Blog: UoB's commitment to inclusion dates back further than you think
Written by Student Content Shaper Anna-Mhairi Kane
As we celebrate Disability History Month and the University of Birmingham’s 125th anniversary, it’s a perfect time to reflect on the stories that make our institution what it is today. When we look back at the history of higher education, it’s a common belief that differently abled individuals often faced significant barriers, as universities were not equipped with adequate support systems.
While that narrative holds true in many places, the University of Birmingham’s own story shows a surprising commitment to inclusion and access that dates back further than many may expect. This doesn’t suggest the journey has been easy or complete. Still, it highlights that the values of accessibility and equal opportunity have long been woven into the fabric of the UoB community.
1973: Student-led advocacy on campus
One of the most powerful examples of this commitment is the formation of the Disabled Students’ Action Group (DSAG) in 1973. This was one of the earliest examples of student-led disability advocacy at UoB. These students weren’t just waiting for change; they were demanding and creating it.
The DSAG was formed to campaign for two crucial and tangible goals: better access on campus for all disabled members of the University community and making it easier for students with disabilities to live in university-owned accommodation. This early activism shows that the fight for an inclusive environment was a core concern for UoB students decades ago, cementing the University's role as a place where advocacy thrives.
Scholarship and lived experience
While the DSAG highlights student advocacy, other figures demonstrate the University’s commitment to enabling staff scholarship. One significant example from the Cadbury Research Library guide is Professor John M. Hull (1935-2015), an Emeritus Professor of Religious Education at UoB.
Professor Hull was already an author and academic leader when he became blind in 1983. Following this change, he wrote the influential autobiography work, Touching the Rock: An Experience of Blindness (1990). His decision to publish this powerful, personal account of his lived experience while continuing his academic work here is a testament to the environment of scholarship and inclusion that existed, showing that disability was recognised not just as a barrier to overcome, but as a deep source of insight and reflection within the University community.
From advocacy to integrated support
Learning about the DSAG’s push for access in the 1970s and Professor Hull’s inspirational work leaves me feeling incredibly inspired and proud of the people who paved the way. Their advocacy laid the groundwork that transitioned into the comprehensive support systems we rely on today.
As a neurodivergent student myself, I’m deeply appreciative of how far UoB has come. The early student actions focussed on physical access and accommodation have evolved into a structured, professional framework that supports a wide range of needs. Today, we have direct access to Disability and Learning support, offering advisory appointments, formal diagnostic assessment support, the crucial Reasonable Adjustments process. We also have The Disabled Students’ Contribution Group (DSCG), which is a space for disabled students to share their experiences and ideas with key staff members and other students. These support systems ensure that the spirit of access, campaigned for fifty years ago, is now a structured reality – helping us get the most out of our education.
This continued journey towards full inclusion requires constant effort, but learning about these historical examples reinforces that the underlying value has always been here. I’m curious to learn more and am grateful that resources like the Cadbury Research Library guide exist, allowing us to uncover and celebrate these often-overlooked chapters of the University’s past. By recognising the advocacy and scholarship of past students and staff, we affirm our role in continuing to build a fully accessible and equitable University community for the next 125 years.