Autism Society: President

I've really enjoyed being president of the society this year. Over the past year, we've greatly increased the number of members in our society, held many more events, and have built a much more active online community on our discord. If re-elected, I'd like to improve upon the progress the committee and I have made over the past year and work to do even better.

As president, I will continue to hold our twice-weekly in-person and online meetings, as well as extra meetings, such as movie nights & special events. I'd like to hold more unique events (such as the pancake social we had this year) and hold collaborative events with other autism/disabled societies around the UK and with other UCL societies. I'd also like to work much more on our social media, to make sure that we have as much reach as possible and can engage with as many people as possible. As the representative of UCL's autistic students, I will continue to work with the Student's Union and UCL itself to make sure that UCL is as accessible as possible for autistic students. I've done a lot this year to help students with ECs, interruptions, deferrals, and other accommodations, and I will continue to do so. As an international student and as a member of the LGBT+ community, I will also work to help out that segment of the autistic community here at UCL.

With your support, I hope that I and whoever you elect to be a part of the committee next year can continue the wonderful and fulfilling work we've done this year!

Hi, I am Sam. I'm a second-year student in the Dept. of Hebrew and Jewish Studies. I would like to be President of the Autism Society to improve the experience of neurodivergent students at UCL. Right now, I don't believe that the Autism Society is a particularly fun or friendly place. This needs to change.



What would I do?

• I would create a new committee member to support freshers. This new transition officer who would work directly with new autistic students at UCL to help make the process of beginning their studies and moving to London as easy as possible.
  
   
• I would improve communication and accessibility so all members can take part. The Autism Society's Discord group is used by many members, but not everyone wants to use this space. I would ensure that all event information is communicated to members via newsletters and advertised on the SU's What's on? timetable so that everyone who wants to can join events.
  
   
• I would push for more varied in-person events. Let's get outside and start doing things.
  
   
• I would work closely with UCL's Student Support and Wellbeing team to create a genuine peer support network for autistic and neurodivergent students.
  
   
• I would focus attention on developing links with other UCL societies to give our members the opportunities to try new things and meet new people in a neurodivergent-friendly setting.
  
   
• I would ensure that ALL members are treated with respect.

I hope you can vote for me. :)

Who am I? 

Currently a part-time MSc student within Bartlett applying for President. I am passionate about inclusivity thus within design solutions. Obtaining this role within the society will formalise my directly relevant skills pertaining to inclusivity that have been overlooked by employers.

I am a BAME student who was the first in her family to go to university, let alone considered a mature undergraduate the  diagnosed with disabilities. Previously student union Disability Officer @ Brunel, thrice Chair of Civil Engineering and Mature Students’ societies.

Why me?

• Advocated for quiet study spaces to be better advertised for ASD students.

• Collaborated with SSW staff to advocate for ISD laptops with Assistive Technology on them to be reinstated for all students from 2023/24 academic year. Rather than only staff.

• Advocated for better planning of classes for disabled student not limiting to: distances between rooms, ergonomic furniture within curriculum sessions, better communication with necessary parties to set this up.

What will I do?

• Continue to engage with plans for Cubbie Sensory Hub through SSW funding. 
• Continue to bridge communication with staff to meet the needs of our members. 
• More themed social events .