Join Professor Jackie Carter, Academic Lead for Disability Inclusion at the University of Manchester, as she hosts an inspiring conversation with Heather Cockayne (Senior Lecturer and incoming Co-Chair of the Disabled Staff Network) and Fiona Devine (Vice President and Dean of the Faculty of Humanities).

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.

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In this powerful episode of Let's Talk Disability, Professor Jackie Carter welcomes two inspiring guests from the University of Manchester’s cultural institutions: Rosie, a Visitor Team Assistant at the Whitworth Art Gallery, and Ciaron Wilkinson, Head of External Relations at Manchester Museum.

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

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In this powerful episode of Let's Talk Disability, host Professor Jackie Carter, Academic Lead for Disability Inclusion at the University of Manchester, is joined by two inspiring guests: Dr. Imran Sahgal, General Practitioner and Simulation Lead in Community-Based Medical Education, and Dr. Rachel Lindley, General Practitioner and Co-Lead for Service Learning in the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health.

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.