LSBU leads universities in commitment to disabled students
London South Bank University (LSBU) has reasserted its commitment to reducing inequalities in a Higher Education sector-wide event.
LSBU, along with the University of Greenwich, are the first two Higher Education Institutions to publish their Disabled Student Commitment Action Plans for the academic year 25/26.
The Commitment is designed to improve access, support and inclusion for disabled students in Higher Education in the UK, working with disabled students, universities and regulatory bodies.
The event, hosted by LSBU on 16 July, attracted 103 colleagues from across the sector and encouraged and supported their universities to sign-up and find out how to create an action plan and strategy.
The Disabled Student Commitment is based on the work produced by the Disabled Students Commission, of which LSBU’s interim Co-Vice Chancellor, Deborah Johnston, was a commissioner.
It’s hoped the Commitment’s aims and objectives will help to create a whole institutional response and improve the experience of disabled students. This ensures that our talented students can make the most of their studies and progress into their chosen careers.
Prof Deborah Johnston said: “I am delighted that LSBU has taken the proactive steps in implementing the Commitment. The actions within the Commitment have been shaped by student voices, and I believe it reflects our dedication to further removing barriers, fostering inclusion, and enabling disabled students to fully engage in all that the university offers.
“We understand that true accessibility goes beyond policies—it’s about listening, learning, and taking action to ensure that every student can thrive. We are dedicated to ensuring that every disabled student feels valued, supported, and empowered to achieve their full potential.
“Our goal is to build a community where all students, regardless of disability, can flourish academically, socially, and personally. Together, we will make LSBU a leader in inclusive education and build a community where all students, regardless of disability, can flourish”.
Student panels helped advise this work, which were supported by Luke Howson, Head of Student Success, Phoebe Cleary, Disability Advisor, and Jonathan Thompson, Disability and Dyslexia Services Manager.
MSc Applied Artificial Intelligence graduate, Sarah Tucker, was a member of the student panel: “As a neurodiverse student, I wanted to get involved because I hoped my participation could help support both current and future students. I've really enjoyed my time at LSBU, and the support available here has played a big part in reducing the stress that often worsens my dyslexia.
“I hope the Disabled Student Commitment will help reduce some of the barriers faced by neurodiverse students, leading to a more inclusive teaching experience and fairer assessment practices. I also hope it raises awareness and understanding of neurodiversity, as myths and stigmas still exist and can hold students back from reaching their full potential.”
The hybrid event included contributions from from Southampton Solent University, the Open University and the University of Brighton and was supported by the National Association of Disability Practitioners and LSBU's Building Future Communities Research Centre.