Student Learning Advisory Committee

Today I joined my first SLAC (Student Learning Advisory Committee) meeting at University of Technology Sydney. The room was filled with students from different backgrounds and degrees, all bringing their own lived experiences of disability or health conditions. We were guided by facilitators who helped shape the space into something respectful, warm and collaborative. My group’s facilitator, Elizabeth Smith, brought such a bright and welcoming energy to the table. I really appreciated how easy she made it to contribute and connect.

We explored how UTS can continue building a more inclusive learning culture. Part of that involved working on messaging and visuals to support staff in recognising different access needs. We also helped brainstorm ideas for an upcoming event that centres students with hidden disabilities. There were discussions about speakers, activities, and how to make the event genuinely accessible and meaningful.
Across the room, people shared their stories, moments of being supported and moments of being overlooked. Something that came up a lot was how often disabled students are the ones doing the adjusting, trying to make things easier for others, when really the systems should be designed to support all learners by default. Everyone deserves to study in a way that works for them, without needing to constantly explain or justify their needs.

One story that stuck with me was a student talking about how their lecturer took time to check in, ask for feedback, and actually apply it. That kind of small effort can go such a long way. Personally, I’ve experienced this too – when I struggled with the sensory environment in the library, the Accessibility team supported me by organising access to the Assistive Technologies rooms. It made a huge difference.
It was moving to be in a space where everyone contributed so openly. People had different views and experiences, but the shared goal was clear: to make UTS a place where all students feel supported, recognised, and able to thrive in their own way!