Hey, I’m Charlie (She/They) and as a mature and neurodiverse disability officer I vow to make your engagement with the student community/university more inclusive whilst ensuring a compassionate approach.

At university, I’ve been involved in different areas. I currently work as part of the venue team, shop and previously worked as a sound technician. I also liaise with SU staff, lecturers and students frequently.

I serve as a disability/neurodivergent rep for the music department, taking part in the care project and was previously the disability rep for the acapella society. I am also a committee member of the psychology society. This is in hope of learning more about people, a topic that is close to my heart.

I have a few medical conditions that affect my vision, mobility, communication and mental health. This means that I have firsthand experience of being a disabled student, particularly with hidden disability. Because of this I have found accommodations have been challenging and wrong judgements are frequent.

This is something that I would like to correct for other students with disabilities both hidden and visible. Due to needing accommodations for myself, I am familiar with the disability service, liberation officers and have insight into how they operate and what support is available.

Outside of university I have worked for a charity that helps those with learning disabilities and for the NHS on mental health wards. These experiences have given me insight into individuals with different communication styles and needs.

I’m from a working-class background in a city which has struggles with poverty and crime. This has equipped me with a unique insight and for people who may be struggling with disability and its financial obstacles. I’m in my final year of studies and have a passion to help disabled students adapt through university and see their potential despite their limitations.

As well as advocating for my own disabilities, I advocate for my family, friends and others with disabilities and thus find this role a natural fit. I am knowledgeable about the support that is available to disabled people both in and out of the university environment. It is my intent to both share this knowledge, as well as grow my understanding so that I can help more students.

My focus will be helping students within the university context however, I understand disability affects all aspects of life and therefore I will take a holistic approach. I want disabled students to feel they belong at Goldsmiths and create a community of compassion and inclusion.

If elected, I will focus on the following areas:

Community

• Create a weekly meet up for disabled students to engage with
• Hold events as an opportunity for disabled students to enjoy London and the university spaces.

Inclusion

• Ensure students are aware of what they are entitled to in terms of accommodations at university.
• Be a friendly advocate if they feel their needs are not being met and need representation.
• For meet ups or events, I will make sure students’ needs are accommodated.
• Offer accommodations for students who would like to meet with, for example over zoom or one on one.
• Provide safe spaces for disabled students.

Advice

• Open contact through email, weekly meetups, zoom or one to ones.
• Liaise with departments, societies, staff for effective resolution.

If you would like me to be this year’s Disability Officer, the nominations open 23/10/2023 

You can vote on the student union website, under Activism, Student Elections and Campaigns and then Elections.