I have fifteen years of experience in providing support to students with various disabilities and have conducted training on general disability awareness and inclusive teaching strategies for academic staff for nearly a decade. It’s a cause I’m deeply passionate about, and I’m thrilled that UNNC provides the structure I need to make a positive impact on people’s lives every day.
I hold a Master’s in Applied Management Theory from the University of Glasgow and a Master of Special Education Needs and Additional Learning Needs from the University of South Wales. I’m a registered Educational Therapist (Asia), a member of the UK’s National Association of Disability Practitioners CIC, and a National Level Three psychological consultant in China. After my experience in the UK, I returned to my hometown of Ningbo to join UNNC, where I now serve as the Senior Disability Support Advisor and a member of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Committee.
In 2016, I was appointed to a pioneering role in China: the Disability Support and Health Promotion Manager at UNNC. At first, only a few students had transferred from the UK and Malaysian campuses seeking disability support, but after significant efforts to raise awareness around accessibility on campus, including the development of Disability Support Policy and Guidance, the number of students registered for Disability Support has dramatically increased, more than doubling in the past three years. According to the Nottingham Student Experience Survey, support satisfaction has also risen considerably from 2012 to 2022. These indicators are incredibly satisfying to me.
Throughout my journey, I received invaluable support from colleagues at the UK campus, who provided professional advice and helped me stay updated with international best practices. I could also attend conferences, training sessions, and workshops in different locations, establishing myself as an expert in the field and helping to improve standards on the Chinese campus.
In 2018, I had the great honour of receiving the 2018 Lady Susan Greenaway Fellowship Fund, which partially funded my master’s degree in South Wales. During my period studying abroad, my colleagues graciously covered my work responsibilities, ensuring my academic pursuits were supported. This is a great example of the supportive and encouraging culture at UNNC
In 2023, I won the Lord Dearing Award and Vice Chancellor’s Award which is a great recognition of my contribution to UNNC students’ experience and a huge encouragement for my work.
As a member of the University Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Committee, I collaborate closely with other members to advance UNNC’s strategy. Our work has also had profound impacts on stakeholders, within the broader Chinese Higher Education sector, and even within a narrower group of Sino-foreign institutions.
Our policies at UNNC extend beyond disability support, encompassing topics related to sexual health, gender identity, sexual orientation, and the prevention of sexual harassment and bullying. These efforts help raise awareness and provide students and staff members with essential skills in these areas.
As a reflection of our commitment to awareness and a culture of inclusivity and acceptance, the university has introduced accessible and gender-neutral toilets on campus, among other initiatives. What a joy it is to see the impact of your work materialising, not only in your immediate surroundings but also extending further afield.