Catherine Gallagher, Richard Healy, Hannah Kelly, & Dara Ryder presented at the CAST UDL Symposium on “Student Advisory Groups: The Evidence in Evidence-Based Research and Advocacy.” Ryder is the CEO from Ahead, an Irish NGO founded in the 90s by students for students with disabilities. AHEAD captures the student voice to support students with needs. Ryder asked: if I was to ask the students you work with if they felt they had any meaningful opportunity to influence how you worked with them, what would they say and why? Hannah Kelly is a student and graduate engagement officer with AHEAD. The group created principles and met 3-5 throughout the year to represent undergraduate and graduate students with disabilities. The group is student-led and has co-chairs and members. The agenda is co-created by members, co-chairs, and AHEAD staff. Their meetings are structured and provide multiple means for engagement. The committees work helped put on The Power of Disability conference, with the second day of the event being completely student-led.
Dr. Richard Healy is the Research and Policy Officer at AHEAD. The Strategic Plan 2019 of AHEAD has several values, and many of these values are facilitated by students. Healy spoke about being co-chair of the advisory group, and communicating to the public. Together, the three speakers helped highlight how universities and groups like this can advocate better for students.
