I鈥檝e had high-pitch deafness since birth, probably because I was born three months premature. I鈥檝e never been able to hear certain birds. A shame, yes, but then I鈥檝e never known what I have never heard. Is this an impairment or a disability? I don鈥檛 label, but I often disclose, occasionally with the inevitable response; 鈥榳hat?鈥�
Lots of people have impairments, both physical and mental. And yet society often frames this as a disability or inability. What we might lack in one department, we often gain in another. Even if there鈥檚 no apparent 鈥榞ain鈥�, we all have equal value and worth.
As such, I鈥檓 delighted to introduce Vanessa Edworthy who writes an inspiring article about her work as a counsellor at Treloar鈥檚 School and College in Hampshire, and how she creatively supports students with communication difficulties. Her ways of working may help those of us in further and higher education, as we have all experienced students with communication challenges.
Grateful thanks also to Elaine Davies who writes about her own lived experience of 鈥榙isabilities鈥� and tussles with how able-people describe and engage with those less able. Importantly, she touches on the issue of societal judgments which seem to focus more on the 鈥榗an鈥檛鈥� rather than the 鈥榗an鈥�. 听
As a trainee journalist, Jodie Wood interviews a student who has suffered from alcohol difficulties as a perceived result of the drinking culture of Freshers鈥� Week. Her story has ramifications about the wider drinking culture for students and young people.听
I鈥檓 pleased to feature in our Profile piece Safaa Ramadan, Head of Student Wellbeing and Counselling at Hult International Business School. I think you鈥檒l enjoy her fascinating career journey and cross-cultural insight into student counselling.
Our new 香港六合彩精准资料-UC division Chair, Louise Knowles starts her Chair鈥檚 Report which, going forward, will communicate further plans and developments for the division. Thanks also to Afra Turner for her regular piece championing the importance and value of research. It鈥檚 great to hear from Jane Harris and all the work that鈥檚 going on within the very active and supportive HUCS community. 听
As ever, our regular columnists, Sarah Hinds and Michael Pearson chip in with wonderful insight and perspectives. This is Michael鈥檚 last column for us as he rightly prioritises new family commitments. 听
And finally, thanks to our brilliant illustrator Gareth Cowlin who presents a clever insight into the challenges experienced by students with anxiety. 听
I hope you enjoy this issue! 听
