Reflection: UAL Disability Service Webpages
The webpages are very comprehensive and full of resources, such as PDF, videos, video transcripts, and links. Although the information seems accessible, I felt overwhelmed. I usually forward this link to my students and expect them to find the information for themselves, but having to meaningfully engaged with it made me realised I can be more empathetic and helpful.
For instance, I could send, along with the link to the webpages, the specific resources that will help them in that instance. As Academic Support tutor for BA Fashion Communication, I can also go through the pages together with the students, in order to help them navigate and find the content they need. Having closely worked with neuro-diverse students, I know sometimes in a moment of crisis, it can be difficult for some of them to filter the content.
Every start of the academic year we invite a disability officer to come speak to the students about the services provided and how to apply. However, some students might need help further into their studies. Perhaps worth bringing the disability officer again halfway through the term?
I’m currently helping to organise a FACE summit at CSM and one of our partners is Tilting the Lens. Sinead is advising us on how to make the event as accessible as possible and one of her suggestions was to provide details about the route to the building, not just the building itself. I was pleased to discover AccessiAble, which is a useful resource I had not known about.
Finally, not personally having a disability, I wonder how many issues with the webpages I did not spot. I feel going through the pages together with the students might help me identify the gaps and issues.
It’s exciting to see you engage with neurodiveristy as a neurotypical person.
I am planing some publications in the field of feminist neuroscience and would be happy to share some readings with you at an opportune moment for both of us.
Are you aware of the sub field of “mad studies”?
I’m drawing on those writings in my own work.
Happy to share,
H
Thank you so much for sharing some readings, fascinating! And no, had never come across the sub field of “mad studies”. When we next catch up, shall we discuss it? I really value your knowledge and insights. In fact, some of the most helpful feedback I received during PG Cert came from you! Much love and respect for your generosity
I think one of the most eye opening elements to the PGCert is being put in the shoes of the students. I, like you, have felt overwhelmed with the resources available to students – they are dense and often difficult to navigate. It’s great to think about how we can move forwards as more inclusive educators – trawling through available resources and finding the relevant and important sections is something I will definitely be doing.