms Theatre, Student Technicians, The Physics Department and Student Welfare. It is an immersive journey around the building with different areas set up to explore aspects of the word ‘space’.

We have designed the project as an escape from exam anxiety so if you could do with a break – do come and experience it. There’s loads of freebies from Student Welfare too.

Durham Students' Union Durham University Library

To celebrate Deaf Awareness Week, the Oriental Museum is hosting an BSL interpreted gallery tour and a creative lino print making workshop exploring the theme of storytelling on Saturday 7 May. Full details can be found at https://www.dur.ac.uk/oriental.museum/whatson/details/?id=49941.

Durham Museum Oriental Museum Durham University Durham Students' Union

Oriental Museum : Event Details - Durham University Join us for a FREE British Sign Language interpreted gallery tour and a creative lino print making workshop exploring the theme of storytelling.

The Counselling and Mental Health Service will be holding anxiety webinars in May, more information is available at https://sway.office.com/1vOZQbXCNnKeFBFL. Email [email protected] to register your interest.

Durham Students with Disabilities Association Durham Students' Union

What is anxiety? A workshop for Durham students This workshop is for students interested in exploring the topic of Anxiety. There will be an overview of Anxiety, how it impacts thinking styles and how it manifests itself physically.

We have received a request to share the below...

Hello! For my end-of-year dissertation, I'm conducting research on how undergraduate students form friendships and how this may change for students with disabilities. Please take the time to complete my online study, which should take no more than 20 minutes. All information gathered is anonymous, and you have the option to opt-out at any time.
This study does include topics such as mental health and disabilities, which can be distressing for some participants. There will be contact information provided for help organisations and the researcher's contact information if you require additional support if required. The ethical approval for this study has been granted by the ethics committee (UoL2022_8460).
If you choose to complete the study on the link provided below, your participation is greatly appreciated. Please share the URL to this study with other undergraduate students who you feel might like participating; sharing this study will benefit the researcher. Thank you for taking the time to read this.
https://unioflincoln.eu.qualtrics.com/.../SV_4NF7CY4Mu4BAYB0

Durham Students with Disabilities Association Durham Students' Union

If you have on-campus, invigilated and timed formal University exams this summer, and require exam access arrangements, please contact [email protected] to arrange an appointment to discuss this.

The deadline for requests for the May/June exam period is Friday 18th March. We will not be able to process any requests made after this date.

Durham Students' Union Durham Students with Disabilities Association Durham University Library

Today is University Mental Health day, so we thought it would be a good time to highlight https://www.studentminds.org.uk/. Student Minds work to empower students and members of the university communities to look after their own mental health, support others and create change.

Durham Students' Union Durham Students with Disabilities Association

Student Minds Student Minds is the UK& #39;s student mental health charity. Peer interventions can change the state of student mental health. We deliver research-driven training and support to equip students to bring about positive change on their campus.

Estrangement Support Group in Easter Term

A support group for students with challenging or no family relationships, run by members of the Counselling Team

Sessions will last for 1.5hrs hours a week for 6 weeks

https://sway.office.com/FRfCNNJnXIMhTAJC?ref=Link

To register interest please email: [email protected]

Please note: in each academic year students can access EITHER up to 6 sessions of 1:1 counselling OR 6 sessions of group work.

Durham Students' Union

Estrangement support group An Estrangement support group is planned for Easter Term 2022. Exact days and time will be confirmed once enough people have signed up for the group.

The Counselling and Mental Health Service will be hosting a webinar titled What is Anxiety?

The one hour webinar will take place via Teams on Wednesday 2nd March at 11:00 am and is for students interested in exploring the topic of Anxiety. There will be an overview of anxiety, how it impacts thinking styles, and how it manifests itself physically. Q&As and self-help tools will follow.

To register email: [email protected]

For further information see: https://sway.office.com/1vOZQbXCNnKeFBFL?ref=Link&loc=play

Durham Students with Disabilities Association Durham Students' Union

What is anxiety? A webinar for Durham students This webinar is for students interested in exploring the topic of Anxiety. There will be an overview of Anxiety, how it impacts thinking styles and how it manifests itself physically.

