Alan Hurst

Born in Atherton, Lancashire, Alan has degrees from Hull, Manchester and Lancaster universities. After teaching history in school he became a lecturer in education at Lancashire Polytechnic. He joined the National Bureau for Handicapped Students (now Skill: National Bureau for Students with Disabilities) in 1978 and remains a Trustee. He investigated access to higher education and disabled students for his doctoral thesis, published as “Steps Towards Graduation” in 1993. He was awarded the title of Professor by the University of Central Lancashire for his work with disabled students in the university, nationally and internationally. In June 2005 he was awarded the honorary degree of D.Univ by the Open University in recognition of his contribution to developing policy and provision for people with disabilities in higher education. He continues to deliver staff training, publish papers, lecture and lead workshops at conferences throughout the world. In 2006 he completed a practical guide on staff development and inclusion, the product of a HEFCE- funded project.