In the very first episode of Let’s Talk Disability, Professor Jackie Carter launches the series with a conversation that sets the tone for everything that follows: open, honest, warm and deeply rooted in lived experience. She brings together PJ Hemmaway, the University’s Chief Information Officer, and Julia, a recent graduate and staff member living with autism and ADHD, for a thoughtful and energising dialogue about disability, workplace culture and meaningful inclusion.

Julia speaks with clarity, humour and insight about her journey from undergraduate to Master’s student and now graduate intern in the medical school. She reflects on living with a hidden disability, the challenges of masking, and the anxieties that come with navigating new environments while trying to appear “neurotypical”. She talks candidly about things others often take for granted — eye contact, pacing conversations, uncertainty around expectations — and the invisible effort disabled staff expend to fit into workplace norms.

Yet her story also shines with strength. Julia describes the unique advantages of her neurodivergence: hyperfocus, attention to detail, directness, deep analytical thinking and the ability to follow complex processes meticulously. She shares how these strengths enable her to be a highly effective and committed member of Professional Services, especially in administrative and procedural work. Her reflections illuminate why neurodivergent staff are not just contributors, but assets to the University.

Sitting opposite her, PJ Hemmaway responds with genuine curiosity, humility and care. He speaks openly about his own dysgraphia, the value of difference, and his leadership commitment to visibility, approachability and co‑creation. PJ asks thoughtful questions about Julia’s experiences — how she discloses disability, what support she needs, and what managers can do better. He acknowledges the gaps in IT accessibility and service responsiveness, and embraces Julia’s feedback as actionable insight rather than criticism. His willingness to learn publicly models the allyship the series seeks to cultivate.

Together, they explore powerful themes, including:

• masking, anxiety and the emotional labour behind hidden disabilities
• the importance of clarity, check‑ins and confidence‑building from managers
• how EDI‑explicit recruitment messaging can empower disabled applicants
• the strengths neurodivergent staff bring to detail‑oriented and high‑focus work
• why peer networks and safe spaces matter for disclosure and wellbeing
• co‑creating accessible services and involving disabled staff in design
• the reality that large institutions change slowly — and why persistence matters
• balancing independence with support for early‑career staff

Throughout the conversation, both guests bring warmth, humour and vulnerability. Julia’s honesty about forgetting to drink water during hyperfocus, PJ’s openness about learning from mistakes, and Jackie’s reflections on the wider disability culture shift make this first episode deeply relatable.

As the episode closes, PJ commits to improving accessibility and responsiveness in IT support for staff and students. Julia asks for continued, consistent emphasis on EDI across the University — not just for her own benefit but for the wellbeing of all disabled colleagues and future applicants.

This opening episode is hopeful, reflective and full of humanity — a perfect introduction to a series centred on listening, learning and building a more inclusive University for everyone.

Send us your questions or comments to equalityanddiversity@manchester.ac.uk with the subject 'LTD' or connect with Jackie on Linkedin at https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjackiecarter

Listen, learn, and help drive real change—because disability inclusion benefits everyone.

In this powerful and deeply human episode of Let’s Talk Disability, Professor Jackie Carter brings together two women from very different roles within the University – yet deeply connected by their shared commitment to equity and meaningful change. Laura Howard, a third‑year postgraduate researcher in Archaeology and co‑chair of the Disabled Staff Network and Disabled PGR Group, joins Professor Colette Fagan, Vice‑President for Research, for a candid and thought‑provoking conversation about disability, academia and culture change.

Laura opens with honesty, humour and remarkable clarity. She describes living with physical and cognitive disabilities following a severe brain injury at age 22 – chronic pain, fatigue, memory loss and speech challenges that make everyday academic life both unpredictable and exhausting. Yet she also speaks about the extraordinary strengths these experiences have cultivated: resilience born from surviving years of illness, exceptional planning skills, adaptability, pre‑emptive problem‑solving, and the kind of determination that fuels a PhD even on the hardest days. Her metaphors – from Windows‑style “buffering” to the iconic Blues Brothers collapsing car – bring levity and truth to realities often hidden or misunderstood.

As the conversation unfolds, Laura reflects on the barriers disabled PGRs face:

• navigating supervisor relationships while trying not to “disappoint”;
• inaccessible seminar times and expectations of evening networking;
• physical and cognitive barriers in labs, archives and conferences;
• years lost to illness, leaving CVs that do not reflect capability;
• self‑funding burdens because structural inequalities may render disabled candidates “less competitive” in traditional selection processes.

Colette listens with deep care and responds with candour, warmth and a clear strategic lens. Drawing on her senior leadership position and long career researching equality and organisational change, she acknowledges the structural gaps Laura describes and reflects on the responsibilities of supervisors, the limits of signposting alone, and the importance of embedding disability inclusion into the Postgraduate Researcher Supervisory Toolkit, wellbeing policy and academic expectations. She also recognises the need for better understanding, clearer support routes, and the removal of unnecessary emotional and administrative “fight” from disabled students’ lives.

