UNNC calls for awareness of invisible disabilities

04 December 2020

3 December is International Day of People with Disabilities. The University of Nottingham Ningbo China is holding a one-week Disability Awareness Campaign, with the theme “Not All Disabilities Are Visible”, to raise public awareness of non-visible disabilities and remind staff and students of the importance of removing barriers for people with disabilities.


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“Running in the Dark” project

The campaign includes a series of activities including "Running in the Dark", "Dialogue in Silence", and workshops delivered by staff from the Wellbeing Office.

“Running in the Dark” is a non-profit social project that aims to change society’s discrimination and stereotypes against marginalised groups by partnering sighted and visually impaired runners to improve mutual understanding through close contact. "It's a unique feeling. We can learn how to help the blind through activities like this, instead of probably making trouble due to a lack of basic knowledge," said one of the participants.

Gary Rawnsley, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences shared his own experience of fighting Crohn's disease for the last 36 years. All the difficulties he experienced have made him even more passionate about life. He said that he now understands that illness is only a part of life and cannot define who you are. He encouraged students never to be embarrassed to ask for help, as “you are supported".

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Professor Gary Rawnsley shares his experience of fighting Crohn's disease

Currently, around 5% of UNNC students live with a disability that is not immediately apparent. As one of the few universities in China that has a wellbeing service department, UNNC has made various efforts to support its students and establish an accessible campus. The Wellbeing Office has full-time counsellors with international qualifications and rich experience from the UK, the US, Singapore and elsewhere to provide multiple support as well as counselling services to best help students in need.

Over recent years, the Office works with various departments of the University to tailor an individual support plan for each student in need, introduces Jean Wu – Senior Manager of Disability Support and Health Promotion at UNNC. In 2019, the University also invested 500,000 yuan (over 70,000 USD) in technology to improve the classroom experience for students with hearing impairments.

"I was very grateful to Disability Support for helping me to overcome depression and anxiety when I could not find any help,” said a student with a stammer. “I make progress gradually and I am adapting to the pace of life and study at UNNC."

"We have all gone through many uncertainties in 2020, which can lead to feelings such as fear, anxiety, anger and sadness,” said Patti Wallace, Head of Counselling and Wellbeing. She hopes to spread awareness of invisible disabilities such as mental health issues, of the impact they may have on our students’ live, and to empower students to seek help and support without fear.