Disability in Higher Education: Investigating Identity, Stigma and Disclosure Amongst Disabled Academics

Higher Education presents significant challenges for disabled faculty. This book highlights the structural barriers that create challenges for faculty and demonstrates ways in which we can improve on current practice. Staff face a competitive environment which is increasingly characterised by long working hours and the use of standardised metrics to monitor and evaluate performance. The author underlines this issue as well as covering a range of subjects including the stigma associated with disability, workplace discrimination, the decision to disclose a disability, and access to workplace accommodations. 

The book:

•Amplifies the voices and experiences of disabled faculty

•Examines the representation of disability and how this affects both disabled and non-disabled audiences

•Provides a range of personal accounts of visible and invisible disabilities by those working in Higher Education

•Argues for changes to current practice through advice, support and guidance for those impacted by disability

•Features a chapter which addresses the structural and operational issues that systematically disadvantage disabled academics

The book 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. 

“Gayle Brewer's Disability in Higher Education is a clear, concise, accessible yet detailed exploration of the realities of disability in the Academy.”

Nancy Hansen, Professor, Director Disability Studies, University of Manitoba, Canada

“I am proud to endorse Dr Brewer’s much-anticipated work on Disability in Higher Education. This book exposes the barriers, stigma and discrimination that disabled academics face daily, overtly and covertly, in a profession we are passionate about”.

Dr Hamied Haroon, Chair, National Association of Disabled Staff Networks (NADSN)

Gayle Brewer is a Senior Lecturer in Psychology at the University of Liverpool, UK. Her research interests focus on personality and romantic relationships, and she also conducts research addressing education and the student experience.