disability officer

Danielle Rohrlach

Hello everyone! My name is Danielle Rohrlach and I’m running to be the 2023 Disability Officer with the Activate team!

I’m currently studying a Bachelor of Science (Forensic and Analytical Science). While studying I have had the privilege of representing students as a topic representative and being the Secretary of the Mature Age Students Collective. I’ve actively supported the Mature Age Students Collective in various social events and in building an inclusive social space along with the Mature Age Student Officer for students to form connections.

In my experience at Flinders University getting the help and support, I need for me to complete my studies is not always an easy or direct path, even with a disability access plan. I am passionate about having diverse voices heard and empowering others. At Flinders, I would like to see more awareness around neurodivergence, invisible disability and mental health; and ensure that there are more inclusive spaces that are safe and sensory-friendly. The previous Disabilities Officer has done an incredible job advocating and making change at Flinders and I would like to continue this. This would include ensuring the new Disability Space is visible, inclusive, and welcoming to all.

Activate is a diverse and inclusive team that strives for the best for all students at Flinders University and that is why I choose Activate!

Vote [1] Danielle Rohrlach for Disability Officer!

Vote [1] Activate!

Progressive. Proven. Accountable

Disability Officer

Gab Allani

I’m a mature age student completing my first uni degree after never finishing high school. I have a neurological condition that makes it difficult to meet many requirements of my topics. This is not always the case. Some days are good, some are awful. It wasn’t until I engaged with university that I found out that I had a disability. I was struggling with so much that is specific to academia. So much so, that I thought for a very long time this must be a personal failing. Our disabilities are defined by the way the external world interacts with us. There were roadblocks and hurdles in my life that I hadn’t had to overcome before. As a student living below the poverty line, it cost me hundreds of dollars to get a psychiatrist to sign off on my condition so I could then get an access plan verified, so that I could then have something substantial to prove that my struggles were real. Even with a DAP, students must massively advocate for themselves and rely on topic coordinators to help. As it currently stands, the Flinders Uni disability policy is vague, fails to meet key criteria, and does not adequately empower disabled students. Reasonable adjustments are limited, often boiling down to allocating extra time. Fantastic if you have a quiz, not helpful if you have multiple assignments due. All that effectively does is increase your work load for that topic. We are forced to rely on the goodwill of our educators to provide their extra personal time to help us. We currently have no solid foundation to ask for alternative methods of assessment. The disabled student is put into a position of discounting grades. They are not a fair measure of academic achievement. This can absolutely change.