Dear Forge,
The week commencing April 27 was Disability Awareness Week, which was a joint initiative between the Disabled & Dyslexic Students’ Forum (DDSF), the Union of Students and various University departments such as the Disability & Dyslexia Support Service and the Library.
The week has proved to be successful and highlights the importance of having a separate awareness week focussing on disability, rather than a general equality week that somewhat inhibited DDSF from getting the message across in years gone by.
A whole range of events took place including a Support and Advice Fair, inclusiveness training for societies, clubs and committees, a talk from students on the autistic spectrum, and a debate in collaboration with the Postgraduate Taught Committee (PGTC) on the level of finance available for disabled postgraduate students.
It is brilliant to see the Union is adapting gradually to the needs of disabled students. A good example of this was the recent approval of Inclusion Officers in societies and clubs at Union Council and Sports Council.
Additionally, DDSF has worked hard to raise its profile over the current academic year, which I believe has been a success, particularly amongst University departments who were clueless of our existence even as late as October 2008, a full two years after DDSF was formed.
The DDSF has gained recognition as a candidate in the Activities Awards 2008/09 which again shows the progress made and the considerable work put in by dedicated members.
ontrary to popular belief, it certainly is not straight forward to improve accessibility quickly; especially when structural changes to the Union building are taken into consideration.
However we are working on this and the Vision 2012 plan hopefully can show improvements in this area and finally get rid of some longstanding access problems for our students.
The landmark disabled students policy passed in May 2008 has not been neglected, but it is important the next Officer team keep it high on the agenda and deliver the goods.
I look forward to working with them and hope they support Union groups such as DDSF, Student Advice Centre and Mental Health Matters.
It is certainly worth congratulating the work of DDSF members, Union Officers, and staff at The Source, who have been instrumental towards making the Union inclusive and diverse.
They work hard to ensure that all students can participate in Union services and activities.
It is a pleasure working with the Union and University to comply with basic policy and crucially going beyond this.
Yours,
Chris Jesson
Students’ with Disabilities Councillor and
Chair of the Disabled & Dyslexic Students’ Forum (DDSF)