An overview of this year's Disability History Month's events

Each year 22 November to 22 December marks Disability History Month.

To help promote awareness and celebrate Disability History Month this year, the Equality and Diversity Unit and the new staff forum Able@Imperial hosted two key events alongside some special training sessions.

Keynote Lecture: Rock ‘n’ Roll and Kicking Back Against Everyday Disablism

Mik Scarlet, broadcaster, musician and journalist, was invited to give the keynote lecture this year. A very charismatic and intriguing persona, Mik, along with his wife Diane, captured the hearts and minds of the audience as he gave an insight into living with 'everday disablism' and working in the media industry.

Mik took us on his personal life story, from an infant boy diagnosed with a rare and potentially fatal form of cancer, to a young man trying to cope with a crippling back injury, to an inspirational man who had experienced further injury but continued to make the most of life.

Mik started his career playing in bands, eventually supporting stars like, his hero Gary Numan. He was spotted by a TV producer which led to a very successful TV career, presenting shows such as Beat That. His varied career has given Mik a valuable insight into how it is not his injuries which made him disabled, but the environment around him.

The audience, including Imperial's Provost Professor James Stirling,the College Secretary & Registrar (Executive Sponsor for Disability) Mr John Neilson, and members of Able@Imperial, hosted an informal drinks reception after the keynote talk.

The Poetry of Madness

For the second year running Imperial hosted top performance poets Zena Edwards, Mark Gwynne Jones, and Sam Berkson at a creative event exploring mental health and mental ill-health. Last year's successful show about modern society's taboos and mental health is now touring the UK.

Through their performance each poet showcased a variety of ways mental health can be perceived, challenging the audience's perceptions. As well as highlighting potential issues the poets also invited the audence to share their own experiences.