Date embedded: December 2022
Status: Complete
Proposed by: Beatrix Andrews
Seconded by: Cameron Storey, Yassar Malik, Elsa Heard, Rosa MacGregor, Ellie Bartlett, Kathryn Hurley
What do you want?
We would like the QMSU to introduce a Disability Awareness Week for the year 2021: this should be mandatory for the SU to conduct. This would in theory be similar to campaigns already in place such as Black History Month and LGBT+ History Month. Events during the week would be held to draw awareness to issues that people with disabilities, mental health issues, neuro-divergences and sufferers of chronic illness face both on campus and in the wider community.
Why do you want it?
After discussions with Disabled and SLD students, I have been made aware that many students feel underrepresented on campus. In my opinion, students with disabilities are often left out of the conversation and are poorly reflected in student union campaigns. I believe that many students are unaware of the extent that university life is inaccessible to Disabled and SLD students and the impact that this has.
What Impact will this have?
Having this month will greatly improve the visibility and empowerment of Disabled and SLD students by raising awareness of the issues they face. This will also make Disabled and SLD students feel more included and respected by QMSU.