Community interest research institute
Changemaking organisations
Disabled Students UK is at the forefront of a transformative movement that challenges perceptions of disability within the higher education sector. They champion the disabled student voice as a source of wisdom.
One of DSUK’s standout achievements in the past 12 months is the launch of the Access Insights project, aimed at evaluating accessibility at universities across the UK. In its first year the Annual Disabled Student Survey heard from over 1,300 disabled students at over 90 UK universities, making it the largest survey of its kind. The 10 year project included the launch of the first comparison tool that enables prospective disabled students to compare universities’ strength and growth points for the very first time.
The pioneering initiative demonstrates DSUK’s collaborative ethos as they work alongside institutions such as UCL, University of Essex and the University of Bath, who are committing to improving the disabled student experience.
In addition to providing member universities with tailored reports on their disabled students’ experience, DUSK provides training, consulting and monthly informative briefs supporting institutions to take strategic steps to improve the situation for their disabled students.
As the largest disabled student-led organisation in the UK, DSUK’s approach goes beyond platforming voices; they also empower disabled students to become advocates for change. In 2023, DSUK provided comprehensive training to disabled students and recent graduates to become lived-experience consultants. The popular training resulted in the creation of 12 new disabled student consultants.These consultants are now equipped to support universities in their efforts to improve accessibility, ensuring that the voices of disabled students are directly influencing positive change.
“The disabled student community has come together to share our experiences and build a clear picture of Higher Education accessibility in 2023. The Access Insights website enables prospective disabled students to make informed choices about their studies and enables institutions to improve the experience for future generations.”
Follow Disabled Students UK (DSUK)
Useful links
Disability Power 100 2023 profile information has been self-submitted by the profile subject. Shaw Trust understands and respects that disability and impairment descriptors and language use varies from person to person. Shaw Trust assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or discrepancies in the content of this, or any other, profile page.
More from the Disability Power 100
Dr Shani Dhanda
Dr Shani DhandaDisability Inclusion Specialist, Social Entrepreneur and BroadcasterChair JudgeShani is a multi-award-winning disability inclusion specialist, thought leader, social entrepreneur, and accomplished broadcaster. She's driven change by establishing...
Lee Ellery
Lee ElleryWebsite Accessibility AssessorLee Ellery is from Swansea and has Cerebral Palsy which affects all four limbs and is also visually impaired. None of this stops him doing what he enjoys or working as a user-tester for Shaw Trust Accessibility Services. Using...
Simon Stones
Simone StonesSenior Medical Writer and Patient AdvocateSimon Stones is an Award-Winning Senior Medical Writer and International Patient Advocate. In 2023, he was awarded the inaugural Rising Star Award by the International Society for Medical Publication...