Together, Laura and Colette explore themes including:

• the hidden strengths disabled PGRs bring to research: resilience, planning, perspective and EDI awareness
• the emotional labour of disclosure and the fear of being seen as “less academically serious”
• the vital role of supervisors in fostering trust, advocacy and informed adjustments
• the need for clearer expectations, better communication, and practical tools for academic staff
• the importance of peer networks, safe spaces and community in enabling disabled researchers to thrive
• rebuilding trust in formal support systems through transparency and consistent practice
• the difference between doing disability inclusion and merely signposting disability inclusion
• why universities must design events, systems and culture around the presence, not the exception, of disabled students

The conversation is warm, humorous, unflinchingly honest and often moving. Laura’s courage in sharing her story highlights both the richness disabled researchers bring to academia and the heavy toll of having to constantly justify, explain and advocate for one’s needs. Colette’s openness and clear commitment to structural change show what senior‑level allyship can – and should – look like.

As always, the episode concludes with reciprocal commitments:

Colette pledges to strengthen disability inclusion within postgraduate researcher policy and supervisory practices. Laura asks for one powerful thing: take away the fight – so disabled PGRs can succeed without carrying the weight of extra barriers that should never have been theirs to carry.

This episode is honest, brave and brilliantly insightful — essential listening for anyone invested in research culture, postgraduate experiences, or disability inclusion in higher education.

Send us your questions or comments to equalityanddiversity@manchester.ac.uk with the subject 'LTD' or connect with Jackie on Linkedin at https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjackiecarter

Listen, learn, and help drive real change—because disability inclusion benefits everyone.

In this powerful and deeply honest episode of Let’s Talk Disability, Professor Jackie Carter brings together two colleagues who know one another well and who each carry significant influence in shaping the University’s culture around disability. Kathy Bradley, EDI Partner and one of the University’s most dedicated disability advocates, joins Patrick Hackett, Registrar, Secretary and Chief Operating Officer, for a raw and insightful conversation about what it really means to live — and work — with disability at the University of Manchester.

Kathy opens with her signature candour, speaking about her multiple disabilities: ankylosing spondylitis, survivorship from two cancers, mental health challenges, and an ongoing ADHD assessment. She shares openly about the exhaustion of being both disabled and the person constantly reminding others to think about disabled people. She describes the emotional labour of always being “the voice in the room,” explaining the everyday realities of being an ambulatory wheelchair user, and the profound difference it makes when simple things — like accessible parking — are overlooked.

Her reflections are heartfelt, vulnerable and deeply instructive. She highlights how the burden of advocacy should not always fall on disabled staff, and how isolating it feels when others stay silent. Yet she also speaks passionately about her pride in the University, calling it the best place she has ever worked as a disabled person.

In response, Patrick Hackett listens with humility, warmth and genuine openness. He acknowledges the gaps, the pressure on disabled colleagues, and the need for senior leaders to think about disability more consciously and consistently. He shares how his architectural background shaped his early awareness of accessibility, and commits — with sincerity — to strengthening leadership accountability, embedding disability into strategic conversations, and championing inclusivity across Professional Services.

Together, Kathy and Patrick explore key themes including:

• the emotional and physical labour disabled staff carry daily
• why “declaring” disability must become “sharing” disability
• how a lack of communication around estates work profoundly affects mobility‑impaired staff
• what allyship looks like beyond statements: action, advocacy and shared responsibility
• the importance of co‑production: “nothing about us without us”
• how non‑disabled colleagues can — and must — take up more of the load
• the power of safe spaces, storytelling and visible disabled leadership
• shifting from a deficit model to celebrating the strengths of disabled staff
• how excellence in disability inclusion links to excellence in research, teaching and culture

The tone of the conversation is candid, energising and, at times, emotionally charged — in the best possible way. Kathy articulates a vision for Manchester as a sector‑leading university for disabled staff and students, and Patrick responds with concrete commitments to bring disability inclusion onto the agenda of senior leadership teams and into performance objectives.

As with every episode in the series, it concludes with each guest making a pledge:

Patrick commits to embedding disability inclusion within team objectives and senior leadership priorities; Kathy highlights the need for leadership‑level advocacy to reduce the emotional toll on disabled staff who advocate tirelessly for themselves and others.

This episode is frank, moving and utterly galvanising — a must‑listen for anyone who wants to understand the lived experience behind policy, the emotional reality behind EDI work, and what genuine, compassionate leadership can look like.

Send us your questions or comments to equalityanddiversity@manchester.ac.uk with the subject 'LTD' or connect with Jackie on Linkedin at https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjackiecarter

Listen, learn, and help drive real change—because disability inclusion benefits everyone.

In this compelling and heartfelt episode of Let’s Talk Disability, Professor Jackie Carter brings together two influential voices in the University of Manchester community: Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell, President and Vice‑Chancellor, and Dr Hamied Haroon, researcher in the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health and Chair of the National Association of Disabled Staff Networks.

What unfolds is a rich, generous and thought‑provoking conversation about disability, identity, leadership, and the transformative power of networks.

