UEL Launches Global Disability Inclusion Partnership

University of East London (UEL) is spearheading a new global initiative to strengthen disability support systems in higher education through a strategic partnership with Tashkent State Pedagogical University (TSPU) in Uzbekistan. Funded by the British Council’s The Going Global Partnerships programme, the project will run from May 2025 to August 2026, focusing on inclusive practice, gender equity, and international collaboration.

Under the leadership of the Rix Inclusive Research Institute, the initiative will co-develop a scalable toolkit aimed at improving support for students with disabilities in higher education. At least 30 per cent of participants will be students with disabilities from both universities, with a focus on addressing barriers, identifying training needs, and tackling gender-specific challenges in educational environments.

Mark Crossey, Head of UEL Global, highlighted the significance of the partnership:

Uzbekistan is an increasingly dynamic setting for UK transnational education partnerships. With over 30 per cent of its population under the age of 14, there is a strong cultural emphasis on education and openness to international collaboration. Our partnership with Tashkent Pedagogical University offers a unique opportunity to co-develop inclusive curriculum reforms that could be scaled across the country’s 70+ public universities.”

UEL will lead on research design, UK-based training, and toolkit development, while TSPU will oversee local implementation, stakeholder engagement, and field research. Both institutions will jointly facilitate training sessions, foster exchange, and co-author key outputs.

For more information about the Disability Inclusion Partnership or to get involved, please contact the Rix Inclusive Research Institute at rixadmin@uel.ac.uk.