ISSUE 4: SEPTEMBER 2024
In recent years accessibility has become an increasingly important topic, especially within professional and academic environments. Despite some progress, individuals with disabilities often face barriers that hinder their success, particularly in fields like law where tradition and rigid structures can present unique challenges.
Law student Angus* joins us in this edition of the Inclusive Practices Blog to discuss their journey and experiences with accessibility within the legal field.
*The name Angus has been used to protect the identity of the interviewee.
What motivated you to study law?
“Initially, it seemed like an intellectually stimulating path, and I’ve always enjoyed reading and
writing. Luckily, throughout my studies, I’ve discovered many more aspects of the law that keep
me engaged, because I don’t think just reading and writing would have sustained my interest for
this long.”
“I have a lot of respect for those who push through a degree solely on the idea of ‘why not’ or
due to a sense of obligation. Academia can be exhausting for me, so my drive has to be
genuine and intentional, otherwise, it’s not worth the toll it can take on my wellbeing.”
What does Accessibility mean or look like to you?
“To me, accessibility means understanding and taking action. It’s about proactively creating
spaces that work for disabled individuals, not just waiting for someone to ask for accomodation.”
“Making environment accessible helps everyone, not just those with disabilities.”
Has it affected your personal experiences?
‘It can be frustrating when you have to navigate multiple levels of red tape just to secure a
single adjustment.
It’s particularly disheartening when an academic’s response to a reasonable accommodation
request is something like, ‘Maybe you should consider dropping the course.’”
Where do you hope to see yourself in the next 5 years?
“I’d love to be working in an area of public interest law, though I’m still figuring out exactly what
form that will take.”
A big thank you to Angus* for sharing their valuable insights on navigating ableism within the legal profession. I hope this blog entry encourages readers to reflect on and improve accessibility within their own communities.
For any questions or feedback, please reach out at accessibility@utslss.com. All communication will be handled with confidentiality unless otherwise stated.