Connecting Abilities, Not Disabilities
Hey! I'm Nova (pronouns: they/them) and I'm currently a second year Children’s Nursing student. Having been a member of the Disabled Students’ Network for 2 years now, I have seen the positive impacts that the Network has had on its members. It aims to create a space where its members can be who they want to be, they don't feel judged, there's no need to mask and that it's a welcoming space for all students. In this space there is no requirements in terms of what disabilities the members have or not. I have seen the difference that having this support network for the members can have on the students for example if they needed advice regarding Learning Support Statements or just need general support. The Network Manager and committee can also signpost you to any relevant services. I also aim for the Network to be a space where if people have had a difficult time recently then they can talk about it and have that safe space where they won’t feel judged for having any struggles. So far during my course I have had many opportunities to share my own experiences on my own neurodiversity such as appearing as a guest on both of the University’s podcasts, Student Connect and The Link (healthcare based). I have also had the opportunity to work alongside the University to bring different stories around disability to the University’s social media for Diversity Week this year.