Download Thomas Dryland - Disabled Students Officer - Manifesto.docx

Thomas Dryland Disabled Students Officer Manifesto
Hello my name is Thomas Dryland, I am a third year student majoring in International Relations. I am hoping to be your new Disabled Students Officer at the University of Portsmouth, this is because I have the experience of overcoming my disability, which has given me the drive necessary to make changes for the better.  

I was born with a serious heart defect which culminated in me receiving a Heart Transplant seven years ago, and which continues to have a serious effect on the quality of my life. I have overcome many problems such as social exclusion, bullying, discrimination and problems with my health limiting my attendance.  Throughout my life and throughout my time as a student at Portsmouth I have faced many challenges associated with disability, such as lack of awareness of the needs and requirements of disabled students. Over the two years I have already spent at Portsmouth and by speaking to many people, there appears to be a particular lack of awareness about mental disability.

I believe the Student's Union and ASDAC provide a comprehensive and professional service to disabled students, however this can always be improved upon and maintained. It is my belief that University can be a memorable and exciting experience, and disabled students shouldn't feel excluded from this.

Continuing  the previous officer's attempts to promote anti-stigma and believing that a greater awareness on behalf of the faculty and larger student body, coupled with a heightened expectation from disabled students on what the University can provide, I can create a more accessible and inclusive environment. This can be achieved by the following commitments:

1. To improve access and promote greater participation of disabled students in as many societies as possible, particularly sports activities.

2. To establish a disabled students association which can be used as a means of communication and networking between the disabled students at the university and also to provide signposting for disabled students with grievances.

3. To initiate and maintain an anti-stigma campaign on mental and physical disability.

4. To provide representation and provide a voice at student councils and other decision making bodies to voice the interests of disabled students.

I look forward to having the opportunity to improve disabled students' experiences at this university.

VOTE THOMAS DRYLAND NUMBER ONE FOR DISABLED STUDENTS OFFICER!!!