My name is David Chan. I have autism, ADHD and mental health conditions. I'm currently a first-year journalism student who is obsessed with Dr Who. As the Disabilities Officer, I aim to help the wider university community understand that some people are disabled, and it doesn't mean they are any less capable of having a good experience at the University of Derby; this could be achieved through organising groups for disabled students, creating posters or leaflets with information for disabled students, and creating calm spaces for students to go if they feel overwhelmed.
Free drop-in groups would be beneficial because they'd provide a space for disabled students to meet and provide solutions for difficult situations. Having events for disabled students where the music and lighting were toned down and not so fast-paced would allow us to experience student life without feeling completely overwhelmed and anxious. Due to sensory issues around light, sound and crowds, many disabled people can't access parties and other experiences, which can make life lonely; just because we struggle with a lot of stuff doesn't mean we don't want to be involved in activities.
As a disabled person who is also mixed race (half Chinese and half white), I understand how the world can be quite difficult to navigate when you have a disability, whether it is visible or not. I mention that I'm mixed race because I feel disability among ethnic minorities is underrepresented in mainstream society; disability can happen to anyone, so it's vital we acknowledge this fact