Hamied Haroon begins by sharing his journey from disabled childhood to scientific discovery, reflecting on his early years in special education, the lucky break that allowed him to enter mainstream school, and the life‑changing impact of science TV that ignited his passion for biomedical imaging. He recounts the origins of the University’s Disabled Staff Network — born from a small gathering of colleagues who had “declared” their disabilities and who recognised a striking absence of support for disabled staff. With characteristic humility and clarity, Hamied explains how their early campaigning led to Manchester becoming one of the first universities in the UK to offer dedicated disability support for staff, sparking national recognition and inspiring the creation of the National Association of Disabled Staff Networks.

Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell responds with warmth, candour and deep reflection, acknowledging the powerful impact of Hamied’s work and the importance of visibility, communication and dismantling stigma. She speaks openly about cultural barriers, the silence around hidden disabilities, and the need to ensure staff and PGRs feel confident seeking support — whether or not they have a formal diagnosis. Nancy also shares memories of former colleagues whose extraordinary achievements challenge assumptions about disability, including a blind head of school who led with distinction. These stories underscore why visibility and role modelling matter: disabled staff need to see themselves represented in positions of influence.

Together, Hamied and Nancy explore themes including:

• the origins and evolution of the Disabled Staff Network and its national impact
• stigma, disclosure and the emotional weight of declaring disability
• hidden disabilities, sunflower lanyards and the need for awareness across campus
• communication gaps in support for PGRs and how improvements are already underway
• celebrating disabled talent through awards, scholarships and national visibility
• the limitations of tick‑box EDI and the urgent need for a disability‑specific national charter mark
• the social model of disability and the power of reframing the “problem” as society, not the individual
• accessibility and design — from segregated building entrances to inclusive principles
• the importance of intersectional thinking and adding A for Access to EDI: EDIA

The conversation is full of humanity, insight and gentle challenge as Nancy and Hamied discuss what it means to truly value disabled people — not as problems to fix, but as innovators, leaders, creatives and critical contributors to university life.

As with every episode, the discussion ends with personal commitments:

 Nancy pledges to champion access in its broadest sense, push for a national disability charter mark, and amplify celebration of disabled staff achievements. Hamied reflects on the hope and encouragement he draws from the conversation, emphasising the importance of leadership continuity and a future in which Manchester might nurture its very own “Stephen Hawking”.

This is an inspiring, honest and future‑focused conversation — essential listening for anyone passionate about disability inclusion, leadership, academic culture and the power of networks to drive meaningful change.

Send us your questions or comments to equalityanddiversity@manchester.ac.uk with the subject 'LTD' or connect with Jackie on Linkedin at https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjackiecarter

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In this powerful and energising episode of Let’s Talk Disability, Professor Jackie Carter, Academic Lead for EDI Disability, brings together two colleagues at very different points in their Manchester journeys — yet deeply connected by their lived experiences of disability and their commitment to cultural change.

Dr Katherine (Katie) Twomey, Lecturer in Language and Communicative Development and Co‑Chair of the University’s Neurodivergent Staff Network, shares an open and insightful account of her late autism diagnosis, her experiences with anxiety and panic disorder, and the severe burnout she faced when transitioning from postdoc roles into a lectureship. Katie describes the relief, clarity and empowerment that diagnosis brought — alongside the emotional labour, challenges of masking, and the exhausting reality of being a visible advocate for neurodivergent colleagues.

She speaks candidly about her passion for research, her joy in autistic hyperfocus, the role of special interests, and the deep sense of belonging she feels when communicating with other neurodivergent people. She also highlights structural issues: the lack of protected time for EDI roles, inequity in reasonable adjustments, and the urgent need for the University to recognise EDI contributions in workload models, promotion criteria and leadership expectations.

Joining her in conversation is Professor Allan Pacey, Deputy Vice‑President and Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Biology, Medicine & Health. Allan brings his own lived experience of disability — including two separate cancer diagnoses, long‑lasting health impacts of treatment, and challenges with dyslexic‑type symptoms that shaped his early academic life. His honesty and reflections on stigma, coping strategies, and the complexities of making reasonable adjustments as a leader provide a refreshing and empathetic senior‑level perspective.

Together, Katie and Allan navigate themes including:

• the emotional labour of neurodivergence and invisible disability
• the importance of safe spaces, staff networks, and peer support
• burnout, diagnosis and the realities of academic life
• the nuance of reasonable adjustments — and why one solution never fits all
• line‑management capability, inconsistency, and cultural gaps
• the tension between caring deeply about EDI and finding no time for it in workload models
• the need for recognition, resourcing and institutional accountability
• the power of role modelling, honesty and senior leaders speaking openly about disability

The conversation is rich, warm and deeply human — alternating between humour, candour, frustration, optimism and shared understanding. Katie speaks passionately about the strengths of autistic people — hyperfocus, creativity, joy, pattern‑spotting and community — and argues for an environment where neurodivergent staff can truly thrive, not just survive.

As always, the episode ends with meaningful commitments from both guests.

