Monday 04-09-2017 - 09:19

The Students with Disabilities Association (SwDA) has existed since the summer of 2015 to provide representation and support for members of Durham University who identify as having a disability. SwDA works with the University to improve accessibility and encourage an inclusive student-centered environment. We also run campaigns, hold meetings and talks, and provide a confidential welfare service. The association also holds social events, open to all students, and hosts guest speakers on a range of issues affecting the disabled community.

A common thread that runs through student participation and involvement in the Association is a search for understanding. University life can be challenging when you have disabilities, and students often find a sense of belonging at our inclusive events, and a wealth of support when they find others in the student body who face similar issues. This can be an immensely empowering experience to students who are at greater risk of feeling isolated and alienated from the University as an institution. Students of all year groups can get involved through meeting us in Freshers’ Week, coming along to any of our events throughout the year, running for elected positions or contacting us directing through our social media or email. You can also get involved through contacting or running for your college JCR Students with Disabilities Representative.

Our growing community has many students who have taken their experience at Durham and wish to use it to improve the experience for other students. This may be due to specific issues that they are passionate about, general things they have learnt from our community in their time or simply to ensure students don’t struggle in silence due to a fear of stigmatisation.  

In the coming academic year the Association has a fun-packed schedule planned, and this will be kicked off by our Freshers’ and Freshers’ Rep Guides being sent out to all colleges! In first term, Michaelmas, we have our “Let’s Talk About It” campaign that hopes to ease the awkwardness many students often feel around talking about disability. SwDA will not only be across social media and hosting our own events, but will also be collaborating with the other Associations, colleges and societies on events to ensure that we engage the whole student body in the conversation. That conversation will then be broadened out with national Disability History Month, that sees us out before the Christmas break.

2018 will see yet more campaigns and events, alongside the University-wide Disability Awareness week but we don’t want to give away too many spoilers! The Exec will be posting regular updates on what we are getting up to and the details of upcoming events and activities, so you can always get up to date. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us, SwDA welcomes all comments, ideas and feedback!

Website: www.durhamswda.org

Email: swd.a@durham.ac.uk

Facebook: www.facebook.com/DurhamSwDA

Twitter: @DurhamSwDA