My name is Andrew Wilson, and I would like to stand as the disabilities officer for the union of students, as I believe in the fair treatment of those with disabilities.
I'm 34 years of age and I, myself suffer from High Functioning ASD, ADHD, dyslexia, Spinal and nerve conditions and an eating disorder.
I am passionate about making change for students, that is why I want to be your Disability Officer 22/23! My aims, if elected, are...
A BRAND-NEW UNION
I will aim to improve the service features of blackboard fairly, as rather than all course books changing to e-books, but fight for them to be free and available as hard copies for those students who find it difficult to use e-books.
IMPROVE THE BLACKWELL'S CARD
For every year of your course, we should work with Blackwell’s and course leaders to put a minimum core-bundle package together (no matter what course you are on) to help effectively cover the cost of your initial books and to make sure that the vouchers arrive on time and are ready for use before your very first lecture giving you time to do your pre-reading requirements.
CREATE AN INSIGHT PROGRAMME
Did you know that if you have a support plan that yes it lists your conditions and needs, but what it does not do is tell the lecturer about how your needs affect you? So, I will aim to help improve awareness of the individual needs of a student and how your conditions affect you so your lecturers can better help understand how to work with you.
RAISE AWARENESS OF MENTAL HEALTH
The awareness of mental health has never been more important! If elected I will work towards securing training for all our reps, PTOs, committees and student-led services. I will also work closely with all societies and our Advice service to deliver campaigns throughout the year for you.
I am currently trying to raise awareness of mental health disorders in men or males as well as all other areas. I am always challenging legislation, rules and procedures to make it equally fair for those with a disability to receive the fair treatment they deserve.
INCREASED FUNDING FOR SPECIFIC NEEDS AND SUPPORT TO RAISE AWARENESS OF AND HELP DISABLED STUDENTS TO SUCCEED.
As a student at the University of Derby Law School, I have learned a great deal in my first semester of law.
Since the start of the year so far, I have:
Challenged Personal Independence Payment through their complaints and tribunal procedure to accept Mental health problems as daily difficulties and succeeded.
I'm currently challenging Universal credit against their own procedural fairness in respect to people with disabilities and the length of time required to do medical assessments,
I've filed my own medical negligence claim with respect to improving mental health diagnosis and correct treatment.
So, with this knowledge, I will listen to any student about what issues or problems they face and help them get the support and fair treatment they deserve,
if there is an issue that needs to be raised or challenged, I will challenge it, push for change, progression or highlight the issue to the appropriate people to get a sufficient resolution.
I want to raise awareness of learning difficulties, mental health conditions so that others can understand how to speak, manage, or help those affected by them in a correct way.
I am very passionate about these issues and once I achieve my degree, I want to work with cases involving mental health and medical misdiagnosis of disabilities and fight for justice for those who have been wronged.