2024 SSD Council Members

The SSD is run for and by students who identify as having one or more disabilities. The Council is responsible for making decisions, passing motions, and ensuring that the SSD is supporting UVic students with a Disability(ies).

In total, there are 15 SSD Council positions that include:

  • Chairperson
  • Treasurer
  • SSD UVSS  Representative
  • Student Liaison
  • International Students’ Representative
  • Graduate Students’ Representative
  • Secretary
  • General Members at Large (eight positions)

Council members are nominated at the yearly Annual General Meeting or at Special General Meetings. Council positions are available for all self-identified Disabled students at the University of Victoria to run for.

The SSD has just elected our 2024 council, come check this page to learn all about our new council members!

SSD Chairperson

This year, there are two students sharing this position:

Julia & Hannah 

Hello folk, my name is Hannah (they/them) and I am a neurodiverse, disabled, trans+, and queer graduate student. I have a passion for promoting equitable and accessible education for all and work as an advocate to bring an equitable and accessible lens to many areas of the UVic community. I have been involved in the SSD in a variety of roles since May 2021 and I am privileged to be able to continue this work as co-chair.

You can reach our Chair at ssdchair@uvic.ca.

SSD Treasurer

The incredible folk elected to hold this position is Grace Ali

SSD UVSS Representative

This position is currently vacant.

Student Liaison

Acorn (AJ)

Hi! I’m Acorn (they/them) but many know me as AJ, and I’m a third year bio/ environmental studies double major. I’m queer, non binary, Jewish, physically disabled and neurodiverse plant nerd. I fell in love with support and community here at the SSD because we truly understand what it means to be disabled, and the space allows us to be our own unique, authentic selves. I joined council because I find it rewarding to give back to my community, and I hope to maintain as welcoming an environment to new folks as I found when I first found the SSD.

I am currently training my first service dog, Violet (pictured above) and I hope to bring her to campus in Fall 2024!

International Students’ Representative

Kush

Hi, my name is Kush Gulati and I’m currently in my second year of biology undergrad. I was born and brought up in India and it’s always been a dream of mine to get into Med-school. I have worked with the SSD as a volunteer for more than a year already and have experience working for people with brain-injuries as well. I understand the difficulties of being an International student, while having anxiety/depression related to finances and education, homesickness or even the struggle to find proper resources around campus. I’m so excited to share my experiences and hope I can help everyone to the best of my abilities.

kushgulati15@gmail.com

Graduate Student Representative

Alison

Alison (she/her) is a clinical neuropsychology graduate student living with disabilities. Her research interests are primarily in studying chronic conditions and cognition, while her clinical interests are in providing healthcare services to disabled individuals and older adults. She currently serves as a graduate student representative in numerous roles within the greater psychology community. As the SSD’s Graduate Students’ Representative, she aims to advocate for the UVic graduate student population, particularly those with intersecting underrepresented identities.

Secretary

The incredible folk elected to hold this position is Anika.

General Members

Lola

Hello, my name is Lola Farago, I use they/she  pronouns and I am a new member at large for the SSD. I am currently in the second year of my political science degree here at UVIC. I am an international student from America and I have lived in Providence Rhode Island and Austin Texas. While I am new to the SSD I am so excited to join their mission of cultivating joyful and accessible spaces here on campus. I’m always happy to chat, so feel free to reach out! (lolafarago@gmail.com)

Mya

Hello, my name is Mya (They/Them) and I am a second year UVic student currently off campus working on a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. Attached is a photo of my dog Ziggy, a Bernese Mountain Dog. He is such a sweet big boy, and he loves hugs! As far as hobbies go, I mainly like to play games and bake/cook! Thank you for welcoming me into the SSD❤️

Vanessa

Hello everyone! My name is Vanessa (she/her), and I am in the final semester of my History Honours degree and will be a first-year law student in the fall. I am passionate about supporting the disabled community, and aside from my membership with SSD, I also volunteer to help the National Educational Association of Disabled Students (NEADS). I enjoy teaching spin classes, skiing, and playing board games in my spare time.

General Member at Large

There are still 5 General Member at Large positions available on this year’s council. If you are interested in being a General Member at Large or have questions about the position please email our chair at ssdchair@uvic.ca

Thank you!