Allan pledges to initiate a faculty‑wide disability forum, opening the door for ongoing discussion and cultural change. Katie calls for system‑level reform, including embedding EDI into expectations, promotions and workload allocation so that those contributing essential cultural work are not penalised for it.

This episode is honest, joyful, challenging and profoundly insightful — a must‑listen for anyone working in higher education, passionate about neurodiversity, or committed to building a culture where disabled staff are valued, supported and empowered.

Send us your questions or comments to equalityanddiversity@manchester.ac.uk with the subject 'LTD' or connect with Jackie on Linkedin at https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjackiecarter

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In this deeply moving and thought‑provoking episode of Let’s Talk Disability, Professor Jackie Carter sits down with two colleagues whose work sits at the intersection of lived experience and institutional change: Beth Micakovic, Director of Faculty Operations in the Faculty of Biology, Medicine & Health, and Jon Ashley, Assistant Director of Estates and Head of Estate Support.

Beth begins with a powerful account of her experience of being diagnosed with breast cancer at age 31, just days before her daughter’s first birthday. She reflects on treatment, recovery, post‑cancer fatigue, brain fog, and the lifelong presence of anxiety — and how these shape her professional life, leadership style, and resilience. Her story brings visibility to the often overlooked worlds of invisible disability, post‑treatment realities, and the emotional turmoil of navigating life‑altering illness while working in a demanding role.

Jon brings a complementary perspective from the physical environment of the University. He reflects on how estates design impacts everyone — particularly disabled staff and students — and how hidden barriers can prevent people from experiencing the campus equitably. From inaccessible entrances to overstimulating digital environments, Jon shares how the Estates team is working to learn, listen, and co‑design spaces with disabled colleagues at the table from the very start. His emphasis on empathy, experimentation, and long‑term planning highlights the importance of designing inclusive spaces, not just compliant ones.

Together, Beth and Jon explore powerful themes, including:

• the realities and emotional labour of invisible disabilities
• post‑cancer recovery, the ambiguity of “being well again,” and the impact of brain fog and fatigue
• why hybrid estates — digital and physical — must be understood together
• the importance of embedding disabled voices into estate strategy at project inception
• the role of networks and psychologically safe spaces in empowering disabled colleagues
• how simple things like card‑reader height, separate entrances, or overstimulating environments can quietly exclude
• the need for agile, iterative, human‑centred design across campus
• why staff disclosure matters — and how data informs better support and infrastructure

The conversation is rich with insight, humanity and practical wisdom as Beth and Jon discuss the interplay between wellbeing, workplace culture, and inclusive design. They highlight how a university campus can either uplift or unintentionally undermine those living with chronic illness, anxiety or fluctuating energy.

As always, the episode concludes with meaningful commitments:

Beth asks Jon to continue deepening training and bringing more colleagues into this work; Jon pledges to champion context‑based training and to help others “open their eyes” to accessibility, agency and invisible disability.

This episode is both heartfelt and deeply practical — a must‑listen for anyone interested in disability inclusion, estates strategy, invisible illness, or building compassionate, equitable environments where every colleague can thrive.

There is a reference in this episode to a blog by Carsten Timmerman.  You can find this at Measuring Quality of Life in Cancer Treatment: A Historical Focus – Cancer Prevention and Screening Blog (qmul.ac.uk)

Send us your questions or comments to equalityanddiversity@manchester.ac.uk with the subject 'LTD' or connect with Jackie on Linkedin at https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjackiecarter

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In this thoughtful and energising episode of Let’s Talk Disability, Professor Jackie Carter brings together two colleagues who play prominent roles in shaping inclusion and belonging at the University of Manchester: Professor Chris Pressler, from the University Library’s senior leadership, and Rachel Heyes, Co‑Chair of The University of Manchester Disabled Staff Network.

What unfolds is a rich and open conversation about ableism, advocacy, and the day‑to‑day realities of navigating work with a disability. Rachel speaks candidly about her lived experiences, the emotional labour of dealing with discrimination, and the importance of safe, trained spaces—such as the Library, where staff recognise and support those wearing the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower. Her reflections on hybrid working highlight a topic that resonates widely: how connection, wellbeing, and accessibility must be intentionally designed, not left to chance.

Professor Chris Pressler responds with clarity, warmth and personal insight, drawing on his own experiences of living with temporary mobility barriers. His deep appreciation for the Library’s vocational ethos comes through strongly, as does his commitment to ensuring disability remains fully visible within the University’s EDI priorities. He speaks plainly about the risk of disability being overshadowed in EDI conversations—and why it’s essential to challenge that.

Together, Rachel and Chris explore themes including:

• the everyday presence of ableism and how active bystanders can disrupt it
• creating safe, welcoming environments through staff training and awareness
• the isolating risks of hybrid and remote work—and how to counter them
• the difference between being accommodated and truly included
• ensuring disability remains a visible, equal strand in EDI work
• practical strategies for collaboration across professional services
• how small signals—like sunflower lanyards and trained staff—can transform trust

As with all episodes in the series, the conversation ends with meaningful commitments:

Rachel asks Chris to continue being a vocal advocate for disabled staff, calling out ableism with clarity and confidence; Chris invites Rachel to explore practical ways their teams can work together to strengthen inclusion and address isolation across the University.

