Disabled Students’ Officer

Celina tomas (she/her)

Celina's Manifesto

• Accessibility Improvements: My top priority is to improve physical accessibility across UWE and ensure all students are clearly informed about the disability support services available to them.

• Raising Awareness: I plan to increase understanding of disability by running awareness workshops, creating peer support groups, and launching campaigns to challenge stigma and promote inclusivity.

• Enhancing Support Services: I will work to improve and streamline support services for disabled students, including academic accommodations and mental health support, by reducing delays and unnecessary bureaucracy.

• Career Opportunities: I aim to make career services more inclusive by providing accessible internships, targeted job resources, mentorships, and building partnerships with organisations like Scope.

• Student Voice in Decisions: I will ensure disabled students have a strong voice in university decisions by setting up regular feedback channels like forums and consultations.

Disabled Students' Officer Purpose of Post:

1. To represent and seek the views of disabled students at UWE Bristol.
2. To communicate and liaise with The Students’ Union Executive Team.
3. To campaign on issues that affect disabled students.
4. To work alongside societies at UWE Bristol who represent the interests of disabled students.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• To be a member of, attend and regularly engage with The Students’ Union Executive (8 times a year).
• To represent disabled students, their issues and opinions at The Students’ Union Executive, in the wider Student’s Union and to the University.
• To be one of The UWE Bristol delegates to NUS Liberations Conference (Date TBC)
• To regularly obtain feedback from students via GOATing (Go Out And Talk) sessions and present this to ensure The Students’ Union accurately reflects the needs and wants of its members.
• To hold office/digital hours (normally one hour a week) - you can utilise the desk space in any of The Students’ Union Offices on any campus or we can book you a space.
• To maintain your personal and official email account for The Students’ Union, replying to emails and queries as and when they come in within a reasonable time.
• To actively promote yourself via social media and promote the work of The Students’ Union to encourage students to engage and maximise the opportunities available to them.
• To encourage other students to be involved with the democratic processes of The Students’ Union.
• To ensure Student Ideas are taken forward and actioned wherever possible. 
• To support activities such as Open Days, Freshers’ events and other events run by The Students’ Union.
• To uphold the core values of The Students’ Union and be an ambassador for The Students’ Union.
• To build a community of disabled students though running events or engaging with disabled students however else you deem appropriate.
• (Optional) To attend the NUS Liberation Conference.

Benefits of the Role:

• Gain an in-depth knowledge of the workings of The Students’ Union and University.
• Training and personal development opportunities tailored to the individual role.
• Gain experience of leading, developing and supporting campaigns for change.
• Bid into the campaigns budget to gain financial and resource support for your campaign ideas.
• Meetings and 1-2-1 support with The Students’ Union staff.
• Practical real-life experience.
• Develop leadership skills and gain experience of leading an organisation.
• Documented on your HEAR.
• A reference for future employers