Our Members

  • Ara Institute of Canterbury logo featuring a stylized 'A' made of geometric triangles in white, set against a blue gradient background

    Ara Institute of Canterbury

    Representative for Ara: Emily Mathews

    Kia Ora my name is Emily, I am an EDS zebra living with many other conditions which come along with it including chronic pain and FND. I am currently studying a bachelor of nursing at Ara and have been a part of their student council for two years. I have a passion for disabled student advocacy and support specifically in the medical industry. I strongly believe disabled students make some of the best healthcare providers and it should be a more supportive environment for such. And this wouldn’t be my bio unless I included my love for birds, nature and our wee black cat Midnight! 

    If you are interested in joining Emily in her work feel free to reach out !

  • Illustration of diverse individuals, including those with disabilities, under the text 'Auckland University Disabled Students' Association' on a cream background.

    Auckland Disabled Students Association

    AUDSA is an association at the University of Auckland that regularly engages with disabled students on campus and holds events to support disabled students and empower them to succeed in their academic pursuits.

    Instagram

  • A dark blue spiral logo on a white background.

    Career Force

    Careerforce is a New Zealand workplace-based training provider. We support employers across the health and wellbeing sectors to run workplace training programmes, enabling their staff to achieve nationally recognised qualifications.

    Our goal is to ensure we put learners at the centre of all our decision making, so that all learners have the skills, knowledge and confidence to excel. One of our key focuses is to respect the unique differences, learning practices and challenges of our disabled learners, and invest in appropriate supports, to achieve equitable outcomes. 

    Facebook

  • Logo featuring a blue and gold handshake at the centre of overlapping starbursts

    Disability at Massey

    Disability at Massey (DaM) is a group of paid student representatives under Te Tira Ahu Pae, Massey's students' association. We operate across Massey's four campuses, working alongside the university, students' association, and individual students themselves to encourage change and work towards creating an inclusive environment shaped by disabled students for disabled students to increase equitable outcomes. We have a Facebook group where students can find support and community, and a Facebook page where you can find our latest updates and events!

    Facebook Page

    Facebook Group

  • Logo featuring three abstract orange and yellow figures, one in a wheelchair, holding hands and raising them in celebration. Encircled by text reading 'Otago Disabled Students' Association' in black

    Otago Disabled Students Association

    Otago Disabled Students’ Association (ODSA) is a whānau made of tauira from both the University of Otago and Otago Polytechnic. Members may either identify as a disabled, neurodivergent, or impaired student themselves, or be an ally of the disabled community. 

    Kei tēnā tangata, kei tēnā tangata tōna ake āhua, tōna ake mauri, tōna ake mana anō hoki. Each and every one has their own uniqueness, life essence and presence.

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    Facebook

  • Logo with the text 'SANITI' in bold white letters inside a green speech bubble

    Students Association - Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology

    SANITI sticks up for students, listens to students, works for students, and CELEBRATES students and their successes.

    SANITI is the independent Student Association for Students at the campuses of Nelson-Marlborough Institute of Technology and beyond.

    Our vision is for the Association to be recognised and respected as the most responsive and responsible provider of support services for tertiary students in Aotearoa - New Zealand.

    Our mission is to provide independent support, advocacy, representation and other services to students enrolled at NMIT and other vocational tertiary institutions.

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    Facebook

  • Logo featuring an interwoven silver knot above the text 'UC Disabled Students' Association' in bold red font, symbolizing connection and support.

    University of Canterbury Disabled Students Association

    The University of Canterbury Disabled Students Association (UCDSA) is all about

    connections and community. We hope to create a space where everyone feels included, comfortable and understood, so that they feel they can be involved, and participate in whichever ways work for them. This will happen in several different ways including in person activities and online interactions, as well as standing up for UC students and facilitating advocacy opportunities.

    We understand that identifying as disabled or having a disability is an individual thing. You do not have to identify as disabled or having a disability to be a part of this club. Rather, we view disability as an interaction of the environment (physical, societal, or culture) and our individual experiences. This can include physical impairments, mental health and psychological conditions, learning and/or sensory differences, neurodiversity, chronic illness, Deaf community members, etc.

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    Facebook

  • Logo featuring the text 'VUW D.S.A.' in white letters inside a blue circle, with a white outline of a hand holding a megaphone at the bottom.

    Victoria University of Wellington Disabled Students Association

    The Victoria University of Wellington Disabled Students Association (VUWDSA) is a student-led group that provides regular social meet ups and advocacy opportunities. We welcome Deaf, disabled and/or neurodivergent students from all backgrounds. We are a small association looking to grow our membership, but our executive is full of amazing rangatahi with tons of passion.  

    Facebook

  • "Logo for Waikato Disabled Students' Association (WDSA) featuring bold text in navy and teal, alongside a circular design of five colorful abstract shapes symbolizing inclusivity and community

    Waikato Disabled Students Association

    WaikatoDSA is a student-led community of individuals navigating both the joys and difficulties of tertiary study with a disability. Our aim is to provide a safe, comfortable environment for our students where they can feel free to express their needs, wants, worries or concerns and connect with potential life-long friends. We work closely with our accessibility team at the university to organize group workshops and events to help our students take their best steps forward in study, supported by a community and with as many access tools as they need.

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