Experts by Experience Initiative
The Experts by Experience initiative on invisible disabilities was originally a collaborative effort between the School of Health and Wellbeing and the College of Science and Engineering. We would like to thank the Expert contributors and the School and College colleagues for allowing this work to be expanded and broadened to the University wide awareness raising initiative.
This campaign is dedicated to shedding light on unseen challenges our colleagues and students experience in work and study environments. By amplifying the voices of "experts by experience" - individuals from academic and student communities who live with invisible conditions - we aim to foster understanding, diminish stigma, and open avenues for discussion.
Raising awareness, reducing stigma and starting conversations
In the UK, 70-80% of disabilities are invisible, affecting over 10 million people or 1 in 5 of us. These include mental health conditions, autism, cognitive impairments and energy-limiting conditions like fibromyalgia. The lack of outward visibility can be a particular challenge. Individuals face dilemmas around disclosing their conditions due to concerns about disbelief, stigma and confidentiality. Our project aims to shed light on these challenges, foster understanding, and facilitate crucial discussions surrounding invisible disabilities in our institution.
An example of an expert by experience poster generated by School of Health and Wellbeing in 2020.
Do you need support? Students can seek support via the student focussed Disability Service, while Staff can find out more via the Support for Disabled & Neurodivergent Colleagues portal.
Staff will also find the Health and Wellbeing page useful. On this page, you can find a range of support options, including Health Assured, Mental Health First Aiders, Respect Advisers, Chapliancy, Occupational Health, as well as self help and external resources, made available via the student focussed Counselling & Wellbeing Service. Staff can also access further support resources through the Wellbeing Hub portal via MyGlasgow Staff.
Are you a line manager or teaching staff looking for help? You can access e-learning courses on reasonable adjustments aimed at managers and for supporting students.
