1. How accessible is academia?
Nicole Brown
@AbleismAcademia
Overview:
My own research background and how I got to be here today.
The conference I organised, and some information from that conference
Concluding with the next steps

2. Construction of academic identity under the influence of fibromyalgia
Image source: Pinterest

3. The Ivory Tower ….and the reality producing relevant outputs
excellence frameworks
(REF, TEF, knowledge exchange, impact)
expectation of academics
increasing pressures
worsening working conditions and contracts
stress-related illnesses, burnout and mental health concerns
Image source: Neverending story

4. Ableism in academia: where are the disabled and ill academics?
(Brown & Leigh, 2018)
Difference between disabilities, illnesses and neurodiversities
Disclosing as a personal commitment and public statement
Cost-benefit analysis
adjustments and support
stigmatisation and pigeonholing
being taken seriously

5. Academic Ableism
“Through the decades, Berkeley has played a key role in bringing “higher education” and “disability” together. Today, though, a series of institutional decisions and systemic problems threatens parts of that legacy, even as ongoing activism, advocacy and disability studies continue it. With four scholars who are leading the way, we will talk together about finding new and lasting alternatives to the ableist academy.”
Source:
Image source:

6. Ableism in Academia
Image source: NBrown conference logo

7. From the conference…

8. Self-advocacy requires money and energy
Stairway conversations
Self-advocacy requires money and energy
Conferences
The lunch-time queue
“The interpreter is here because you don’t sign”
Career progression (conference attendance)
Grant applications and publications

9. Recognition of relationship between precarity, neoliberal academy and disability.

10. Integration of ideas and protocols produced in these forums in university policy.

11. Better networks. We need to network.

12. More conversations around ableism and wider awareness.

13. The change from reasonable adjustment to not requiring adjustment.

14. Better representation.

15. The next steps… Books Manifesto Wellcome & HR
Journal publication and UCL guidelines for inclusive events

16. How accessible is academia?
Nicole Brown
@AbleismAcademia