Disability History Month 2026

Celebrating disabled and neurodivergent students

Disability History Month has been celebrated nationally since 2010 from mid-November to mid-December. This time of year was chosen intentionally to fall during academic term time and to cover important dates such as World AIDS Day (1 December), International Day of People with Disabilities (3 December) and International Human Rights Day (10 December).

This year’s theme is ‘Disability, Politics and Democracy’, and encourages us to examine the history of the struggle for equality, human rights and the political representation and voice of disabled people. 

How to get involved

There's lots of opportunities to get involved throughout the month. 

Have your voice be heard

You will be able to find 'postboxes' in our ResLife social spaces for you to let us know what you wish people thought about/knew in relation to living with disabilities and Disability History Month. You can choose to share your thoughts on physical postcards to go in the boxes, or by filling out our online form.

Then at the end of the month on International Day of Persons with Disabilities (3 December), we will post the submissions received so your voices can be heard. 

If you want to learn more, there are lots of books, films and resources on history of disability and disabled people: 

• The Library's Disability Awareness book recommendations
• The British Film Institutes' 'Disabled Britain on Film' collection
• Historic England's 'A History of Disability: From 1050 to the Present Day'

We also have lots of guidance and blogs on disabled and neurodivergent student experiences, including a dedicated section for students with additional requirements. Find out more about: 

• Shared living from a neurodivergent perspective
• Navigating university life as a disabled student
• Step-free access across Bath city centre
• Finding private sector accommodation if you're neurodivergent

Find out more about what's going on across the University during Disability History Month.