There are two main categories of associations:
- Students’ Guild Council – These may be referred to by other names however the goals are similar: a recognized students’ body whose Guild President is a member of University’s top governing council or management. They are mandated to represent the views of students while key decisions are being made by the University management.
- Associations – there are many associations of students based on: affiliations such as coming from a particular country, region, high school or belonging to a particular marginalised community such as having a disability or being a refugee, among others.
Once made inclusive, these associations have potential to promote disability inclusion at the University.
General tips on making student bodies and associations inclusive.
- Start with reviewing constitutions or working documents of these bodies and associations to ensure diversity is appreciated and disability inclusion is explicitly mentioned.
- Ensure students with disabilities are represented on the executive committees. There should be at least two representatives, male and female.
- In addition to the above, open other elective positions to students with disabilities as well.
- Emphasis should be on participation of representatives of students with disabilities in the decision-making process. This requires a clear criterion on selection of representatives with competence to speak and act for their constituents with disabilities.
- Arrange for and conduct regular disability awareness training for the membership of these bodies and associations as well as making disability inclusion action points with them.
- Making information and communication about students’ bodies and associations accessible to learners with disabilities such as those with visual, hearing and learning disabilities. In most Universities, announcements regarding meetings of student bodies and associations are made through notice boards in a few halls of residence. Learners with visual impairments and those who reside out of the campus may miss such information. Using diverse media especially digital media ensures the spread of such information.
- Provide incentives such as awards and other recognitions for students’ bodies and associations take active efforts towards disability inclusion.
A case example: Makerere University Students’ Council
The Makerere University Students’ Guild is a link between the students’ body and the University Administration. It is headed by a Guild President who is democratically elected by the students in accordance with the existing guidelines. The Guild President makes his cabinet (ministers) from the elected student leaders. Students with disabilities participate in the election process both as candidates and as voters. In addition to this, there are two positions reserved for representatives of students with disabilities who must be a male and a female. There is also a full ministry for Disability Affairs which is headed by a ‘minister for disability affairs’. It has been a practice for the Guild President to appoint a student with a disability as a minister for disability affairs. This has provided a direct link between students with disabilities and the Dean of Students as a Guild Minister has direct access to any office of the University without a prior appointment.
