Alumni UK

Why attend:

• Explore ways to make learning and working environments more inclusive.
• Hear from experts in disability inclusion and take away practical insights.
• Connect with fellow alumni, mentors, and members of the Alumni UK Disability Inclusion Community steering group.

There’ll be opportunities to share ideas, learn from others, and contribute to ongoing conversations around accessibility and inclusion.

09:00–09:10am: Welcome

By Mark Stephens - Director, Cultural Engagement and Disability Champion, British Council

09:10–10:30am: Introduction to Alumni UK's disability inclusion community of practice

Welcome to the official launch of Alumni UK's disability inclusion community of practice, where we will outline the community’s vision and objectives. Find out why you should join and how you can contribute to advancing disability inclusion globally through this community. Hear from two steering group members about their vision, planned initiatives, and why they are committed to leading this community. The session will include an opportunity for questions and discussion, and practical next steps. 

Speakers:

• Helen Etheridge - Global Lead for Alumni UK, British Council 
• Fareed Ibrahim Gombilla - MasterCard Foundations Disability Inclusion Facilitator, Ghana Federation of Disability Organizations | Disability Inclusion Community of Practice Committee Member   
• Priyasha Sharma - Project Associate at the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi | Disability Inclusion Community of Practice Committee Member   
  

10:30–11:00am: Networking Break 

11:00am–12:00pm: Panel discussion on building inclusive workplaces

This one-hour panel discussion brings together leading disability specialists and practitioners to explore practical, evidence-based ways to create more inclusive workplaces. Drawing on their diverse experience and expertise, panellists will share insights, demonstrate effective approaches, and highlight resources and initiatives from their own organisations and across the sector. 

Speakers:

• John Abe - Lead Solution Architect and AI/ML & Cloud Transformation Expert | Disability Inclusion Community of Practice Committee Member    
• Jane Franklin - Global Head of Equality Diversity and Inclusion, British Council  
• Diane Lightfoot - CEO, Business Disability Forum
• Roseline Obadiuno - Project Manager for Commonwealth Scholarships, British Council
• Zara Todd - Equity and Inclusion Expert Specialising in training, participation, leadership 
  

12:00–12:15pm: Networking Break 

12:15–1:15pm: Advancing disability inclusion in tertiary education

This one-hour panel discussion brings together academics and alumni to present and discuss research we commissioned into the experience of international students with disabilities, and to share their recommendations for building more inclusive environments. 

Speakers:

• Fella Bader - Business owner, Gesiret | Disability Inclusion Community of Practice Committee Member          
  
• Professor Carol Evans - PVC Education and Student Experience, University of Salford
• Maurie van den Heever - Information Management System Coordinator at GoodX Software | Disability Inclusion Community of Practice Committee Member   
• Martin Hope - Global Head of Tertiary Education Partnerships, British Council
  

1:15–1:30pm: Networking Break 

1:30–2:15pm: Keynote by Dr Ola Abualghaib - Director, Global Disability Fund Secretariat