Meet Ayolabi
Ayolabi leads the Auckland University Disabled Students’ Association and advocates for a more accessible campus.
If you see Ayolabi on campus, chances are he’s speaking up for students, making sure accessibility is not an afterthought but a priority. As President of the Auckland University Disabled Students’ Association (AUDSA) and Disability Rights Officer at AUSA, he is working to create a more inclusive University for all.
Ayolabi didn’t always plan to study law. In high school, he was focused on medicine. However, his health declined during Years 11 and 12, and he realised that the intensity of first-year medical school wouldn’t be manageable.
“I started thinking about other options. I had just finished Youth Parliament and a few people said maybe I should look into law,” Ayolabi says.
He researched, applied, and was fast-tracked into a place at Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland.
Starting with support
Before his first semester, Ayolabi met with a Student Disability Services (SDS) case manager on campus. Together, they developed an access plan, explored the campus and mapped out where Ayolobi would go and how he would get around. They made sure he knew what to expect and where to find help.
I came from a very inclusive high school where everything was in one building. I had staff helping me during the day. I was scared that at uni I’d lose that support or get hurt and no one would notice.
With support from Ratonga Hauātanga Tauira, Student Disability Services (SDS) and his family, especially his mum, Ayolabi made a confident start. He also receives high-needs funding that allows him to employ people to assist him while he’s on campus.
Raising issues, driving change.
When Ayolabi enrolled in his first-year law classes, some lectures were scheduled in rooms he couldn’t access. He and his case manager flagged this with faculty staff. The result: the entire class was moved to a different, accessible location for the year.
That showed me how much the University values students. Even changing one class for one student made a huge difference.
Since then, Ayolabi has continued speaking up - not just for himself, but for others.
Through his work with AUDSA, he helps students build confidence and community. Through AUSA, he represents disabled students in planning and decision-making spaces across the University.
“I’ve been in meetings about campus buildings and teaching frameworks. It’s been great seeing staff taking a student-focused approach and listening.” Ayolabi says.
Advice for others
Ayo encourages students with disabilities to take the first step.
Whether it’s a physical disability, neurodiversity or a medical condition, you’ll find the right support here but you have to reach out.
If you’re living with either a hidden or visible disability, remember you don’t have to navigate uni alone. You can reach out to the team on disability@auckland.ac.nz