This episode is warm, relatable, and full of insight—reminding us that true inclusion is built action by action, conversation by conversation.
A must‑listen for anyone interested in disability advocacy, inclusive leadership, or the culture of care that makes universities thrive.

Send us your questions or comments to equalityanddiversity@manchester.ac.uk with the subject 'LTD' or connect with Jackie on Linkedin at https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjackiecarter

Listen, learn, and help drive real change—because disability inclusion benefits everyone.

In this powerful and thought‑provoking episode of Let’s Talk Disability, host Dr Hamied Haroon brings together two influential figures at the University of Manchester for an honest, moving and forward‑looking conversation about disability, leadership, and cultural change.

Professor Jackie Carter, Academic Lead for EDI Disability and a long‑standing advocate for disability inclusion, speaks candidly about her lived experience of becoming disabled through illness, her journey as a cancer survivor, and her commitment to driving change across the institution. Her reflections on hidden disabilities, the social model, and the everyday challenges of navigating academia offer a deeply personal and insightful perspective.

Joining her is the University’s new President and Vice‑Chancellor, Professor Duncan Ivison, who shares his motivations, values, and early impressions of leading one of the UK’s largest universities. Duncan’s openness, curiosity, and willingness to listen create a refreshing and dynamic conversation about what it truly means to build a disability‑inclusive university. Together, the three discuss everything from physical access and data, to leadership development, culture change, learning organisations, and the role of visible disabled leaders.

The episode explores big questions with honesty and hope:

• What would a genuinely disability‑confident university look like?
• How do we embed intersectional EDI into everyday practice rather than one‑off initiatives?
• How can senior leadership champion inclusion in a way that is authentic, sustainable and felt across the community?
• And what does it take to ensure every colleague is welcomed through the “same door”, with equal opportunity to flourish?

As always, the conversation ends with powerful commitments — each guest pledges one meaningful action they will take forward, ensuring this series moves from words to real change.

Bold, heartfelt and full of insight, this episode is essential listening for anyone passionate about disability inclusion, leadership, and shaping the future culture of our university.

Send us your questions or comments to equalityanddiversity@manchester.ac.uk with the subject 'LTD' or connect with Jackie on Linkedin at https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjackiecarter

Listen, learn, and help drive real change—because disability inclusion benefits everyone.

In this powerful and thought‑provoking episode of Let’s Talk Disability, Professor Jackie Carter is joined by Senior Lecturer in Politics, Laura McLeod, and Head of the School of Social Sciences, Professor Claire Alexander, for a rich and honest conversation about disability, identity, research culture, and the invisible labour disabled academics must navigate.

Laura shares her experience of being born with a profound bilateral sensorineural hearing loss—diagnosed late, misunderstood early, and continually shaped by a world designed for people who can hear. She offers striking insight into the everyday work of lip reading, the cognitive exhaustion it creates, and the emotional and logistical burden of arranging access support, from speech‑to‑text transcribers to Access to Work processes. Her reflections illuminate both the beauty and the cost of navigating academia as a deaf scholar.

Claire listens deeply and responds as a leader, reflecting on the realities Laura describes, the blind spots in academic culture, and the need for more informed, compassionate and practical support for disabled colleagues. Her willingness to interrogate assumptions—about access, representation, identity and inclusion—gives this conversation a rare blend of honesty and humility.

Together they explore powerful themes, including:

• the difference between hearing loss and navigating a hearing‑oriented world
• the emotional labour of “fitting in” and the pressures to stay silent
• the burden of representation and the complexity of identity categories
• the invisible cost of organising support as a disabled academic
• the gaps between institutional policy and day‑to‑day experience
• how research time—not teaching—often pays the price of inaccessibility
• the need for leadership training for managers, not just disabled staff
• why sharing experiences can reveal structural patterns hidden in plain sight

This episode is also a call to action: Laura and Claire reflect on the need to gather, understand and act upon the collective experiences of disabled staff in Social Sciences, to create better systems, not just individual adjustments. Their commitments at the end of the episode are practical, grounded and full of purpose.

This is an insightful, moving and deeply human conversation about what it really takes to thrive as a disabled academic—and what universities must do if they are serious about equity, inclusion and genuine support.

A must‑listen for anyone in higher education, leadership, EDI work, or who wants to understand the reality behind the statistics.

Send us your questions or comments to equalityanddiversity@manchester.ac.uk with the subject 'LTD' or connect with Jackie on Linkedin at https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjackiecarter

Listen, learn, and help drive real change—because disability inclusion benefits everyone.

In this inspiring episode of Let’s Talk Disability, Future Leader graduate Hannah Murphy sits down with Director of Social Responsibility and Civic Engagement, Julian Skyrme, for a moving and honest conversation about chronic pain, hidden conditions, mental health, identity, and what it really means to thrive at the University of Manchester.

