Disability and Neurodivergence Awareness Month (November 16 – December 16) provides an opportunity not only for us to develop a better understanding of the disabled experience, but also to reflect upon how the University supports staff and students with disabilities and what could be improved.
As Vice-President Voice at Surrey Students’ Union, it is my responsibility to highlight student feedback on a number of areas related to student life. I enjoy listening to our students and learning about their experiences, since they shed light on issues, I might not be aware of.
I believe there is great power in sharing stories and talking to different people about their experiences, beliefs and perspectives. In a world so often filled with intolerance and division, communication and understanding are effective ways to combat ignorance and hatred.
You can call me a dreamer, but I know I’m not the only one. Every day in my work at the Union I interact with wonderful people who share the same belief I have, that by listening and highlighting those voices that often go unheard, we can build a better future.
My background in English Literature with Creative Writing BA which I graduated from in July 2024 also reinforces the importance of storytelling. Books, movies, shows, podcasts, etc are useful tools in raising awareness of different experiences and views of the world. Representation matters, and everyone should feel like they are being represented in media and at the University.
Student Curator Project
That is why I have made it my goal for this academic year to represent and highlight as many students as I can, especially those who may feel marginalised or dismissed by society. Thus, this student curator project was born with the intent to provide a platform for disabled students to talk about their experiences, struggles and ideas so we can work on making sure that they feel welcome and supported at Surrey.
I decided to collaborate with AutiSoc, our society who supports our students who are neurodivergent and provides a safe space for them to network and have fun without needing to mask their true selves. It has been amazing to watch Giulia, their president, take charge of this project, coming up with great ideas to raise understanding of the autistic experience. From book recommendations, an insightful blog and the idea for a film screening of ‘Mary and Max’, Giulia has greatly contributed to making this project a reality.
Moments like this, working with students and watching ideas come into fruition as successful projects that will help to represent the student voice and raise awareness of their unique experiences, reinforce why I became VP Voice. I’ve always had a passion for supporting others, making sure they were heard and that no one felt marginalised by society. I’m glad that this role allows me to make a difference and collaborate with students for a brighter future where everyone feels like they belong at Surrey.
I hope our students will appreciate the display we have organised and the film session (with free popcorn too!). Let us all celebrate Disability and Neurodivergence Awareness Month by developing a deeper understanding of the autistic experience and how we can support our neurodiverse peers to feel welcome.
Support for Disabled Students
I also want to highlight that the University and the Students’ Union are there to support our disabled students to navigate their studies, and there are accommodations to improve your experience.
We are committed to building a more equal and fairer environment that takes into account the diverse group of students that Surrey is home to; and working to make sure that everyone feels supported.
Below are different services that offer support for disabled students which you can access through MySurrey or the Students’ Union website.
Disability and Neuroinclusion
The team are there to support all your accessibility needs; providing guidance, mentoring sessions and arranging for reasonable adjustments to be put in place. You can talk to an advisor in person during frequent drop-ins in the Hive and Manor Park Hive. Alternatively, you can also contact the team virtually using Surrey Support.
For more information on this service, see here:
Centre of Wellbeing
The team are here to support your wellbeing and offer free counselling sessions with a trained advisor. All Surrey students are welcome to engage with the service, and you can book in person or online appointments using the registration form.
For more information on this service, see here.
Students’ Union Support Zone
Our advice team can support you with academic queries related to Extenuating Circumstances (ECs) and Academic Appeals. They can also signpost you to the most appropriate service to support you with your query.
To contact our team, you can email, ussu.advice@surrey.ac.uk and they endeavour to get back to you within 48 hours.
The Support Zone also oversees Nightline, a listening service similar to Samaritans but that is run by students, and Talk Together, a peer support scheme that provides 1-1 sessions and group workshops to help students develop strategies so they can thrive at Surrey.
Student Disability and Accessibility Working Group
This group provides a space for students to raise any issues and concerns regarding accessibility on campus, and support for disabled students. Chaired by the Director of Student Life, this is a unique opportunity to make significant changes, and work with the University to make campus more accessible.
All students are welcome to join, and we want to hear YOUR voices and experiences to inform us how to better support you in the future.
You can join our reoccurring monthly meetings here or email me at ussu.vpvoice@surrey.ac.uk. Dates are advertised in the Students’ Union website and VP Voice Instagram.
What could be improved?
As much as I appreciate all the hard work that the University and the Union do to support our disabled students, I also understand there is always more that could be done. Therefore, I encourage students to answer the following anonymous form until December 25h which asks you two simple questions:
- What is one thing the university could do to support disabled students?
- What do you think is the biggest issue currently impacting disabled students?
Your anonymous responses will be essential in helping us to understand where there might gaps in the support for disabled students so that we can improve it. This is your opportunity to make your voice heard and make changes for a better student experience for all, shaping the future of Surrey.
Luana Vasconcelos (she/her)
Vice-President Voice at Surrey Students’ Union 24-25
Email me at ussu.vpvoice@surrey.ac.uk
Follow me on Instagram at @ussu_vpvoice
