College of Science & Engineering

The HESTIA initiative took place during UK Disability History Month (16 November - 16 December) along with the International Day of Disabled Persons on 3 December 2023, and embodied the commitment of the College of Science and Engineering to fostering disability inclusion.

Drawing inspiration from the ancient Greek goddess of the hearth, HESTIA sought to bring our community together by Honouring Everyone's Strengths Through Inclusive Action (=HESTIA). The initiative was supported by a diverse team of staff and student volunteers, collaborating with the Equality and Diversity Unit, the SRC and various contributors throughout the university.

 Hestia's initiatives encompassed a mix of online and in-person events, such as neurodiversity discussions, an inclusive language café, our field library launch and enlightening discussions on menstruation and period-condition management in the context of fieldwork. Valuable lessons were learned, such as the significance of tailored strategies for our disabled colleagues and students, improving induction processes, face-to-face communication, or leveraging existing networks for streamlined engagement for any future initiative. The initiative's success resonated through insightful discussions, a greater sense of community, positive feedback, heightened awareness and ongoing projects like the 'Experts by Experience' poster campaign with the School of Health and Wellbeing and a reflective document focused on accessibility.

The dedicated HESTIA team, comprised of enthusiastic staff and student volunteers, played an instrumental role in the initiative's accomplishments. However, we acknowledge that challenges, including considerations of workload and the imperative for recognition, must be considered in the future. The dissemination of information through a Sway-hosted newsletter and a dedicated website proved effective, with positive feedback supporting the positive impact of media outreach efforts. While some events experienced lower attendance, these instances prompted reflections on refining engagement strategies, optimising timing and exploring varied participation modes.

 In conclusion, the resounding success of the HESTIA initiative stands as a testament to the unwavering commitment, collaborative spirit and genuine dedication of the College of Science and Engineering (and beyond) to fostering a more inclusive and supportive academic community. We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to all who have participated, contributing to the initiative by volunteering their time, writing for the newsletter, attending events or sharing their experiences.

You can read our report detailing the journey, and outcomes, sharing valuable insights gained throughout this initiative by downloading this document - HESTIA_report.