The University of Bristol v Dr Abrahart: Lessons for Irish Higher Education

Understanding the Case

Natasha Abrahart, a Physics student at the University of Bristol, tragically took her own life in April 2018 on the day of an assessed oral presentation. Despite her known social anxiety and previous struggles with oral assessments, the university failed to implement alternative assessment methods or discuss reasonable accommodations. The university argued she had not engaged with its Disability Service.

Her father, Dr. Robert Abrahart, pursued legal action, claiming discrimination under the Equality Act 2010 and a failure in duty of care. The High Court upheld previous rulings, finding the university’s failure to make reasonable adjustments contributed to Natasha’s death and dismissed the university’s appeal.

Lessons for Irish Higher Education

This case underscores the critical need for proactive disability support. The seminar will explore:

• Legal obligations for reasonable accommodations.
• Universities' anticipatory duty under equality law.
• Implementing Universal Design for Learning (UDL).
• Refining assessment standards to support diverse needs.

Keynote Speaker: Dr. Shreya Atrey

We are honoured to welcome Dr. Shreya Atrey, Associate Professor in International Human Rights Law at Oxford University, a leading scholar on equality, disability rights, and non-discrimination law.

Why This Matters

Universities must ensure they fulfil their legal and ethical obligations to students with disabilities. Failing to provide accommodations has severe consequences—not just legal risks but real impacts on students' mental health and success.