Hannah shares the deeply personal journey behind her chronic lower back pain, spinal deformity, hypermobility, chronic anaemia, and long‑term mental health conditions. She talks candidly about years of misdiagnosis, frustration, flare‑ups, exam pressures, fear, resilience and the exhausting cycle of physical pain feeding emotional strain — and vice versa. Her self‑awareness, compassion and determination shine through as she reflects on what it takes to manage her conditions, maintain wellbeing, and build a fulfilling early‑career life.

Julian listens with empathy, curiosity and respect, drawing out powerful insights about hidden disabilities, culture change, allyship, and the importance of psychologically safe conversations between colleagues and managers. Their dialogue touches on universal themes: navigating stigma, asking for help, managing expectations, and the difference that compassionate leadership makes.

One of the most striking threads running through this episode is intersectionality — how class, gender, disability, and lived experience overlap and shape opportunities and challenges. Hannah reflects on being a young working‑class woman with invisible impairments, and how identity affects how she experiences both support and barriers in higher education. Together, she and Julian make a compelling case for embedding intersectionality at the heart of the University’s 2035 strategy.

Listeners will hear rich reflections on:

• the long journey to securing a diagnosis
• self‑management strategies and building resilience
• how supportive line managers and DASS adjustments transformed Hannah’s student and staff experience
• the importance of role modelling, honesty and building trusting teams
• why intersectionality must be central to UoM’s future
• the power of networks, community and shared experience
• the ultimate strength disabled and chronically ill staff bring to the university

As always, the episode concludes with real commitments: Julian pledges to hold disability‑inclusive conversations within his team and work with Hannah to strengthen inclusive leadership practice; Hannah calls for intersectionality to be fully embedded in the University’s 2035 vision.

This is a powerful, uplifting and deeply human conversation — one that reveals not just the challenges of chronic pain, but the strength, clarity and leadership that can grow from it.

 A must‑listen for anyone interested in disability inclusion, wellbeing, leadership, or shaping a more equitable university.

Send us your questions or comments to equalityanddiversity@manchester.ac.uk with the subject 'LTD' or connect with Jackie on Linkedin at https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjackiecarter

Listen, learn, and help drive real change—because disability inclusion benefits everyone.

In this deeply insightful episode of Let’s Talk Disability, host Professor Jackie Carter brings together two colleagues whose experiences shine a much‑needed light on a topic rarely discussed openly at work: the realities of being a parent carer and how caring responsibilities intersect with identity, career, and belonging.

Gill Bibby, a Comms and Content Officer at Alliance Manchester Business School, shares her honest and emotional journey as a mum to a nine‑year‑old daughter with cerebral palsy and autism. Gill talks candidly about sleepless nights, daily negotiation, the emotional transitions between home and work, and the quiet fears many carers hold — from career progression to future unknowns. Her vulnerability brings into sharp focus the hidden labour of caring and the invisible load many staff carry.

Sitting alongside Gill is Michelle Carter, Director of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion at AMBS. Together, Gill and Michelle explore how organisational culture can unintentionally disable carers, why allyship and compassionate leadership matter, and how policies like flexible working and carers’ leave work (and sometimes don’t work) in real life. Michelle reflects on intersectionality, the assumptions colleagues often make, and the importance of creating a workplace where carers feel safe to speak up without fear of judgement or limitation.

The conversation is raw, warm, and filled with powerful moments — including a bold proposal for a university “leave pot” to support staff with unmet caring needs, and a moving discussion about ambitions, identity, and not writing off your own potential.

As always, the episode concludes with real commitments: tangible actions that Gill and Michelle pledge to take to make the university a more supportive and equitable place for carers.

This is an essential listen for anyone interested in equity, disability inclusion, compassionate leadership, or understanding the unseen challenges your colleagues may face every day.

It’s a conversation full of heart, honest truths, and practical hope for change.

Send us your questions or comments to equalityanddiversity@manchester.ac.uk with the subject 'LTD' or connect with Jackie on Linkedin at https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjackiecarter

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Communications and Engagement Manager Will Stone shares his remarkable and deeply personal journey of living with kidney failure, two transplants, and the lifelong impact of hidden illness—stories often unseen behind his everyday professional life. Joining him is Hannah Rundle, Director of Faculty Operations, who reflects openly on leadership, vulnerability, and her own experiences of managing a long‑term condition.

Together, they explore what it really means to work, lead, and thrive with hidden disabilities; the pressures and expectations of academic environments; and the culture change still needed to make universities truly compassionate and inclusive. From honest conversations about guilt, resilience, and fear of disclosure, to practical reflections on travel policies, wellbeing, and line‑manager consistency, this is an episode rooted in truth, courage, and humanity.

What makes this podcast special is its commitment to action: every conversation ends not just with words, but with real, tangible commitments from guests on what they will do next to make the university a more disability‑inclusive place.

If you care about inclusion, leadership, wellbeing, or simply want to understand the diverse lived experiences of colleagues around you—this episode is a must‑listen.

