As Accessibility Network Chair, Gabby has learned to advocate for herself and others, helping change policy to improve the way access problems are reported and managed across campus. Hear from Accessibility Advocate Gabby:
“My name is Gabriella Rolls, I’m 20, my pronouns are she/her and I’m in my 3rd and final year of a BA in Philosophy, Religion and Ethics. I am a full-time electric wheelchair user and live on campus with the support of PAs. When I’m not zooming to class or busy studying, you can usually find me in the Gulbenkian watching comedy or performing my own “sit down comedy”, or in the library café enjoying a coffee with friends. Outside of university, I love playing board games, watching TV, playing the disability sport boccia or hanging out with my 8 year old pug, Pixie, who is the love of my life!”
Tell us about your work on issues for students with disabilities, including your work for the Accessibility Network.
“Having been born with my disability, cerebral palsy, and later developing both scoliosis and generalised anxiety disorder, I have always known what it was like to face disability related challenges. However, it wasn’t until I was the only wheelchair user at my secondary school that I began to see the importance of advocating for my needs and improving access where I could.
This passion, and my confidence in advocacy only grew at university where I became more independent, but also joined the Accessibility Network. When I joined in 2023, I was a team member, and helped to run events and assist with campaigns, including developing a policy that was then passed in Kent Union Parliament to improve the way access problems are reported and managed across campus (this is now being put in place so watch this space!). I loved the role and the impact it had, both empowering me and fellow students, so when it was time to elect the committee for 24/25, it was a no brainer for me to run for Network Chair. I’m delighted to say I was elected, and I now have the pleasure of representing disabled students on campus and their concerns, both through the Network’s campaigns and through advocacy at Kent Union Parliament.
This term, my goals have been to roll out the accessibility monitoring policy, improve the way access needs are integrated by timetabling and improve the food options on campus to be both healthier and appropriate for those with dietary needs, as well as delivering a Disability History Month to remember! However, the best part of my role is listening to the concerns and ideas of those I represent and those of my committee members, who I wouldn’t be able to work without! This role has been so fulfilling that I am now looking to move into the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion sector when I graduate.”
What advice would you give to other students?
“The advice I would give to other students is to allow yourself to take up space and use your voice. You have a right to advocate for yourself and have a say when things can be improved, this is not an inconvenience and you are not a burden on others, nor should we stay silent through gratitude for prior improvements. Often, people are more than willing to help and want things to actively be better for others, but just need a bit of a steer of how to do this! It’s scary at first but self-advocacy is the most important and empowering skill you can learn. If you aren’t quite there yet though, remember that the network is here for you and we will amplify your voice, concerns and ideas.”
What are your plans for the next year?
“Over the next year, when not writing my dissertation (which is on the impact religion has on how disabled people view their disabilities!), I will continue to use the network as a platform for change, finishing the campaigns we have started this term and developing new ideas to make campus an even better place to be for disabled students. Overall though, my plans for next year will depend on the ideas and concerns my fellow students bring up, so please do get in touch with the network via our email accessibilitynetwork@ksu.co.uk or Instagram @ukcaccessibilitynetwork – the level of trust the disabled community here at Kent puts in me is an honour and a privilege.”
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