Global Accessibility Awareness Day workshop: Introduction to disability, accessibility and allyship

Join this interactive workshop to celebrate Global Accessibility Awareness Day, organised by the Institute of Education’s Department of Psychology and Human Development and open to all UCL staff and post-graduate students. Together, we will explore the social model of disability, reflect on the barriers faced by disabled people, and consider how to be effective allies in our work and wider communities.

We are delighted to welcome Dr Amy Kavanagh, an award-winning disability activist and accessibility professional. She shares her lived experience navigating the world as a blind Londoner alongside her Guide Dog Ava. Amy’s disability and social justice activism includes issues varying from public transport, digital inclusion, violence against women and girls, access to museums and the arts, LGBTQ+ rights and employment equality. Amy is also a mother and believes in the need for greater representation and discussion of disabled parenthood. Amy is committed to celebrating disability, mobility aids and encouraging others to learn about the social model of disability.

Dr Catherine Brown, Faculty Equity Lead for Disability and Neurodivergence, will join us and deliver the welcome.

All UCL staff (professional services, teaching and research staff, anyone working with and supporting students) and post-graduate students are warmly welcome to attend.

UCL200: Fairer Futures

This event strongly aligns with UCL200’s core theme of Fairer Futures by championing accessibility as a foundation for equity, inclusion and social justice. Through Dr Amy Kavanagh’s expertise and lived experience, the event amplifies an under‑represented voice and foregrounds knowledge that challenges structural barriers faced by disabled people. By connecting research, advocacy and real‑world practice, the session promotes meaningful knowledge exchange and contributes to UCL’s commitment to creating a world in which every individual has the opportunity to participate fully and thrive.

Related links

• Department of Psychology and Human Development

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Sam Robinson for UCL.

Speaker