Research Request

I am a third year Geography student researching the role of ableism and disablism in current UK climate change mitigation policy for my undergraduate dissertation. I would like to interview disabled people about their experiences in participating in climate change activism and their opinions about the current turn towards individualising responsibility for the environment.

I’m looking for participants who are:
• Over the age of 18
• Have a disability as outlined in the 2010 Equality Act
• Have an active interest in climate change and environmental affairs in the UK
• Willing to discuss your personal experiences

If you would like to get involved, you will be invited to take part in an online, one-on-one interview via your medium of choice. Accessibility requirements can be arranged via email beforehand. Please email me at .[email protected] if you would be willing to participate in this research project, or if you have any questions.

Thank you for reading!

Enabling Opportunities is a bespoke programme, designed by Careers & Enterprise, to provide careers support to a small group of students from under-represented backgrounds who are seeking work experience. Encompassing a series of workshops, tailored one-to-one support and engagement with employers, the programme provides expert guidance and advice that will ultimately strengthen applications to work experience opportunities.

The 2021 - 2022 programme is open to applications from any undergraduate students who have encountered difficulties or lack confidence in understanding work experience application processes, or have been unsuccessful in securing previous work experience and that fulfil at least one of the following criteria:
- from areas of lower higher education participation (LPN), lower household income and/or lower socioeconomic status groups*
- have a disability**
- from the north east of England

* Office for Students (OfS) definition. This may also include, but is not limited to, or defined as first generation scholars and/or state school educated students
** The Equality Act 2010 defines disability as “a physical or mental impairment that has a ‘substantial’ and ‘long-term’ negative effect on your ability to do normal daily activities.”

For lots more information on the programme, and to find out how to apply, please visit https://www.dur.ac.uk/internal/careers/students/jobs/workexperience/events/enablingopps/ or apply at https://forms.office.com/r/JLjCnpa61i

Deadline for applications: 12pm (midday) Monday 18th October 2021

Careers Durham Students with Disabilities Association Durham Students' Union

Microsoft Forms

The Counselling Service are running a webinar on Managing Long-Term Physical Health Conditions for Durham students.

The webinar will review support which students with long-term physical health conditions can access while at University and to discuss techniques to help maintain psychological wellbeing.

The seminar is available on:

Wednesday 13th October 2021 at 11:00am
Tuesday 2nd November 2021 at 2:00pm

The content of both events is the same, so please only sign up for one of the dates.

Durham Students with Disabilities Association Durham Students' Union

Managing long-term physical conditions at University A webinar organised by the Counselling Service for Durham University students

National Autistic Society’s Autism at Work programme currently has a number of vacancies for autistic candidates including opportunities for Technology Consultants at the Ernst and Young (EY) UK Neuro-Diverse Centre of Excellence in Manchester.

More information is available at https://www.autism.org.uk/what-we-do/employment/job-opportunities

Careers Durham Students with Disabilities Association Durham Students' Union

Job opportunities We work with leading employers including J.P. Morgan, Auto Trader UK and more across a wide range of industries to create accessible job opportunities for autistic people looking for work. Job seekers can find out more about the Autism at Work programme and apply for the latest vacancies.

Next week is Dyslexia Week (4th-10th October), raising awareness of dyslexia as an invisible disability. If you would like to discuss support for your dyslexia, or any other disability, with a Disability Adviser, please don't hesitate to contact us at [email protected].

The British Dyslexia Association have shared some information at https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/support-us/awareness-events/dyslexia-awareness-week/dyslexia-week-2021

Dyslexia Week 2021 - British Dyslexia Association …

If you are starting University in October, and haven't yet arranged your tuition fee funding, there is some important guidance from SLC at https://www.gov.uk/government/news/slc-manages-record-numbers-of-student-finance-applications

SLC manages record numbers of student finance applications Chief Executive, Paula Sussex explains why SLC is currently busier than normal, and what you can do to avoid waiting to speak to us on the phone

The Counselling Service are running an Estrangement support group and a Long-term Physical Health Conditions support group again this Easter term for students, each facilitated by two experienced counsellors.

