Mental Health and Inclusive and Accessible Teaching practices

The Equity and Diversity Group is focused on developing strategies that contribute to a culture of equality, dignity and respect in the Law Faculty. One of the Group’s current priorities is the mental health of students and staff. The Equity and Diversity Group has arranged for a seminar session on Mental Health and Inclusive and Accessible Teaching practices to be held in Law Faculty Board room (CB02.16.213) and online (https://utsmeet.zoom.us/j/89717768565 ) on 13 September 2023. Seminar speakers will cover the following topics:

Associate Professor Linda Steele (Mental health, human rights & disability law)

• Addressing ableism in law curriculum 
• Centring lived experiences of disability 
• Recognition and celebration of disability in student community 

 Renee Jones, Inclusive Practices Learner Experience Strategist, LX Lab

• Guidance, training, and resources on mental health and inclusive teaching practices. 
• Trauma-informed teaching practices

 Matthew Vaughan, Clinical Psychologist, UTS Counselling servicesOverview of counselling service 

• When and how can staff seek advice, including after hours? 
• How to communicate support services for students? 
• What support services exist for staff? 

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• Evan Knowles, Senior Accessibility Consultant, UTS Accessibility Service
• Overview of accessibility services
• Providing information and referrals to the accessibility service  
• Teaching practices supporting neurodiversity

This session is open to academic and professional staff and there will be time for discussion and questions. Lunch will be provided for those who are able attend in person.

Speakers:   

Associate Professor Linda Steele disability law and human rights (often with disabled people’s organisations). Dr Steele is a co-convenor of the Feminist Legal Research Group and on the leadership team of the UTS Disability Research Network. She teaches Law and Mental Health.   

Renee Jones is a Learner Experience Strategist at LX.lab, specialising in inclusive practices at UTS. With a background spanning 8 years at UTS, Renee has worked as an academic in DAB and in several student support roles. She's drawn to inclusive practices because of her background in inclusive design. She's also focused on promoting equity and diversity at UTS and addressing mental health stigma. Recently, she has played an active role in coordinating the Mental Health and Inclusive Education Investigation, aiming to enhance student wellbeing in the teaching and learning environment.   

Matthew Vaughan is a clinical psychologist and counsellor at the UTS Counselling Service. Working with students across the UTS community to help address a broad range of academic and personal stressors and mental health concerns, Matthew enjoys helping students to achieve their best both at university and beyond.   

Evan Knowles is a Senior Accessibility Consultant, with the Accessibility and Financial Assistance Service (SSU) working with student across the University to understand and communicate their individual access requirements. Evan enjoys supporting students achieve their goals, feel connected to the UTS community, engage with and enjoy their studies.