Celebrating the Disability Reference Group: A Year of Inclusive Collaboration

Lincoln University celebrates the Disability Reference Group (DRG) for its powerful role in shaping a more inclusive campus - and invites new student members to help lead the way in 2026.

Established in support of the University’s Disability Action Plan (DAP), the DRG embodies our commitment to co-design - ensuring that disabled voices are not only heard but actively guide the development, delivery, and review of accessibility initiatives. The group includes staff and students with lived experience of disability, alongside those with professional expertise in disability support.

Throughout 2025, DRG members provided expert input across a wide range of projects, including:

• Advising on inclusive language and imagery in university communications
• Shaping the neurodiversity sensory room guidelines
• Supporting the refresh of the Inclusive Education website
• Amplifying Global Accessibility Awareness Day
• Contributing to the development of alternative assessment practices
• Piloting and promoting an all-staff survey on accessibility
• Exploring the Sunflower Programme for invisible disability support
• Advocating for standardised fit-outs in teaching spaces
• Helping define what it means to celebrate and value disabled students
• Reframing digital accessibility into prioritised, workable plans

These contributions reflect the DRG’s role as a trusted advisory body - bringing lived experience, subject expertise, and a commitment to equity into the heart of university decision-making.

"Being part of the DRG has given me a real sense of purpose. It’s not just about raising issues - it’s about helping shape solutions that make a difference for others," said one student member.

Dr David Danneberg, Director of Learning, Teaching and Library, and a key advocate for the DAP, praised the group’s impact:

"The DRG exemplifies inclusive collaboration. Their insights have helped us move beyond compliance toward genuine cultural change. We’re deeply grateful for their leadership."

As we look ahead to 2026, we're seeking new student members to join the DRG. If you know of a student who’s passionate about accessibility, equity, and inclusive education - and eager to shape the future of our campus - we’d love to hear from them.

To express interest, contact DAP@lincoln.ac.nz

To learn more, visit the Disability Action Plan webpage.