Matt Geer

MATT GEER

Disabled Students' Officer Manifesto

"Listen. Represent. Empower"

Hi! My name is Matt and I am a 2nd year PhD AHSS student running for the position of QUB DIsabled Students' Officer in the 2022/23 elections. Approximately 15% of the global population live with a disability and this number is expected to rise over the next 10 years. Why do I think I am suitable to represent students with disabilities at Queen's, and what would I do if elected? 

Born in Hastings, on the South-East coast of England, I suffered with physical and mental illness growing up. In 2017, I was admitted into a psychiatric unit for several months where I met a wealth of extrodinary and inspirational people; patients and medical staff. During that time, I heard and experienced discrimination first-hand, learned about a wide variety of different illnesses and experienced the harsh reality of suicide. 

Following my discharge and daily engagement with mental health services, I became increasingly aware of the difficulties and discrimination those who suffer with disabilities can face. Over time, I immersed myself in a variety of campaigns and activities such as:

• Working with mental health campaigner Jonny Benjamin MBE on an opera project 'Sane and Sound', exposing the inequality around disabilities
• Collaborating with organisations on the topic of mental health and the arts, such as the Barbican Centre, the Museum of London and the Arcola Theatre 
• Curating the project 'With Mixed Effects' about the pandemic of suicide
• Engaging with the media in podcasts on disabilities such as the award-winning podcast 'Things Musicians Don't Talk About' and the Indian-based charity 'Just Another Illness'
• Gave a TEDx talk on schizophrenia and how we can listen and learn from those who suffer from the illness
• Starting the Instagram and TikTok account 'Schizophrenic and Loving Life', currently with over 3-thousand likes, speaking out about the inequalities people with disabilities face and spreading a message of positivity to those who suffer  

If fortunate enough to be elected as your Disability Students' Officer, what would I achieve? 

• Take a lead on issues affecting those suffering with a disability at Queen's
• Lead campaigns to support those with hidden disabilities, as not all disabilities are visable but can still be incredibly difficult to those who suffer
• Be visible and accessible on-campus and online to give all students the opportunity to raise any concerns they have regarding their disability and life at Queen's 
• Promote national disability awareness campaigns to ensure that all students have the information and support necessary, and can get involved and feel a valued member of our community 
• Initiate a clear guide on living with disabilities during your life at Queen's, how to access in-house support as well as local healthcare services and national charities
• Working with the Queen's Disability Service to ensure that all staff and students are held acountable by the The Special Educational Needs and Disability Order (SENDO) where discrimination may occur

I will strive to listen to your concerns, represent your voice when collaborating with the Executive Management Committee and the University Authorities and empower you by enacting and promoting change on and off campus. Thank you and please get in touch if you have any questions!