WMS Disability Network

✨ Open for new committee! ✨

No pressure - you can give as much or as little of your time and voice as you wish. If a whole role seems daunting, we'll share it and support you. We want to enable everyone to have the opportunity to be as involved as they can!

So any small thing you want to advocate for, a project you want guidance on, even the odd social media post to raise awareness - we're all for it!

linktr.ee/wmsdisabilitynetwork for the (brief!) application form, and email [email protected] or dm here for more information.

Hi everyone! Sorry we kinda stopped posting...

Basically, we're still here, and never left - we just spend more time on projects, from training staff to advocating for you in WMS meetings, improving accessibility and your resources to consulting on your WMS timetables (in-between our own exams and graduating) - that we don't have much time left to post on here too!

But - hopefully we can change that... and maybe you can help us. 👀

Just watch this space... (but not for so long this time!)

The Disabled Students Commission is an independent group, responsible for advising, informing, and influencing Higher Education Providers (HEPs) to improve support for disabled students.

They're creating the Disabled Students Commitment; a call for HEPs, government, funders, regulators and the like to implement changes to improve their educational environments, ensuring they're more inclusive.

There's an open survey linked below, asking for your input on wording, how they operationalise, embed, and monitor activity.

Closes noon December 9th!

https://tinyurl.com/5fn6eekp

✨ Disability History Month ✨

Did you know these famous folk have ADHD?

There are so many celebrities that have spoken about their condition, and how it caused difficulties at school or galvanised their successful careers.

There are also numerous scientists and historical figures that have since been thought to have had ADHD too! (They have the * asterisk)

We know that ADHD can make studying have some unique challenges. So, check out these resources, and see if there's any ideas you could try;

adhdcentre.co.uk/students-free-resources-download/
attentiondeficitdoctor.co.uk/how-i-study-as-a-medical-student-with-adhd
additudemag.com/learn-more-in-less-time/
bionic-reading.com/
structured.app/

It's currently UK Disability History Month, so we'll be celebrating the amazing people from this varied community. ✨

You might be surprised with the popular musicians 👨‍🎤, decorated athletes 🚴, inspirational leaders 👩‍💼, beloved artists 🧑‍🎨, legendary figures 👨‍🚀 - and, of course, our essential doctors 👩‍⚕️ and scientists ‍👨‍🔬 - that are included, so hopefully you'll see how common it is to be living with a disability.

We'll signpost to support relevant to WMS students, so keep an eye out. 👀

Our Secretary Charlotte has created a comprehensive guide for WMS students interested in an assessment for a Neurodivergency or Specific Learning Difference.

On our webpage you'll find information on the multiple types of neurodivergency, the 'lightbulb moments' that prompted other students to seek assessment, and a transparent outline of the NHS and University-supported private diagnostic pathways.

If a diagnosis isn't for you, there's still plenty of studying-resources there too!

✨ Want to be a Rep? ✨

Email your interest & ideas to [email protected]

Open to all WMS students (MBChB, postgrads, and undergrads!), the role is flexible as to what you think you could offer your peers; all we ask is for you to be keen on whatever that is!

The Network is composed entirely of students at WMS, all passionate about accessibility, inclusivity, and improving the education and experience of our peers - and your future patients.

Email us for general advice, anything urgent, or organisational matters:
[email protected]

FB & IG: WMSDisabilityNetwork
Webpage: bit.ly/WMSDisNet
There students can also find our open-access Teams space!

And introducing some new committee for WMS Disability Network:

Physical Health & Carers Chair; Helen Bates
Secretary; Charlotte Pemberton
Project Coordinator; Tom Paddock

More information on our webpage: bit.ly/WMSDisNet

Re-introducing some of the committee for WMS Disability Network:

Consultant Chair; Kirsten Revell
Mental Health & Neurodiversity Chair; Lauren Turner
Student Advocate; Julia Alsop

More information on our webpage: bit.ly/WMSDisNet

Hi everyone!

An great opportunity is being put together by our fantastic Phase 1 rep Tom. This will be a chance for you to input directly into teaching material and curriculum content for WMS, with a view to raising disability awareness among our trainee doctors! Details below:

I am currently working with WMS to increase awareness of Sensory Impairments through developing a Disability Awareness Internal Training Module. This project is rooted in the principle that by giving Student and Staff early exposure and education we can improve the experience of students, staff and our future patients with disabilities through promoting Inclusive Practice.

Critical to the success of this module will be offering personal insight from people with sensory impairments and their experiences, both positive and negative, they encounter in their daily lives. It is also incredibly important to get the views of all Medical Students and Staff Members who identify as disabled.

(Please note that while this training module currently in development is focussed initially on Sensory Impairments such as Vision or Hearing Loss, this will be followed by more training opportunities that focus on Physical Impairments, with the view to stimulate Inclusive Practice for all).

Any information and experiences shared shall remain anonymous - your insight and views are welcomed and appreciated.

If you would like to contribute to this content, please contact myself via. email:

[email protected]