May Spark! Newsletter
Hi everyone!
I (Steph) hope you are managing to enjoy some of this lovely sun we are experiencing. I took some level 6 students to Alton Towers yesterday and didn’t expect the weather so today I am feeling the effects of a bit of sunburn!
This is going to be my last newsletter to you all, as I have now stepped down as co-chair of Spark! I’ve been in the role for about 4 years and have enjoyed it very much, but I feel the time is right to move on. I hope to keep involved in some way though, and I know there are a couple of people who are thinking about taking up the role alongside Holly. I just wanted to say thank-you to all of the committee for making the role so enjoyable and to all the members for your contributions to the work we have done over the past couple of years. I really think this staff network is helping to steer the university in the right direction on many issues and long may it do so!
In other news….
Research Request
Nadia Lincoln, a journalist student at the University of Sheffield has contacted us as she is looking into the “disability experience of staff and students in higher education”. If you’re interested in taking part there is a short research questionnaire to fill out and she would be very grateful!
The Changing Campus Event
Committee members Pamela and Nick are going to be delivering a presentation on the 25th of May about the positive and negative impact spaces can have on disabled people in terms of accessibility, including sensory issues, crowding, and the types of spaces. This is to help inform the design of the new buildings and spaces. If any Spark! Members would like to contribute their experiences of the spaces of campus please email sparksdn@shu.ac.uk.
Examples will be anonymised, but we may ask to include the nature of your disability for context.
You can sign up to attend the event on The Changing Campus Eventbrite page.
Neurodiversity and Me
At the most recent Inclusive Hallam Event, Neurodiversity and Me, Bea Marshall spoke about what neurodiversity is and why it’s an important part of inclusion and diversity. The event was recorded for anyone who couldn’t attend but still wants to take a look – it’s well worth a watch!
Upcoming Inclusive Hallam Event
The next Inclusive Hallam Event is a collaboration between ourselves and the parents and carers network – “Making Part Time Work, Work”. The event will include speakers from Working Families and Scope and will take place on the 18th May at 11am – Noon. Keep an eye out for the advertisement in We are Hallam.
Sheffield Royal Society for the Blind (SRSB): A History
SRSB are holding a series of events in 2022 as they are celebrating their 160th Anniversary. One of these events is taking place on May 25th, 10:30 – 11:30am at the Sheffield Central Library. You will be able to take a virtual tour of SRSB’s 160-year history with Sheffield.
You can sign up on the SRSB Eventbrite page.
Well, that’s it from me folks! I hope to see you all in another capacity very soon, and wish the Network and Committee all the best. If you would be interested in joining the committee email sparksdn@shu.ac.uk to find out more!
From Steph and the rest of the Spark! Committee.