ISSUE 5: JUNE 2025
Accessibility matters now more than ever – it’s about removing barriers, whether physical, digital, or social, so that people with diverse abilities can fully participate in everyday life. It challenges us to rethink how systems are designed and to prioritise fairness, dignity, and opportunity for all. Building accessible spaces is not just a legal or moral obligation – it’s a step toward a more just and inclusive society.
Law student Riley* joins us in this edition of the Diverse-Abilities Blog to discuss their journey and experiences with accessibility within the legal field.
*The name Riley has been used to protect the identity of the interviewee.
Can you describe the diverse ability or disability you live with?
“When I was four months old I was diagnosed with Hypotonic CP, a disability that affects the strength of my muscles and meant that I would never be able to have a ‘normal’ childhood. Despite my best efforts I could never physically keep up with my peers at school, and would often fatigue quite easily, which had a big impact on my HSC and continues to impact me at university.”
What are some of the strengths you feel your diverse ability has brought to your academic or personal life?
“Having an invisible disability has meant that I have had to fight harder than others with more noticeable disabilities to receive the support I need. This has led me to develop strong skills in advocacy, as I had to continue to be the one, along with my family, to support myself in getting the assistance I need.”
“Outside of uni I’m very active in a variety of hobbies including rugby, musical theatre and politics.”
In what ways has your diverse ability shaped your view on law, justice, or advocacy?
“Having a diverse ability has greatly shaped my views on law, justice and advocacy as I have a greater understanding of the limitations that people can face when they try to access the legal system. I have personally had the support of my family which has meant that I have been more lucky than others in accessing a variety of legal resolutions.”
How has living with a diverse ability affected your day-to-day life as a law student?
“Having my diverse ability has definitely made my day-to-day life harder as a law student. I’ve been struggling to stay on top of my work and have been having to work until very late at night, only making my condition worse.”
What are some of the key changes you would like to see at UTS to improve accessibility for students with diverse abilities?
“It would be great for students with diverse abilities to get priority access to timetabling so that they can form their schedule in a way that allows them to not be affected by their diverse ability.”
A big thank you to Riley* for generously sharing their insights on navigating Hypotonic CP while studying law. I hope this blog entry inspires readers to reflect on and advocate for greater 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.