Accessibility isn't a perk of life it's a fundamental human right.
Hi, my name is Zoe, currently I am a second-year psychology student at Queens, and I am devoted to advocating for accessibility rights.
I am applying for the role of chairperson as I can confidently guarantee that disability representation and recognition across campus will not be silenced, my main goal is communication, currently volunteering in different areas of Belfast (community centres and women’s centres) I understand first hand that inclusivity and genuine support comes from open dialogue and the creation of safe spaces that are well known and easily accessible to all students.
If elected I would put in place an anonymous forum dedicated to the disabled students at Queens university, listening to fellow disabled students that I’ve built a rapport with, some of their concerns over support or even DSA queries have been a struggle to sort out, an anonymous forum would guarantee not only an increase in communication between disabled students, but also the chance for a safe space online, a judge free zone to ask any ‘silly’ questions you’d like about support or opportunities in place that you aren’t aware of.
When I think of my priorities as a representative my primary focus will always be on amplifying student voices, our campus is filled with a rich and diverse community of students, the beauty of this is that one person’s experience will not be the same as any other students and that’s why it is so important and vital to create a community that is comfortable in discussing the positives and negatives of disabled student life, through this I hope to create social pathways across campus that encourage a more accessible and inclusive environment here at Queens.
Another major focus of mine would be student wellbeing, as a neurodivergent student with ASD I am well versed in the struggles of accessing the accessible learning support and student wellbeing services and how frustrating and rewarding self-advocacy can be, listening to other disabled students on campus describe their experiences has further instilled in me the need to provide genuine support and attention to any queries disabled students have when accessing or seeking support. as a psychology student I feel my course has further prepared and encouraged me to be confident in advocating not just for myself and those I’m close too but for every disabled student at queens.
Overall, through open dialogue, advocacy and equality I will ensure that students are seen and heard, that our community within the university is strengthened, and that all future disabled students are aware of a genuine safe space that they can express themselves in comfortably. I would love to represent you and thank you for reading.