Let's Talk Disability

Featuring Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell & Dr Hamied Haroon
Hosted by Professor Jackie Carter

In this compelling and heartfelt episode of Let’s Talk Disability, Professor Jackie Carter brings together two influential voices in the University of Manchester community: Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell, President and Vice‑Chancellor, and Dr Hamied Haroon, researcher in the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health and Chair of the National Association of Disabled Staff Networks.

What unfolds is a rich, generous and thought‑provoking conversation about disability, identity, leadership, and the transformative power of networks.

Hamied Haroon begins by sharing his journey from disabled childhood to scientific discovery, reflecting on his early years in special education, the lucky break that allowed him to enter mainstream school, and the life‑changing impact of science TV that ignited his passion for biomedical imaging. He recounts the origins of the University’s Disabled Staff Network — born from a small gathering of colleagues who had “declared” their disabilities and who recognised a striking absence of support for disabled staff. With characteristic humility and clarity, Hamied explains how their early campaigning led to Manchester becoming one of the first universities in the UK to offer dedicated disability support for staff, sparking national recognition and inspiring the creation of the National Association of Disabled Staff Networks.

Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell responds with warmth, candour and deep reflection, acknowledging the powerful impact of Hamied’s work and the importance of visibility, communication and dismantling stigma. She speaks openly about cultural barriers, the silence around hidden disabilities, and the need to ensure staff and PGRs feel confident seeking support — whether or not they have a formal diagnosis. Nancy also shares memories of former colleagues whose extraordinary achievements challenge assumptions about disability, including a blind head of school who led with distinction. These stories underscore why visibility and role modelling matter: disabled staff need to see themselves represented in positions of influence.

Together, Hamied and Nancy explore themes including:

The conversation is full of humanity, insight and gentle challenge as Nancy and Hamied discuss what it means to truly value disabled people — not as problems to fix, but as innovators, leaders, creatives and critical contributors to university life.

As with every episode, the discussion ends with personal commitments:

 Nancy pledges to champion access in its broadest sense, push for a national disability charter mark, and amplify celebration of disabled staff achievements. Hamied reflects on the hope and encouragement he draws from the conversation, emphasising the importance of leadership continuity and a future in which Manchester might nurture its very own “Stephen Hawking”.

This is an inspiring, honest and future‑focused conversation — essential listening for anyone passionate about disability inclusion, leadership, academic culture and the power of networks to drive meaningful change.

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