Name: Emma Scriven

Course: 4th Year Business and Human Resource Management (with placement year)

Volunteer Role: Disabled Rep

"I'm really passionate about disabled students seeing their disability as a positive"

What are your main duties and how do they benefit others?

As Disabled Rep, my main aim is to represent the needs of disabled students at ARU and raise awareness of disability on campus. Simple changes to the way the University operates and more students being aware of disabilities can make a big difference to students who have a disability whilst they are studying.

What have you enjoyed most about volunteering?

I have loved meeting other disabled students and sharing experiences of studying at ARU. It has been so rewarding to gain feedback from students to know that the work I am doing is helping them to achieve their best.

What skills have you learnt and used during your volunteering?

I've definitely gained in confidence through being the disabled rep, it can be quite intimidating and nerve-wracking to be so open about having a disability but I've learnt to be proud of this, and that I shouldn't be afraid of telling people. This role has also tested my organisational skills, trying to manage studying and putting on events can sometimes be a challenge, but it all pays off in the end!

What inspires you to volunteer?

I'm really passionate about disabled students seeing their disability as a positive and something they can use to their advantage due to the skills which it brings them. I'm passionate about students being able to be honest and open about disabilities, including mental health, and think we should all be more open in talking about it, rather than it being the #elephantintheroom.

What is you favourite volunteering memory?

My favourite memory is definitely the launch of my #elephantintheroom campaign for International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Seeing ARU turn purple was amazing, and I loved the reactions of students to the giant elephant who was in the library for the day. It was an absolutely exhausting day but so worth it!

What are your future career aspirations?

I hope to work within HR in the future, but I was previously involved in an employee disability group during my placement year and hope to continue this in the future to allow disabled employees to fulfil their potential within their careers. This role gives me lots of experience in arranging events and project managing, both of which will be useful in the future.

Why do you love volunteering?

I love volunteering as its so rewarding and allows me to gain so many skills which I wouldn't be able to anywhere else. I love being involved in what the SU is doing and I really feel like part of a community as the Disabled Students Rep.