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What experiences make me the best candidate?

As someone with cerebral palsy and a chronic illness I have firsthand experience of the barriers disabled students face regarding both visible and invisible disabilities, shaping my passion for accessibility and inclusivity. My lived experience, combined with leadership roles and advocacy work, makes me the ideal candidate to represent and support disabled students at UWE. I understand the need for stronger support systems, better accessibility, and a more inclusive university experience for all students.

As Participation and Equality Officer for the UWE Law Society, I have worked to make the legal profession more inclusive by organising events promoting diversity and accessibility with legal professionals. I have led charity initiatives and ensured society events are fully accessible for disabled students and made sure that everyone feels included and able to participate. These responsibilities have strengthened my leadership, project management, and strategic planning skills, which are qualities I believe are essential for driving change as Disability Officer.

In my role as Lead School Representative for Bristol Law School, I have actively worked to improve university policies by advocating for students. I have ensured that their concerns regarding disability support, accessibility, and academic accommodations are raised at the highest levels. My experience in liaising with university staff and decision-makers has taught me how to push for institutional improvements that directly impact students’ lives. Additionally, I regularly organise student rep meet-ups where students can voice their concerns. These meetings ensure that students feel heard and that their feedback is taken directly to those who can make meaningful changes

I also worked with Osborne Clarke’s ESG/Responsible Business team to improve accessibility in recruitment. I researched and proposed initiatives such as forming partnerships with organisations like Scope to host open days for disabled candidates. Seeing my recommendations implemented reinforced my commitment to advocating for greater inclusivity in education and employment.

Additionally, my work with Bristol Law Centre has given me valuable experience assisting disabled clients, further enhancing my advocacy and problem-solving skills. These experiences have given me a unique insight into the real-world challenges disabled individuals face and how to develop practical solutions to address them.

I am committed to ensuring that UWE is a place where every disabled student feels supported, valued, and heard. My combination of lived experience, leadership, and strategic advocacy makes me the strongest candidate for Disability Officer. If elected, I will work tirelessly to remove barriers, enhance accessibility, and ensure that every student—regardless of their disability—has the opportunity to thrive at UWE.

What my key priorities and targets are if I'm were successful in being elected

If elected, my top priority will be to improve accessibility and inclusion across UWE. I will work closely with the university to remove physical accessibility barriers, ensuring that all buildings, lecture halls, and social spaces are fully accessible. Additionally, I will push for clearer communication about disability support services so students know their rights and the resources available to them. Too often, students struggle due to a lack of information, and I want to ensure that support is easily accessible.

I will also focus on increasing awareness and understanding of disability across the university. Many students and staff do not fully understand the challenges disabled students face daily. To address this, I will introduce disability awareness workshops, set up peer support groups, and launch campaigns to challenge stigma and promote inclusivity. Education is key to fostering a university culture that supports disabled students rather than unintentionally excluding them.

Another major priority is improving student support services. Through my advocacy work, I have seen how essential tailored support is for disabled students, whether related to academic accommodations, mental health services, or navigating university life. I will push for more efficient, responsive, and personalised support services, ensuring students receive the help they need without unnecessary delays. Additionally, I will advocate for a simplified process for obtaining academic accommodations, removing unnecessary bureaucracy and making it easier for students to access the support they are entitled to.

Enhancing career opportunities for disabled students is another crucial priority. I will work to ensure that UWE’s career services provide more inclusive support, offering accessible internships, targeted job search resources, and mentorship programmes. I will also establish partnerships with external organisations, such as Scope, to create inclusive career fairs, networking events, and professional development programmes specifically tailored for disabled students. Every student should have equal access to career-building opportunities.

Finally, I will ensure that disabled students have a strong and active voice in university decision-making. I will set up regular feedback mechanisms, such as student forums and consultations, where disabled students can raise concerns and suggest improvements. By ensuring their voices are heard and acted upon, I will work to make UWE a truly inclusive and supportive university for all students with disabilities.