It’s heartfelt, eye‑opening, and full of the kind of honesty that sparks lasting change.

Send us your questions or comments to equalityanddiversity@manchester.ac.uk with the subject 'LTD' or connect with Jackie on Linkedin at https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjackiecarter

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Dr Jessica Boland, a senior lecturer in the Department of Materials, discusses her work with functional materials and her experience as a hard-of-hearing individual. She emphasizes that her disability does not define her and believes the focus should be on societal change rather than personal limitations.

Professor Richard Jones, Vice President for Regional Innovation and Civic Engagement, shares his background in materials physics and innovation policy. He expresses his commitment to supporting disabled staff and students and contributing to societal change through the university's outreach efforts.

Send us your questions or comments to equalityanddiversity@manchester.ac.uk with the subject 'LTD' or connect with Jackie on Linkedin at https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjackiecarter

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Together, they explore what it truly means to design inclusively—from classrooms to workplaces—and how universal design benefits everyone, not just those with visible or shared disabilities.

Janine shares her journey leading a three-year project on widening participation for neurodivergent students, developing academic training workshops, and advocating for “universal design for collaboration.” Helen reflects on the importance of psychological safety, flexible environments, and the role of leadership in fostering wellbeing.

This episode is a deep dive into:
 - The lived experience of neurodivergent staff and students
 - The power of inclusive teaching and assessment design
 - Creating safe spaces for disclosure and support
 - The ripple effect of staff networks and community-led change
 - Moving from dialogue to action—what real commitment looks like

Whether you're an educator, student, manager, or ally, this conversation will challenge assumptions, inspire action, and offer practical insights into building a more inclusive university culture.

Dixon, J. (2025) ‘Widening Participation for Neurodivergent Students ITL Fellowship 2022-24 Project Report’. The University of Manchester. doi: 10.5281/zenodo.15529531.

Send us your questions or comments to equalityanddiversity@manchester.ac.uk with the subject 'LTD' or connect with Jackie on Linkedin at https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjackiecarter

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https://zenodo.org/records/15529531

Together, they explore the lived realities of navigating academia and healthcare with visible and invisible disabilities, challenge the limitations of the medical model, and advocate for inclusive design in education and infrastructure. From cultural silence around disability to the emotional labour of advocacy, this episode unpacks the complexities of identity, allyship, and institutional change.

With honesty and warmth, the guests reflect on their journeys, the importance of recognition and role clarity, and the urgent need to embed accessibility into the university’s future. As always, the episode concludes with concrete commitments to action—because talking is just the beginning.

Send us your questions or comments to equalityanddiversity@manchester.ac.uk with the subject 'LTD' or connect with Jackie on Linkedin at https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjackiecarter

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations that move from dialogue to action!

Together, they explore the lived experiences of disability and chronic health conditions, focusing on Rosie’s journey with chronic migraines and her advocacy for access and inclusion. Ciaron shares insights from a leadership perspective, reflecting on how cultural institutions can embed disability inclusion into their practices—not as an afterthought, but as a foundational principle.

Topics include:

• The social vs. medical model of disability
• Invisible disabilities and the importance of visibility
• Creating inclusive spaces in museums and galleries
• The “passion penalty” in the cultural sector
• Empowering disabled voices
• Building community and fostering open dialogue

This episode is a heartfelt call to action for organisations to move from dialogue to deeds, ensuring disability inclusion is everyone's responsibility. Whether you're a university staff member, student, cultural worker, or ally, this conversation will challenge, inspire, and equip you to think differently about access and inclusion.

Home - The Migraine Trust

Send us your questions or comments to equalityanddiversity@manchester.ac.uk with the subject 'LTD' or connect with Jackie on Linkedin at https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjackiecarter

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations that move from dialogue to action!

In this episode, we dive deep into what it means to create a truly disability-inclusive university. Heather shares her lived experience of navigating academia with a hidden disability, while Fiona reflects on the cultural shifts needed to foster genuine belonging and kindness across a large institution.

Key topics include:

• The power of visible and invisible disability advocacy
• The importance of inclusive design and accessible technology
• Breaking down barriers for disabled staff and students
• The value of kindness, culture change, and sharing good practice
• Real-life actions and commitments from university leaders

Whether you’re a student, staff member, or ally, this episode will challenge assumptions, spark new ideas, and inspire you to help build a more inclusive community. Listen in for honest stories, practical advice, and a reminder that small changes can make a big difference.

Send us your questions or comments to equalityanddiversity@manchester.ac.uk with the subject 'LTD' or connect with Jackie on Linkedin at https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjackiecarter

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations that move from dialogue to action!

Craig shares his personal journey with visible and invisible disabilities, discussing the challenges of masking, the importance of self-worth, and the impact of bringing his authentic self to work. Ellie reflects on the university’s responsibility to create safe spaces where staff and students feel empowered to share their lived experiences and needs.

The conversation moves from dialogue to action, with both guests committing to tangible steps that foster inclusion, agency, and wellbeing. Topics include the generational shift in attitudes towards disability, the power of emotional intelligence, the need for flexible policies, and the importance of student support and accessible learning.

