I'm in my kitchen listening to my friend, who's crying over how they've been failed by the system. The system at Goldsmiths. This is affecting their education, their life, and their relationships; and I can't sit by doing nothing. I am disabled, I am Autistic, and I am diagnosed with Co-Morbid Anxiety and Depression, and I am proud to be a part of this community.
Having experienced a lack of equal support within education has given me first-hand experience of how complex the education system can be for disabled students to navigate.
I'm aware of an absence of support. Just in my first term I've had so much admin to do while transitioning to Uni life. If I'm experiencing this and my friend is experiencing this, I know that others are feeling the same sense of overwhelm at having to juggle this with their own individual circumstances and studies. I applied for my RASA in May and yet it was still put in place weeks after the start of the semester. I am privileged to have the capacity to email and chase these systemic failures up. Others are not.
I want to fight to be that person you can trust. Someone who will actively listen. Someone you know that if you're feeling alone, unheard, disregarded or made to feel lesser because of your body, will take action.
I will openly communicate any course of action we choose to take and reassure you that you are NOT the problem. Creating a culture here at Goldsmiths where it is inexcusable for people to be considered problems that need to be fixed or perceived as issues.
This is why I want to be Disability Officer. So I can defend and (if they wish) fight beside those who need it because they are doing the best they can. I also know anonymity is a right and not a privilege so comfort and safety for every individual is my main priority. I will strive (with your consent) to actively listen and problem-solve to ensure you are getting the correct support and that your needs are met in the best way possible.
I consider the term Disability to be representative of a wide spectrum of people and identities. If you consider yourself disabled, I will be there for you. Dehumanisation is common and unacceptable; many disabled people have been made to feel devalued and defined by their disability. Your disability is a part of you but does not define you as a person.
It is apparent that there is a lack of awareness from the faculties here at Goldsmiths about what ableist language and attitudes consist of. The departments consistently fail to embrace the true extent of the diversity of the student body. I will endeavour to challenge these perceptions so that I can bring awareness of the damaging impact of these issues being left unaddressed.
I'm committed to consistently showing up for you, learning from you, and having the humility to learn from mistakes and use them as opportunities for growth.
Thank you for taking the time to read through my manifesto. I look forward to initiating new conversations :)