If you would like to take part in these Groups, please register your interest before 5 May by emailing [email protected]

Durham Students with Disabilities Association Durham Students' Union

https://sway.office.com/tiXLk70GAcy4X2Iz?ref=Link

Good news stories and fab new support opportunities for our students...

Durham Students with Disabilities Association Durham Students' Union

New support for students with a disability - Durham University Our Disability Support Service has developed exciting new initiatives since the start of the pandemic to help our students access the support they need.

Internship opportunities for autistic students

Please visit the sway below, which describes a new programme where students are able to apply for paid internships for Summer 2021. In order to benefit from the full programme, please express an interest as soon as possible by emailing [email protected].

We will respond after 7th April to arrange an appointment to discuss this further with a Disability Adviser, who can explain more about the programme and the support on offer with recruitment processes.

https://sway.office.com/LZzxx1PjhUHDcGs4?ref=Link

Durham Students with Disabilities Association Durham Students' Union Careers@Durham University

Paid Internship Opportunities for Autistic Students Summer 2021 Durham University is working in partnership with Santander Universities UK and Ambitious about Autism to train and support staff and employers to offer paid internships for their autistic students and

Student Support Portal are hosting an interesting webinar tomorrow night. The webinar will look at funding for students with additional needs, who are starting University later this year.

The event is open to parents, carers and students and places can be booked at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/disabled-students-allowance-dsa-information-event-registration-141836497783

Durham Students with Disabilities Association Durham Students' Union

Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) Information Event Join us for this free information webinar on DSA, to learn more about what it covers and the steps to you need to take to apply.

Together with the Counselling Service, we are hosting a webinar looking at managing long-term physical health conditions at University on Wednesday 24th February at 11am - 12pm.

The webinar will be facilitated by members of the Counselling and Disability Support teams, and will look at reviewing the support which students with long-term health conditions can access while at University and discussing techniques to help maintain psychological wellbeing.

To register your interest, please email [email protected]

Durham Students with Disabilities Association Durham Students' Union

Snowden Masters Scholarships

Up to £30k funding available for brilliant disabled students applying to study UK based Masters courses. This is open to exceptional disabled students, influencers, role-models and leaders. Find out more before the deadline on 6 April 2021

https://www.disabilityinnovation.com/projects/snowdon-masters-scholarships

Careers@Durham University Durham Students with Disabilities Association Durham Students' Union

Snowdon Masters Scholarships The GDI Hub brings together academic excellence, innovative practice and co-creation; harnessing the power of technology for good.

If you would like to take part in our support group for D/deaf students, please contact [email protected] to reserve a place.

Durham Students with Disabilities Association Durham Students' Union

Support is available for students over the winter break for those who remain in Durham and can be found on the University's Covid-19 Response pages (https://www.dur.ac.uk/coronavirus/vacation/). Support is also available from Student Space (https://studentspace.org.uk/) including dedicated helplines that are open 365 days a year.

Durham Students with Disabilities Association Durham Students' Union

The support you need during coronavirus Student Space is here to make it easier for you to find the support that you need during the coronavirus pandemic.

The Counselling Service will be holding an International Student Wellbeing Workshop on Thursday 10th December.

Sign up for this event or request more information at [email protected].

Durham Students with Disabilities Association Durham Students' Union

Have you visited our fab Autism & Uni Toolkit? Our Advisers, Rebecca and Sue, have worked to develop this excellent resource.

It is available at https://durham.autism-uni.org/

Durham Students with Disabilities Association

Autism & Uni Toolkit – Durham University Autism&Uni has been funded with support from the European Commission. This work reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use, which may be made of the information contained therein. The material in this toolkit is provided for general purposes only...

