Prof Kate Sang is the Project Director for DISC
- What interested you in doing research relating to disability/the DISC project?
I first became interested in researching disability at work through some earlier work led by Dr James Richards on neurodiversity. What became clear was that there is very little research exploring disability and employment, particularly highly skilled careers. If we look at research in universities, the majority of efforts are directed toward gender equality, for example the Athena Swan project or some limited work toward race equality. In contrast, there is very little attention paid to chronic conditions or disability in universities. Those of us who work in universities, particularly on the teaching side, will be aware that we have a responsibility to engage inclusive practices toward students. However, no such anticipatory efforts are required for staff. This led me to being interested in disability and academic careers, as disabled academics are rarely visible within institutions. My own experiences with chronic health problems which come under the banner of disability led me to undertake primary research in this area, and it is not unusual for someone who experiences marginalisation to research issues related to their own personal experience.
- What are your main concerns for the DISC project?
My biggest concern is whether or not we are able to affect any meaningful change for disabled people working in universities. This will require concerted and meaningful buy in from senior management within universities.
- What are your hopes for the DISC project?
My hope is that we are able to recognise that the scientist is not distinct from their science. I also hope we can begin to challenge the hegemonic ideas of the ideal academic. We must move away from the idea that the ideal academic is a white able-bodied man who is unencumbered by any responsibilities outside of the laboratory. By making visible those disabled people who are engaging in scientific endeavour, we can demonstrate to those who desire a career in science that there is potential for them to enter this exciting and worthwhile field. The more diverse the scientific workforce is, the more likely it is that the solutions created will meet the needs of diverse population.
- How do you think the current pandemic will affect the DISC project?
The pandemic has led to lock down, with the vast majority of people engaged in this research working from home. Ironically, this is what many disabled people have asked for years. This is an opportunity for our project to think creatively about how we engage people from varying levels within the partner organisations in disability inclusion. However, we’re also hearing stories of people not being able to access their workplace adjustments while working from home. When I talk to research partners outside of Universities they are very worried that equality is falling down organisations’ agendas. People report to me that they’re being told that equality is the last thing we should be worrying about during this crisis. However it is very clear to anybody paying attention that COVID-19 is an inequality crisis. We know that older people, disabled people and people from Black and Minority Ethnic backgrounds are more vulnerable to the devastating consequences of COVID-19. We know within universities there are reports of increased productivity from male academics, while women’s productivity either remains the same or has fallen.
- If you could give one message to people about disability right now, what would it be?
My main message would be don’t forget disabled people exist, and that the rights of a needs of disabled people should be centred in all of our policy decisions regarding COVID-19. If we centre the needs of those people who are most vulnerable, the needs of everyone will be met and we will come out of this crisis as a much fairer society where everyone can flourish in their chosen career, wherever and whatever that might be.