Let's Talk Disability - Accessibility in our Digital World
Download MP3Featuring Professor Chris Pressler & Rachel Heyes, Co‑Chair of The University of Manchester Disabled Staff Network | Hosted by Professor Jackie Carter
In this thoughtful and energising episode of Let’s Talk Disability, Professor Jackie Carter brings together two colleagues who play prominent roles in shaping inclusion and belonging at the University of Manchester: Professor Chris Pressler, from the University Library’s senior leadership, and Rachel Heyes, Co‑Chair of The University of Manchester Disabled Staff Network.
What unfolds is a rich and open conversation about ableism, advocacy, and the day‑to‑day realities of navigating work with a disability. Rachel speaks candidly about her lived experiences, the emotional labour of dealing with discrimination, and the importance of safe, trained spaces—such as the Library, where staff recognise and support those wearing the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower. Her reflections on hybrid working highlight a topic that resonates widely: how connection, wellbeing, and accessibility must be intentionally designed, not left to chance.
Professor Chris Pressler responds with clarity, warmth and personal insight, drawing on his own experiences of living with temporary mobility barriers. His deep appreciation for the Library’s vocational ethos comes through strongly, as does his commitment to ensuring disability remains fully visible within the University’s EDI priorities. He speaks plainly about the risk of disability being overshadowed in EDI conversations—and why it’s essential to challenge that.
Together, Rachel and Chris explore themes including:
- the everyday presence of ableism and how active bystanders can disrupt it
- creating safe, welcoming environments through staff training and awareness
- the isolating risks of hybrid and remote work—and how to counter them
- the difference between being accommodated and truly included
- ensuring disability remains a visible, equal strand in EDI work
- practical strategies for collaboration across professional services
- how small signals—like sunflower lanyards and trained staff—can transform trust
As with all episodes in the series, the conversation ends with meaningful commitments:
Rachel asks Chris to continue being a vocal advocate for disabled staff, calling out ableism with clarity and confidence; Chris invites Rachel to explore practical ways their teams can work together to strengthen inclusion and address isolation across the University.
Rachel asks Chris to continue being a vocal advocate for disabled staff, calling out ableism with clarity and confidence; Chris invites Rachel to explore practical ways their teams can work together to strengthen inclusion and address isolation across the University.
This episode is warm, relatable, and full of insight—reminding us that true inclusion is built action by action, conversation by conversation.
A must‑listen for anyone interested in disability advocacy, inclusive leadership, or the culture of care that makes universities thrive.
A must‑listen for anyone interested in disability advocacy, inclusive leadership, or the culture of care that makes universities thrive.
Send us your questions or comments to equalityanddiversity@manchester.ac.uk with the subject 'LTD' or connect with Jackie on Linkedin at https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjackiecarter
Listen, learn, and help drive real change—because disability inclusion benefits everyone.
Creators and Guests
Host
Professor Jackie Carter
Academic EDI Lead for Disability, member of the Shaw Trust Power 100 for 2023. Author of Work Placements, Internships & Applied Social Research. Prof of Statistical Literacy. FaCSS, NTF. 1-in-20 Women in Data. Late Bloomer. @GM4Women
