Hostility against disabled people: It’s only an Extra Chromosome* – so please don’t hate me for it!

Hostility against disabled people: It’s only an Extra Chromosome* – so please don’t hate me for it!

This talk is dedicated to Craig.

The University of Leicester is delighted to announce that University of Leicester Alumni Dr David Wilkin joins us to speak as part of the International Day of Disabled People event. 

Small changes in anyone's life can suddenly open the door to a new encounter, the prospect of being a victim of hate, because you now have a disability. The probability is that you had never heard of disability hate crime, until somebody calls you a cripple, a burden, a problem. Becoming disabled is life-changing enough, without also being a target of someone else’s prejudice. Becoming accustomed to being abused will be a new terrible nightmare to deal with. The abuse can be in secret and be devastating, you have little power and might not want to report these matters.

Dr Wilkin has spent nearly ten years helping victims of disability hate, conducting research and discussing this type of hostility with multiple agencies and the public, as well as being published regarding this social problem.

Realising that small things can change lives, this talk will discuss the dilemma of being a victim of hostility because you are disabled. Some examples of the terrifying hate that people face will be raised and potential solutions to the problem illustrated.

Dr Wilkin will be assisted by Leonie Seymour-Milsom, a PhD student at Nottingham Trent University. Leonie will add insights concerning hostility against visually impaired people.

There should be a realisation that disability can happen to any of us, at any time.

Moderated questions from the audience will also be catered for in the final 30 mins of the session. Please email lan11@le.ac.uk to submit any questions for Dr Wilkin by the 1 December 2025.

This event will take place online and within the Attenborough Tower, Attenborough Film Theatre. An e-invite will be sent shortly before the lecture takes place if you have booked a place online.

Content: This talk includes discussions of disability hate crime, which some attendees may find distressing.

Accessible information for those attending in person:

Please contact the team for any accessibility requests. We will try our best to accommodate everyone as much as possible.

The lecture will be taking place in Hybrid meeting room 0.01, ground floor, Astley Clarke Building on the University of Leicester Campus. There will be staff around to help direct everyone, there is a lift and accessible toilets.

A University of Leicester map of campus can be found at the below address:

https://www.le.ac.uk/maps/

There is limited on street short stay parking on University Road or the Freemans Common multi story car park. The Arriva 48 bus runs frequently from the Haymarket Bus Station in the city centre to University Road. (Return journey is the 47 bus.)

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