Disability and Neurodivergence Networks and Support
There are a number of networks within the University and MPLS which provide support for disabled and neurodivergent staff and students. Click on the links below to find out more and join.
Disabled Staff Network
The Disabled Staff Network is for staff with a disability or long-term health condition who work for the University, colleges or Oxford University Press. People sometimes feel isolated in their workplace, so the Disabled Staff Network is a place where you can talk to other people with a shared experience and understanding.
Neurodiversity at Oxford
Neurodiversity at Oxford is dedicated to supporting, empowering and celebrating the university’s neurodiverse community of students and staff, funded by a grant from the Oxford Diversity Fund. This programme offers resources, events, opportunities to network, and mentoring. It is run by neurodiverse staff and encourages neurodiverse students and staff to get involved in coming to events, mentoring, writing blog posts, and discussing experiences of academic life. To keep up with the project, sign up to the mailing list by emailing neurodiverseox@st-annes.ox.ac.uk. Also, check the website, like the Neurodiversity at Oxford Facebook page and follow the project on Twitter - Neurodiversity at Oxford.
Neurodivergent Community (neurodivergent colleagues only)
To create a confidential, supportive safe space where the neurodivergent community can support one another, share resources, learn from one another, offer guidance and advice and grow together as a community.
Staff Neurodiversity Network
Set up by the Bodleian, this is a new staff network for those who are, identify as, or are helping to support colleague who are neurodiverse.
Support for staff
The central Equality and Diversity Unit (EDU) provides advice and support for disabled staff and managers. More information, including reasonable adjustments and other useful resources, can be found on the EDU webpage - Support for Disabled Staff. You can also get in touch with Sarah Stephenson-Hunter, the Staff Disability Advisor, directly on: staffdisability@admin.ox.ac.uk
Support for students
The Disability Advisory Service provides information and advice to disabled students, including undergraduates and postgraduates. Get in touch with them directly on: disability@admin.ox.ac.uk
Oxford Student Union Disability Campaign
The core aims of the SU's Disability Campaign include: campaigning for better understanding and treatment of disabilities; supporting and advocating for disabled students at Oxford; and bringing together disabled students for social events and solidarity. Students can find out more and join.
There are also a number of different professional support networks available, including Harassment Advisors, Mental Health First Aid support, and the counselling service and Disability Diversity Peers for students.
Harassment advice
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MPLS and the University does not tolerate any form of harassment or victimisation. If you need support, get in touch with the Harassment Advisor Network by emailing harassment.line@admin.ox.ac.uk, or contact Daisy Hung or Justin Hutchence (MPLS Harassment Advisors). Each of our departments also have designated Harassment Advisors to provide support. More information about the Harassment Policy can be found here. |
Mental Health First Aid support |
MPLS have a number of trained Mental Health First Aiders. Get in touch with us by emailing mhfa@mpls.ox.ac.uk, or find out more through our Mental Health First Aid webpage. |
Counselling (for students) |
More information can be found on the central counselling service webpage. |
The Peer Support Programme was developed in the early 1990s in recognition of the essential role students play in supporting and encouraging one another on a day-to-day basis throughout their time at university. Disability Diversity Peers are trained Peer Supporters with a disability and/ or a wish to create a supportive space to discuss supporting students who experience any form of disability. |