Disabled Staff Network

Welcome to our Disabled Staff Network pages – here you will find out more about who we are, our purpose and how to join.

  • Bring together staff with disabilities, restrictive health conditions and caring responsibilities in a safe space and a confidential environment to share experiences, information and support, to discuss disability issues and to network.
  • Gather and share best practice, knowledge, ideas and thoughts on disability issues to benefit operational, research and academic work.
  • Inform the University's approach to creating an inclusive and supportive culture and help to develop effective solutions by working alongside the University to foster an inclusive environment and culture.
  • Raise the profile of disabled staff and disability within the University and beyond

Find out more via the Disabled Staff Network SharePoint site


How to join:

If you would like to join the Disabled Staff Network, please contact us here: DSN@ed.ac.uk

And you can join the Teams via: General | Disabled Staff Network

Who can join:

We welcome all staff members who consider themselves disabled regardless of a diagnosis, and all those who have caring responsibilities. 

Our definition of disability covers a wide range of physical, mental and sensory impairments, including neurodivergence, deafness, long-term health conditions and/or fluctuating conditions and many more

We will never ask you to share your disability with us and will never make assumptions in relation to your condition. We appreciate that not all disabilities are visible or permanent. 

If you are unsure if the Network is for you, please get in touch.


Network meetings: 

Our meetings for 2026/27 are as follows - there is the option to join on Teams, at Chrystal MacMillan Building or at Usher Institute:

  • 29th September 2026 12noon-1pm
  • 24th November 2026 12noon-1pm
  • 26th January 2027 12noon-1pm
  • 30th March 2027 12noon-1pm
  • 25th May 2027 12noon-1pm

Please get in touch with us at DSN@ed.ac.uk if you would like to attend or have any questions. 

Upcoming events:

Find all the upcoming events at on our Disabled Staff Network SharePoint site


 


  • Dani Langdridge (Communication and Media Officer)
  • Ben Fletcher-Watson (Secretary)
  • Susanna Wickes (Events Officer)
  • Shay Redgate (Treasurer)
     

Get in touch with the Disabled Staff Network co-conveners. All emails will be treated in confidence. 

DSN@ed.ac.uk


I find the Disabled Staff Network a place where I feel welcome and accepted as a neurodivergent member of staff and the invitations in the Teams group to resources, talks and seminars on being a disabled academic have been really helpful and supportive.

The Disabled Staff Network is a fantastic group of people who are always willing to offer support, advice and help about whatever you need. There are also plenty of opportunities to learn about other conditions and expand your awareness of others’ needs.

Three women sat around a table doing BSL