The Department
The UMSU Disabilities Department is a safe and inclusive community that provides a space for students living with or experiencing disability. We aim to help students empower themselves via the Disabilities Lounge, weekly collectives, workshops, community events, and more! Our department also endeavours to use education to eliminate the stigma surrounding disability within the University!
Is this department for you?
Disabilities are conditions that consistently impact an individual’s ability to complete tasks and activities and interact with the world around them.
This encompasses a broad spectrum of conditions and experiences (many of which are invisible that include but are not limited to:
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Physical disabilities
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Neurodivergence (such as ADHD or Autism Spectrum Disorders)
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Chronic and undiagnosed disabilities (such as Long COVID or Endometriosis)
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Psychiatric disabilities (such as Depression, Anxiety disorders, Schizophrenia or OCD)
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Sensory disabilities (such as vision impairment or deafness)
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Temporary disabilities (for no matter how long you are one us, you will always be welcome)
The Disabilities Department is here to support all students with disabilities, allies, and carers of disabled people. We welcome anyone who will find community with us and hope to foster pride, awareness, and care on and beyond campus.
Find us on Social Media
Our Mascot
Introducing our mascot Owlfie!
Owls are typical symbols of wisdom, knowledge and understanding–the enemies of stigma. Designed by our incredible Graphics Editor Madeleine Salisbury, Owlfie is the sworn nemesis of ableism. You may spot our logo, adapted from the Auslan sign for ‘interpreter’, in his feathers.
Where are we?
Map Directions to The Disabilities Lounge and The Disabilities Office
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Level 3 – Building 168, Parkville Campus
The Disabilities Lounge (room 304) and The Disabilities Office (room 328)
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Map to Building 168, Parkville Campus, from Stop 1 Tram Stop
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