Today, 3rd December, marks the International Day of Disabled Persons, an occasion dedicated to raising awareness about the rights and well-being of individuals with disabilities. This day highlights the importance of inclusion and equity, promoting transformative measures that improve the lives of disabled persons while challenging societal stigma.
Globally, persons with disabilities make up 16% of the population—an estimated 1.3 billion people, or 1 in 6 of us. Despite this, they often encounter barriers to education, employment, and healthcare. Stigma, discrimination, and systemic inequities contribute to health disparities, with some individuals dying up to 20 years earlier than their non-disabled counterparts. Additionally, persons with disabilities face twice the risk of conditions such as depression, asthma, diabetes, and poor oral health.
The theme for 2024: Transformative Solutions for Inclusive Development
The theme for this year, Transformative Solutions for Inclusive Development: The Role of Innovation in Fuelling an Accessible and Equitable World, emphasises the importance of addressing systemic barriers through innovative approaches. By utilising accessible technologies and implementing inclusive policies, we can dismantle obstacles that hinder persons with disabilities from fully engaging in society, fostering an environment where everyone can thrive.
A significant concern is the underrepresentation of persons with disabilities in leadership roles, particularly within sectors such as healthcare. Structural challenges, including limited access to education and employment, continue to marginalise disabled individuals, perpetuating cycles of exclusion. Innovation must go beyond tools and technologies to encompass systemic changes that guarantee equitable opportunities at every level of society.
Raising prominence to the International Day of Disabled Persons serves as a powerful reminder of our collective responsibility to challenge stereotypes, remove barriers, and create a world where people of all abilities can participate equally and achieve their full potential.
Disabled Communities at KCLSU
The efforts of student-led groups at KCLSU are vital in ensuring all students can thrive within an accessible and supportive academic environment. Notably, the Disabled Students' Society is creating safe spaces where members can come together and feel heard and supported.
Similarly, Adjust KCL is setting out to end King's strategic inefficiency and create dignity for vulnerable students. They are successfully raising concern about the issues vulnerable students face in accessing support and adjustments to enable their participation at King's and push for concrete goals to alleviate these issues.
There are also a few events left as a part of Disability History Month at KCLSU, including Disability & Politics: Q&A with an MP. Additionally, until the 13th of December, you can visit a quiet room (located in Activity Room A, Bush House) if you are looking for a peaceful space to recharge throughout the day.
Disability support at KCL and KCLSU
King’s hosts a range of services for students with a disability, including information, advice and guidance to both prospective and current disabled students. This is available to any disabled student (including undiagnosed), including those with long-term medical conditions (including mental health conditions), or those with any specific learning difficulty i.e. dyslexia. You do not have to identify as disabled to access support.
How do I access support?
The Disability Support and Inclusion Team can also support you with:
To view a more comprehensive guide to disability support at King’s, click here.