Candidate: Lorena Navea
As a late-diagnosed autistic woman, I am standing for the role of Disabled Student Officer because I understand firsthand the challenges, misunderstandings, and barriers disabled students can face. My experiences, alongside my role as the Inclusion Officer for the Urban Dance Society, have strengthened my commitment to advocating for inclusive environments. This has driven my passion for fostering an environment that celebrates diversity, advocates for equality, and ensures that all students with disabilities feel genuinely supported and valued at the University of Hertfordshire.
Key Aims
1. Accessibility for All
• Accessible Learning and Campus Spaces: Ensure that all learning materials, classrooms, and university spaces are fully accessible, including both physical accessibility and sensory-friendly considerations.
• Assistive Technology: Advocate for wider access to assistive technology and resources for disabled students, enabling better academic support and independence.
2. Awareness and Understanding
• Promote Awareness Training: Collaborate with the university to develop regular training sessions for staff and students about the different types of disabilities, with a focus on neurodiversity and invisible disabilities.
• Representation and Visibility: Create platforms for disabled students to share their stories, experiences, and achievements, promoting a deeper understanding of the diverse abilities within our student community.
3. Mental Health Support
• Accessible Mental Health Resources: Work closely with the university’s mental health services to make resources accessible to disabled students, offering tailored support based on individual needs.
• Peer Support Networks: Establish and strengthen peer support groups where students can find community, understanding, and practical advice in a safe, stigma-free environment.
4. Inclusive Policies and Processes
• Review and Update Policies: Advocate for regular reviews of university policies affecting disabled students, ensuring they are inclusive, fair, and reflect current best practices.
• Streamlined Accommodations Process: Work to simplify and streamline the process for obtaining accommodations, minimizing delays and ensuring that students receive support without unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles.
Why I’m Standing
Being diagnosed later in life has taught me the importance of timely and appropriate support. I want to make sure that no student at Hertfordshire feels overlooked or underserved. My goal is to foster a campus that not only accommodates but champions disabled students, empowering them to reach their full potential.
Vote for Lorena for Disabled Student Officer! Let’s create a university experience that is inclusive, empathetic, and enriching for all.