Leonie webb
Hi everyone, I’m Leonie and currently I’m a first year student studying Special Education Needs and Disability. I’m running for the role of Disability officer as I’m very passionate about making changes to make sure the university is more accessible and inclusive. I am an active advocate for those with disability, attending as many conferences as I possibly can and ensuring all of my knowledge is up to date. I also advocate for equality for those with special needs, everyone deserves to be treated equally and fairly. For the previous 2 years I have been a Teaching Assistant in a SEND school working with a variety of needs, this has allowed me to see the kind of support and changes that need to be made across all educational platforms to ensure they are accessible to everyone. I continue to volunteer with a charity called HCPT every easter which allows me to keep up to date with current issues. This role would allow me to continue to support those with special needs and ensure the university is up to date with all legislations and therefore supporting its disabled students.
My aims:
Explore options for a quiet area to eat in the university: Currently you cannot take hot food into the library meaning if you want somewhere quiet to eat during busy hours you have to find a lecture room. My aim is to create a safe and quiet environment for people to eat in.
Be student led: student voice is very important to me as disability is different for everyone, I want to know what is important to you and what changes you would like seen in the university.
Make lecture theatres more inclusive: if you have a lecture in one of the big lecture halls you’ll notice the first set of tables is up a couple of stairs, this means that those in wheelchairs are left to sit alone at the front as they cannot access the tables like everyone else. I aim to ensure that there is a set of desks on the floor level so it’s accessible for everyone.
I’m hardworking and passionate, my main priority is to make sure everyone feels heard and thought about within the university. However, I wont be able to achieve any of this without your vote! If you agree with my aims and have some of your own you would like to add then please vote for me.