If I had to choose one, I would focus on ensuring that the Neurodiversity and Disability Society is regularly consulted and that there is a port for constant feedback - including the members, not just the committee. The university and the union have a society that is passionate about making the university not only more accessible to them but to every other neurodiverse or disabled student and staff member. While the society is for discussion, socialising, and support, which should not be taken away, we can be more involved in the campaigns, meetings and discussions that involve us rather than non-disabled, neurotypical individuals making the decisions for us. I know that the incoming VP of Welfare and Community is supportive of ensuring that neurodiverse and disabled students get a voice in decision-making. As someone who has advocated as a SUSU representative in the past with various university and union teams (including, but not limited to, the advice centre, estates, learning space working group, the centre of higher education practice, and the library team) I can work with Laura to make the changes that we have needed at least for the past three years I have been at the university. I have contacts and relationships with the staff from all these groups, and I am ready to start from day one. I have been sneaky, as this answer includes all my policies. My policies were developed with the neurodiversity and disabled society in mind (I was President, after all). I have discussed at great lengths the changes that we, as a society, want to see. Beems has done well as the Disabilities Officer this year, and I want to continue their work and implement some new aims that reflect the needs of the society, especially ones that I have begun work on throughout my time at the university and within the union. I want to continue my work on more accessible learning spaces, gender-neutral toilets on all campuses, access to education, and independent study pods. We will make the university stop deadnaming you. I also want to implement new policies, including access to sports. Please note that society is not advocating for me, I do not represent them, nor do they represent me. However, I have worked closely with members as a former SUSU staff and during my voluntary positions. I will continue to do so if I am elected as a Disabilities Officer. This role is important to me to give the society a louder voice than they currently have. The society does not endorse me as a Disabilities Officer candidate.
This question was also asked to Lauren Tasker, BMO BrealeyAnswered by Lottie on 16/05/23 21:53