Congratulations to Dr Gayle Brewer, who was shortlisted for the BERA News 2023 Educational Research Book of the Year.
Disability in Higher Education: Investigating Stigma and Disclosure Amongst Disabled Academics, highlights the structural barriers that create challenges for faculty and demonstrates ways in which we can improve on current practice.
It has been described by Open University Press as "beautifully written and easy to read, to understand the challenges of working as a disabled academic," and "a universal book [with] inclusion at its heart."
The book aims to:
- Amplify the voices and experiences of disabled faculty
- Examine the representation of disability and how this affects both disabled and non-disabled audiences
- Provide a range of personal accounts of visible and invisible disabilities by those working in Higher Education
- Argue for changes to current practice through advice, support and guidance for those impacted by disability
- Feature a chaper which addresses the structural and operational issues that systematically disadvantage disabled academics
It also aims to inform and advise those interested in disability within Higher Education. It is of relevance, not only to those who identify as disabled, but also to senior management, policy makers and students of disability studies or education.
Speaking about the nomination, Dr Brewer said: "It was an honour to be shortlisted for this award and I am pleased that this important subject is receiving greater attention."
Professor Judy Coulson, Faculty Lead for Equality Diversity and Inclusion commented: "Gayle is very pro-active in driving equality, diversity, inclusion and wellbeing activity in our Faculty, and I’m delighted to see her gaining this well-deserved external recognition."