Disability Inclusion Community of Practice is a global, action-focussed network which provides a platform for UK Alumni with lived experiences or an interest in disability inclusion to advance disability inclusion efforts in the UK and globally.
Objectives
Enhance awareness of Disability Inclusion: the CoP will work to foster a deeper awareness of the importance of Disability Inclusion amongst the Alumni UK network, within the UK higher education sector and in the alumni’s local communities.
Support professional development and networking opportunities: the CoP will enable its members to connect, share experiences and embark on collaborative projects that enhance their capacity to drive change.
Our Approach to Change
Our strength lies in growing an active, diverse, global membership, and providing opportunities for collective action. Members of the CoP are supported to take part in:
- Advocacy and influence: opportunities to advocate for and contribute to more inclusive environments.
- Networking and community building: opportunities to engage with fellow alumni who share similar experiences and interests.
- Professional development: opportunities for knowledge exchange and to lead on or participate in events and initiatives.
Principles
- Member-led. A Steering Group from within the Community of Practice leads the development and delivery of the network
- Open to all. All members of the Alumni UK network with lived experiences or an interest in disability inclusion are welcome to join.
- Representative. Seeking diversity among the community and prioritising leadership, voice and decision-making by persons with disabilities.
- Collaborative. Working together across countries, sectors, communities and difference towards our common goals.
CoP Activity
- The CoP meets online every two months, hosted by members of the Steering Group
- The CoP has an online ‘home base’ – a platform for resources, conversations, member information and opportunities
- Ongoing communication is facilitated by a Whatsapp group, with multiple channels to support different action teams
- Every year, the CoP supports a small number of member-led projects that advance the network’s aims. These are managed by Steering Group members and all CoP members can get involved.
Projects 2025 – 2026
The focus of this years’ projects is:
- Strengthen the knowledge base: Provide the understanding and evidence to inform the CoP actions and speak from a position of strength
- Build collective power: Grow the network, engage the wider CoP in action, and build relationships with stakeholders
- Develop capacity: build strengths and skills within the membership to lead and support change
- Raise our voice: Advocacy towards targeted stakeholders to understand the situation and needs of Disability Inclusion and steps to change.
There are two projects currently in development that support our goals and that CoP members can take action on.
- HEI accessibility snapshots: Addressing the limited, inconsistent data on accessibility in higher education by providing well-evidenced, simple, rapid overviews of accessibility conditions and recommendations for action.
- Connected for Inclusion: Creating a wider network of professionals that understand how they can help disability inclusion and are motivated to act.
Join Us
We welcome you to join us and support our mission.
- Get involved in these and other projects.
- Meet committed disability inclusion champions from around the world.
- Get networking and learning opportunities.
- Build skills and capacities.
