As part of its efforts to promote disability inclusion and empowerment within the academic community, The University of Manchester is set to host the launch of Beyond the Chair, a compelling memoir by disabled scholar Dr Paul Doyle.
Despite the profound impact of Cerebral Palsy on his motor functions and speech, Dr Doyle has completed a PhD in disability studies as well as writing this insightful book to share his experiences and inspire others.
Dr Doyle chose to launch his book at The University of Manchester in recognition of the institution's significant efforts to increase disability inclusion in recent years. The University's commitment to fostering an inclusive environment was recently acknowledged with the prestigious Disability Confident Leader status, reflecting its dedication to supporting disabled staff and students.
The connection between Dr Doyle and the University was facilitated by Dr Hamied Haroon, a distinguished biomedical researcher based at Manchester who has overcome his own challenges with a disability, and is also renowned for his leadership in advocating for the rights and opportunities of disabled individuals in academia.
Dr Haroon introduced Dr Doyle to the university's Disabled Staff Network, the School of Arts, Languages and Cultures (SALC), and the Faculty of Humanities. These bodies have collectively agreed to fund and host the book launch, underscoring the university's commitment to inclusivity and support for disabled scholars.
The event will include a reading by Dr Doyle and his personal assistant, followed by a Q&A session hosted by the University's Academic Lead for Disability EDI Professor Jackie Carter, a Shaw Trust Disability Power 100 lister who is celebrated for her dedication to equality, diversity and inclusion within the academic community.
After the Q&A, attendees will be able to engage with Dr Doyle and other attendees at a book signing and networking event, where they will be able to discuss his journey, and explore the themes of resilience and determination detailed in his book. Refreshments will be available.
It will take place on Friday 21 February from 4pm in Ellen Wilkinson Building Room C1.18, before moving to the Atrium. All are welcome to attend.
"My book is based on my PhD, and the fieldwork for my degree took place at a special school," said Dr Doyle. "The young people and I formed advocacy groups in which we talked about leaving school. As I have very severe Cerebral Palsy, I was able to talk about my own experiences of leaving special school with no qualifications at all, and transitioning to a mainstream college. I have had to convince people that I am able to achieve a high educational status."
"I'd like to thank The University of Manchester - I feel honoured to have my book launch there. I feel that the subject and the message of my book needs to be distributed around the world, and the University is part of my journey."
"Paul's book offers a profound insight into his experiences, challenges and triumphs, serving as a beacon of inspiration for people facing similar obstacles - we are proud he chose The University of Manchester to be the place where he launches his book," said Professor Jackie Carter.
"I run the Disabled Staff Network and Disabled PGR group, and it is amazing how far the University has progressed in the past two years in its mission to promote disability inclusion and empowerment," said Laura Howard. "What people like Jackie Carter, Kathy Bradley and Melissa Westwood have achieved in that time is mind-blowing - they've managed to raise the profile of disability so much that we now get departments coming to us to seek feedback on ways they can improve."