Rebecca and Tony will be taking part in Durham University Library 12 Days of WellBEEing tomorrow, talking about support available in the Library and across the University! Join them on Instagram at du_lib
Durham Students with Disabilities Association Durham University Library Durham Students' Union

We are excited to share with you the program for our 12 Days of WellBEEing campaign! We will have a different topic each day around self-care, wellbeing and signposting options to support you, and of course, we'll have a little festive fun along the way!
With quizzes, competitions and much more, keep checking our social media accounts for updates and how to get involved!
https://durham-uk.libguides.com/12daysofwellbeeing/home

Tomorrow is Purple Light Up Day, will you be taking part too? You can register at:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/purplelightup-24-hour-global-broadcast-europe-registration-125473597909?aff=erellivmlt&keep_tld=1

Further information and a schedule for events are available at https://www.purplespace.org/purple-light-up

Durham Students with Disabilities Association Durham Students' Union

Purple Light Up is a global movement that celebrates and draws attention to the economic contribution of the 386 million disabled employees around the world. PurpleSpace leads this movement, our mark of respect to the UN International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) held annually on 3rd Decem...

Thomas Pocklington Trust’s Student Support Service and LOOK UK have teamed up to host Reflect and Inspire: Student Q&A and Motivational Talk with Lucy Edwards.

Check in with us to reflect on your experiences studying this year, acknowledge the challenges you have already overcome, and help others by sharing your ideas for getting through this crazy time! We will have a diverse panel dedicated to answering your queries about the situations you have dealt with, decisions to be made, and support to access while at University.

Then let our motivational speaker, social media influencer and journalist Lucy Edwards inspire you with coping strategies, self-care tips and heart-warming positivity, to keep calm and keep going!

This event is exclusively open to VI students currently studying in higher education. This event will be hosted on Zoom and meeting details will be provided after registration.

To register, visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/class-of-covid-19-reflect-and-inspire-tickets-130240937149

If you have any issues or questions with registration please email [email protected]

Durham Students with Disabilities Association Durham Students' Union

Class of Covid-19: Reflect and Inspire! Getting through a whole term of university should always be celebrated, but this year more than ever. Reflect and Inspire with us!

The Counselling Service are holding an Estrangement workshop on Tuesday 1st December. If you are facing Christmas alone, why not join and meet others facing the same challenge.

https://sway.office.com/o0t7xjzlYoVF0lbg?ref=email

Diversity Solutions are hosting an event is called Access to Law which is a careers event for students with disabilities and long term health conditions, including mental health, interested in law. Details of the event are available below:

Access to Law: for students with disabilities and long term health conditions, including mental health, interested in law.
Event date: Thursday 26th November
Event time: 1-4.30pm (BST)
Event venue: Online
Participating firms: Weil, White & Case, RPC, Macfarlanes
Apply at: https://access-to-law-event.co.uk/

Or book your place at: https://careers.dur.ac.uk/leap/event.html?id=19693&service=Careers+Centre

Applications close on Wednesday 25th November.

Careers@Durham University Durham Students with Disabilities Association Durham Students' Union

Front-page - Access to Law In 2020, equal access to careers has never been more important. That's why this event will still run as planned this year, but in a brand-new format. Using a digital platform, we'll continue to bring together bright talented students and inclusive employers, for networking, Q&As, and more.

We are aware of the additional challenges deaf students experience coping with Covid-19 control measures. Online learning is difficult to access, whether you rely on lip-reading or note-takers; face-to-face learning as well as social mobility are compromised because of social distancing and the requirement for face coverings.

We wondered if you would like the opportunity to meet other deaf or partially hearing students, to share your experiences and receive some social support.

We are proposing to run a support group for these students
we will hold six meetings next term. Meetings will be on Zoom with live captions, so you will be able to read an accurate transcript in real time.

Please contact [email protected] if you are interested or would like more information.

Durham Students with Disabilities Association Durham Students' Union