Researchers' perspectives on disclosure

A research supervisor talked about his attitude to a dyslexic doctoral candidate:

‘The relationship seems like the norm to me. Most doctoral researchers need a lot of support and Carl needs quite a lot of support so that’s no different. He’s clearly a highly intelligent person, he’s hugely hard-working, hugely ambitious. Given those three factors, we are very keen to have him as a researcher and to ensure that he progresses. … So, having made the mental acceptance that this is a good researcher but an unconventional one, then the rest seems to be, ‘Right, how do we get through this and around this and enable him to achieve his potential?’

The postgraduate researcher described here also spoke about his experience of supervision and the attitudes towards his dyslexia. 

‘I disclosed my disability at the outset; as a blind person I do not have a choice whether to disclose because my visual impairment is obvious. It simply was not an option not to mention it.

I contacted the Disabled Students Adviser who put me in touch with the librarian who had special responsibility for disabled students. She showed me round the resource base for visually impaired students located in the library and told me about the specialist library service where I could request books by email, staff would locate them and leave them for me to collect. As the library could have been potentially a huge barrier for me as a researcher, the willingness to meet my requirements was very reassuring. The fact that it was presented in a very matter of fact way rather than as an inconvenience was particularly encouraging.’

Postgraduate researcher

Sometimes the disability adviser can be an advocate for you within the Graduate School.

‘I am also fortunate to have a brilliant disability advisor who is always there when I need advice. … Without her support and humour my life as a research postgraduate would be much tougher. She acts as a liaison between me and my department and/or research council. She is also a great sounding board. If I ever have a problem or a worry; she will listen and together we will arrive at a solution.’

Postgraduate researcher with physical-mobility-impairment

‘Finally, always make yourself known to the university’s (disability service). You may never need their help, but if you talk to them about what’s available you may get some ideas you didn’t have before. Their support is always reassuring, even when it’s just in the background, and anytime things aren’t being done for you in the department as quickly or thoroughly as you think they should, the (disability advisers) have a special talent for speeding these things along!’

Deaf doctoral candidate

They may also act as catalysts for change.

Very simply, disclosure led to a better understanding between research supervisor and researcher. To create a level playing field, adjustments to procedures and practice may be necessary. There is funding to support those adjustments – if funding is needed. The adjustments above were to attitudes, teaching and learning and no cost was involved.

 

Premia - making research education accessible grew from a HEFCE-funded project based at Newcastle University from 2003 to 2005, with the aim to improve provision for disabled postgraduate researchers, increase the number of disabled researchers at UK institutions and improve the quality of their experience. Vitae now manages the Premia resources.  About Premia.  Premia conditions of use.

This page originated as part of the Premia Project.