ISSUE 3: OCTOBER 2023
Whilst employers and academic institutions were pressured to employ flexible working/studying arrangements during the pandemic, only some have continued to practice it, with others limiting.
Law student Kerry* joins us in our third issue of the Diverse-abilities Blog to talk about their experiences with Accessibility in the legal community.
*The name Kerry has been used to anonymise the identity of the interviewee.
What inspired you to pursue Law?
‘At the time, it seemed interesting and I enjoyed reading and writing. I’m glad that this has since been supplemented by the many things I’ve learned during my studies, because I don’t think those two things alone would have kept me going all these years.
I seriously respect people who can power through a whole degree (or two) on the basis of “might as well” or sunk cost fallacy. Academia is really, really draining for me so my motivation has to be genuine and considered, otherwise it’s not worth the toll it can take on my health.’
What does Accessibility mean or look like to you?
‘Accessibility is about empathy and action. It’s not just about waiting for a disabled person to speak up, but about designing society for disabled people.
‘Accessibility benefits everyone, not just disabled people.’
Has it affected your lived experiences?
‘It can be hard when you have to go through several layers of administration and bureaucracy just to get the one adjustment you need.
“It’s frustrating when academics have just responded to an accommodation request with “no, you should consider just dropping the subject”.’
Where do you hope to see yourself in the next 5 years?
I would like to be working in some area of public interest law, but I have no idea how or where or what that would look like.
I would like to thank Kerry* for allowing me to share their voice and experience with ableism in the legal community. I hope this second issue of the blog will spur some reflection and understanding in those who read it.
For any inquiries and/or feedback, please feel free to contact me at accessibility@utslss.com. All correspondence will remain confidential unless specified otherwise.