Disabled Students' Contribution Group

Are you a UoB student living with a disability or impairment?

We need your help to find ways that can make a real difference to the lives of disabled students on and off campus.

Through the Disabled Students’ Contribution Group (DSCG), you’ll be able to share your insights and ideas with staff and other students, with an opportunity to shape improvements across campus and teaching.

Launched in November 2022, so far, we have made improvements to the Main Library and Physics West to ensure the buildings are step-free and have auto-operated doors. Uneven bricks have been repaired and lift access is more widely accessible to all students. But why stop there? We know there’s more we can do to make sure you have a positive student experience.

Your voice is important to us, and we want to hear from as many of you as possible. To find out more about the Disabled Students’ Contribution Group, why not come along to one of our meetings?

Can’t make the event? Don’t worry, disabled students are also welcome to join the group at any point throughout the year. So still register your interest to receive updates.

What’s the Disabled Students’ Contribution Group?

The Disabled Students’ Contribution Group (DSCG) provides an opportunity for all UOB students with an impairment or disability to provide comments and information on your UoB experiences to ensure that those with different lived experiences can shape the future direction of the university’s provision and services.

These group sessions are important in informing the Accessibility Oversight Group which is chaired by the Deputy Pro Vice Chancellor - Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.

Why should I attend?

In these group discussions, you’ll have the opportunity to make your student voice heard and improve features on campus to make buildings, lecture and seminar rooms, and opportunities more accessible.

By being part of the group, you’ll also have the chance to:

Boost your CV
Gain recognition via The Birmingham Award
Meet and socialise with like-minded peers and students
Contribute to initiatives to enhance student experiences
And of course, indulge in some delicious refreshments and snacks!

What will the sessions include?

Usually held on campus, these sessions will be driven by you - your voices, opinions, and feedback will guide the discussions. We want to create a safe space for your voices to be heard and for feedback to be received before changes are implemented.

On top of this, these sessions are a chance for you to meet (and hopefully make friends) with other students on campus, hear welcome talks from key speakers and have a positive impact to the accessibility of the University of Birmingham campus.

How can I be a part of it?

We encourage all students with a disability to attend these events so your voice is at the heart of positive changes. Whether you’re an undergraduate, postgraduate, international, or distance learner student, we welcome your opinions and feedback.

Register your interest now by completing our Disabled Students’ Contribution Group Interest Form. Meetings take place throughout the academic year. They will typically last a maximum of two hours and include a break. If you’re unable to attend any, or all, of the in-person sessions, don’t worry. Everyone who has joined the group will be kept updated, and there’ll still be ways to have your say.

Hear from disabled students

Meet Olivia, a UoB student who has worked closely with the Disabled Students’ Contributions Group since its launch. In her blog, she sheds insight on the work that she has done and engaged with to enrich her experience at the University of Birmingham as a disabled student.

Read Olivia’s blog