The Higher Education Commission is proud to announce the launch of our report for the Disabled Students Inquiry. The report, ‘Arriving at Thriving: Learning from disabled students to ensure access for all’, will be launched via Zoom on Wednesday 7th October, from 11 to 12.30 by the Minister for Universities, Michelle Donelan, who will be speaking at the event.

This inquiry was launched in July 2019 and is co-chaired by Lord David Blunkett, Lord Philip Norton, and Vice Chancellor of the University of Derby, Kathryn Mitchell. The inquiry aimed to uncover the reasons for disparities in disabled students’ continuation, attainment and graduate outcomes; and to advise government and the HE sector on how to remove barriers and give students the support they need. To accomplish this goal the inquiry looked at three areas of disabled students’ experiences: teaching & learning, living & social, and transition & employment.

We spoke to over 500 disabled students through roundtable evidence sessions and an online survey, as well as gathering evidence from higher education providers, HE sector regulatory bodies, disability practitioners, and disability sector charities. The report makes 12 recommendations which, if implemented, should lead to significant improvements in disabled students’ experiences of higher education and therefore in their attainment, continuation and graduate outcomes.

This link can be used to register for the launch event: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_wO-ifvS6RLaYZ0AOO5Xp-Q.

There will be a panel of speakers including the Minister for Universities, the inquiry co-chairs, the inquiry sponsors, and Piers Wilkinson, former NUS Disabled Students’ Officer. Following this there will be a Q&A/discussion section in which attendees can ask questions. Please contact Megan Hector at megan.hector [at] policyconnect.org.uk (megan[dot]hector[at]policyconnect[dot]org[dot]uk) if you have any questions about the inquiry or the event.