Whether you’re a leader, colleague, or student, this episode offers honest insights and practical ideas for building a culture where everyone feels valued and able to thrive.

There are many organisations who provide support to men with their mental health, some of which we have included below:
https://andysmanclub.co.uk/
https://uk.movember.com/
https://letstalkaboutsuicide.co.uk/mens-mental-health-charities/
https://www.thecalmzone.net/

If you are affected by MND or would like to learn more please reach out to:
https://www.mndassociation.org/

Send us your questions or comments to equalityanddiversity@manchester.ac.uk with the subject 'LTD' or connect with Jackie on Linkedin at https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjackiecarter

Together, they share personal experiences of living with disabilities, discuss the challenges and opportunities within higher education, and introduce the Ride Higher initiative—a collaborative project aimed at advancing disability inclusion for staff across UK universities.

Key topics include:

• The importance of visible and hidden disabilities.
• The role of advocacy networks and community support.
• The impact of the Ride Higher initiative and NADSN.
• Practical steps for institutions and individuals to foster inclusion.
• Calls to action for allies, leaders, and disabled staff.

Whether you’re a university leader, staff member, student, or ally, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration for creating a more inclusive academic environment.

Send us your questions or comments to equalityanddiversity@manchester.ac.uk with the subject 'LTD' or connect with Jackie on Linkedin at https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjackiecarter

Listen, learn, and help drive real change—because disability inclusion benefits everyone.

In this rich and compelling episode of Let’s Talk Disability, Professor Jackie Carter welcomes two guests who bring together deeply personal insight and significant institutional influence: Dr Nick Weise, Senior Lecturer in the Medical School and the Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, and Professor Sarah Sharples, the newly appointed Vice-President and Dean of the Faculty of Science and Engineering.

This conversation is powerful, warm, and unusually timely — because Nick is speaking about the lived experience of newly acquiring a disability. Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at age 33, he is still navigating what it means to transition almost overnight from being non-disabled to living with unpredictable, life-altering symptoms. His account is honest, eloquent and deeply human: from losing sensation in his legs, to navigating bladder challenges, to the emotional weight of early months filled with sadness, uncertainty and change.

Nick also shares how he adapted his teaching — already rooted in flipped learning and interactive pedagogy — to accommodate mobility limits, fatigue and cognitive load. His candour about explaining MS to students, adjusting teaching spaces, and finding dignity through openness gives the episode a practical and profound edge. His reflections highlight how inclusive design is not just about ramps or room layouts — but about psychological safety, flexible teaching environments, and understanding the human story behind support plans.

Joining him is Professor Sarah Sharples, only weeks into her new role at Manchester but already deeply thoughtful about disability inclusion. As a professor of human factors and former Chief Scientific Advisor for the Department for Transport, she brings a systems-level understanding of accessibility, ergonomics and equity. She listens with empathy, asks thoughtful questions about support systems, inclusive teaching, fatigue, and campus design, and reflects openly on the responsibilities of leadership, culture-building and structural change.

Together, Nick and Sarah explore themes including:

• the emotional journey of receiving a new diagnosis and navigating early uncertainty
• how support plans, hybrid working and accessible spaces enable disabled staff to thrive
• flipped learning as a vehicle for both inclusion and pedagogical excellence
• the power of psychological safety: “we value what you bring, and we will adapt for you”
• the real constraints disabled staff face with travel, fatigue, commuting and campus movement
• the need to rethink academic excellence beyond counting outputs
• accessible teaching spaces, hybrid limitations, and why lecture theatres may not serve modern pedagogy
• safety, confidence and community as essential ingredients for cultural change
• the Tivoli Gardens leadership philosophy — everyone owning their 3‑metre radius
• the importance of small interventions: microphones, doors, toilets, taxi vouchers, quiet graduations
• the loneliness, cost and effort behind travelling as a disabled academic
• the University’s Manchester 2035 strategy and its promise for a more inclusive future

The conversation is alive with insight, vulnerability and mutual respect. Nick’s storytelling brings listeners into the lived, sensory reality of MS; Sarah’s reflections bring leadership humility, curiosity and determination; Jackie brings warmth, wisdom and the unflinching reminder that inclusion requires both conversation and action.

As always, the episode ends with “one things”:
 • Nick’s request: phase out lecture theatres in favour of flat, flexible teaching spaces that support interactive, accessible learning for staff and students.
• Sarah’s commitment: to spend time listening to and shadowing disabled staff and students, learning directly from their lived realities in Science & Engineering — and to ensure those voices shape future decisions.

This episode is uplifting, honest and future-focused — an essential listen for anyone passionate about disability inclusion, accessible teaching, and building a University culture where every colleague and student can flourish.

Send us your questions or comments to equalityanddiversity@manchester.ac.uk with the subject 'LTD' or connect with Jackie on Linkedin at https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjackiecarter

Listen, learn, and help drive real change—because disability inclusion benefits everyone.