"Out of sight, out of mind?" Invisible disabilities in work and study environments

"Out of sight, out of mind?"

Invisible disabilities in work and study environments: raising awareness, reducing stigma, starting conversations

A half-day event hosted by Institute of Health and Wellbeing (IHW)

Thursday 23 May 2019
10.00am to 1.30pm followed by lunch and "Paws against stress"
Sir Charles Wilson Building, University Avenue, Glasgow

Around 70% of disabled people live with disabilities that are largely or wholly invisible to the outside world, and which they may be reluctant to disclose for fear of stigma, misconceptions or discrimination, particularly in the workplace. These include mental health conditions, chronic pain, sensory impairment, diabetes, and neurodevelopmental disorders.

As part of our equality, diversity and inclusion activities, Institute of Health and Wellbeing invites interested staff and students to attend a half-day event, aimed at:

• increasing understanding of unseen conditions and their potential impact in work and study environments;
• raising awareness of how best to support affected colleagues and students, both formally and informally;
• encouraging a culture of acceptance and empathy where individuals feel confident to disclose their condition and access support.
  

A range of speakers from across University of Glasgow and beyond will contribute to this event, which will be chaired by Professor Jill Morrison (formerly of IHW and now Clerk of Senate).

Staff and students who themselves live and work/study with an invisible disability will also talk about their experiences in a series of lightning talks.

All welcome

Date

Thursday 23 May 2019

Time

10.00am to 1.30pm
Followed by lunch and optional "Paws against Stress" dog therapy session

Venue

Sir Charles Wilson Building,1 University Avenue, Glasgow G12 8QQ
Accessibility information

Chair

Professor Jill Morrison
Clerk of Senate

Speakers to include

• Professor Frank Coton
  University of Glasgow Disability Champion
  
  
• Professor Nick Watson
  Chair of Disability Studies, School of Social and Political Sciences, University of Glasgow
  
  
• Dr Philip Quinn
  Director of Counselling and Psychological Services, University of Glasgow
  
  
• Dr Mary Blatchford
  Occupational Health Unit, University of Glasgow
  
  
• Staff with lived experience of invisible disabilities
  

Accessibility

We aim to ensure that this event is fully accessible and complies with the University of Glasgow Accessible Events Policy. When you register, please let us know if you need alternative formats or other reasonable adjustments, or have any other access or personal support needs.

Information about the accessibility of our venue is available here.

Please email ihwadmin@glasgow.ac.uk if you have any queries or concerns about accessibility.

Lunch and "Paws against Stress" session

All attendees would be very welcome to join us for lunch at the end of this event. (For catering purposes, please let us know via the registration form if you would like to take up this option.)

In addition, a small group of "Therapet" dogs from Canine Concern - well-known across GU for the regular Dogs on Campus/Paws against Stress sessions they offer staff and students - will be available over the lunchtime period. PLEASE NOTE This session will take place in a room or area away from the main event.

Contact for queries or further information

Please email ihwadmin@glasgow.ac.uk if you have any questions about this event.