Get involved

There are several ways you can help bring the Disability Action Plan to life. This page has information about the Plan's Reference Group and the two networks who inform the provision of services, and development of policies, practices and training.

DAP Reference Group

The DAP Reference Group membership has a diverse composition of academic and professional staff, undergraduate and postgraduate students across STEMM (science technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine) and CABEL (creative arts, arts, business, economics, and law) with lived experience and/or expertise in this area. 

The DAP Reference Group critiques progress and gaps throughout the four-year life of the DAP, and provides workstream owners with feedback to inform the DAP review process.

Membership commitment

  • Student members, one-year term to November 2024
  • Staff members, two-year term to November 2025

Voting members both student and staff representatives

Andy Fey
Julia Stjarnhage

Voting members student representatives

Elise Leslie
Iona Anderson
Jess Kelly
Jessica Yu
Lola Elvy
Michel Sorensen
Nina Duggan
Sasha Rodenko
Sophie Roberts
Talia Nicol

Voting members staff representatives

Dr Allan Fowler
Dr Alehandrea Manuel
Dr Elizabeth Holt
Karl Crosby
Dr Laura Wilkinson-Meyers
Mathew Nuttall, Co-chair
Patricia Austin
Dr Priyanka Agarwal, Co-chair
Wairemana Phillips

Non-voting member

Professor Cathy Stinear, Pro Vice-Chancellor Equity

Interested in joining the DAP Reference Group?

The reference group acts as critic and conscience to the implementation, monitoring and reporting of progress and gaps for each of the five workstreams, throughout the life of the Disability Action Plan.  

This opportunity is for

  • Current students with lived experience of disability
  • Staff members with lived experience of disability
  • Professional or academic staff with knowledge and expertise relevant to the DAP

Applications have now closed for the 2024 term but please don't hesitate to contact us if you are interested in being involved and we will let you know when space becomes available in the group.  

Please send any queries or interest in joining the DAP Reference Group to Vicki Watson, Equity Manager at equity@auckland.ac.nz 

Auckland University Disabled Students Association

Auckland University Disabled Students Association (AUDSA) is a student-led group established to amplify and advocate for disabled student voices and the inclusion of disabled students on campus. AUDSA aims for disabled students to have equal access to their education and all aspects of university life. It works to provide the space for all students with a disability to join their community and meet fellow students like them. Fill in the AUDSA sign up form to join.

Should you require support, Ratona Hauātanga Tauira | Student Disability Services (SDS) work towards creating a safe, inclusive and equitable educational environment for students with disabilities. Prospective and current students can make appointments through the online booking system.

Disabled Staff/Staff with Disabilities Network

The Disabled Staff Network provides a connection for disabled staff/staff with disabilities across Waipapa Taumata Rau. It functions to build community and connection, support, information-sharing, and advocacy.

Meetings are held throughout the year and can be in-person or online, as needed.

There are opportunities through the network to participate in subgroups on specific issues. The network is open to all disabled staff and staff who identify as having a disability. The network is currently co-chaired by Professor Ginny Braun in the School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, read Professor Braun's profile; and Ms Emma Sadera, Faculty of Medical Health Sciences (FMHS) Associate Dean Equity and chair of the FMHS Equity and Diversity Committee.

To join the network please email staffdiversityequityandinclusion@auckland.ac.nz 

Staff members who are also studying with the University can choose to join both the staff and student networks.

More information

If you have any queries relating to the information on this page, please email Vicki Watson, Manager – Equity.