Rebecca Ogbonna

What are you studying, and what inspired you to pursue this area of study?

I am currently pursuing an MSc in Social Development at the Development Planning Unit. My interest in social policy and development stems from a deep passion for creating inclusive societies where everyone has equitable access to opportunities and resources, regardless of identity. I am particularly interested in bottom-up development approaches that emphasise grassroots participation, local knowledge, and community-driven initiatives.

Growing up, I witnessed firsthand how social policies can either enable or exclude marginalised communities. This sparked my passion for understanding how development frameworks can be designed to be more inclusive, sustainable, and aware of intersecting identities.

How do you like to spend your spare time?

I enjoy reading, working out, travelling, and spending quality time with friends. I am a second-year part-time student, and much of my time is dedicated to balancing my studies with my full-time role in the third sector, where I currently focus on campaign engagement and mobilisation.

Can you describe your disability and how it impacts your daily life?

I have been visually impaired since birth, which means I have navigated the world differently from a young age. My level of vision varies depending on several factors, including lighting and contrast. I rely on assistive technology, tactile markers, and other adaptations to carry out daily tasks.

I often encounter barriers in my daily life—whether it’s inaccessible websites, poorly designed public spaces, or a lack of awareness about visual impairment.

How has your relationship with your disability evolved over time?

My relationship with my disability has evolved significantly over time, especially as I’ve come to understand it through the social model of disability. Growing up with a visual impairment, I initially saw my challenges as something that was my fault—barriers I had to overcome on my own. I sometimes felt frustrated when I struggled to keep up with inaccessible learning materials or environments that weren’t designed with me in mind. At times, I internalised the idea that my disability was something negative, something to “fix” or hide.

As I learned more about disability rights and advocacy through connecting with other disabled people, I began to see my experience differently. The social model of disability helped me realise that my impairment isn’t the issue—society’s lack of accessibility is. My challenges aren’t because of my eyesight, but because of how systems, infrastructure, and attitudes fail to support people like me. When information is made accessible, when environments are designed inclusively, and when people understand disability beyond stereotypes, I can navigate the world.

This shift in perspective allowed me to move from seeing disability as a burden to recognising it as simply another way of being in the world—neither good nor bad, just different. After all, we are all different. I now fully accept and embrace my disability, not as something that defines my limitations, but as part of my identity that brings strength, resilience, and a unique way of engaging with the world. It has also fuelled my passion for advocating for more inclusive social policies, ensuring that accessibility and equity are not afterthoughts but fundamental principles, especially in development and policymaking.

What do you wish more people understood about living with a disability?

Disability is not a “bad word,” nor is it something to be feared or pitied. It is a natural part of human diversity, and embracing this perspective has helped me accept myself and challenge society to do better in creating an inclusive world for all.

I wish more people understood that living with a disability is not inherently negative—the real challenges often come from society’s lack of accessibility, awareness, and inclusion rather than the disability itself. Too often, disability is framed as a personal tragedy or an individual’s burden to overcome, when in reality, the biggest barriers are social, structural, and attitudinal.

Many of us take pride in our disabled identities and the perspectives they bring. Instead of assuming that disabled people need to be "inspirational" for simply existing or overcoming barriers, society should focus on removing those barriers in the first place. Personally, I do not exist to inspire non-disabled people.

Additionally, I think people often forget that disability is something that will likely affect all of us at some point in our lives—whether through ageing, illness, injury, or circumstances that impact mobility, vision, hearing, or cognitive function. One day, you may care for a disabled child or loved one.

Accessibility benefits everyone. Whether it’s captioning on videos, step-free access, or user-friendly digital design, inclusive practices improve experiences for all, not just disabled individuals. A more accessible world is a better world for everyone.

What principle(s) or motto do you absolutely live by?

One of the key principles I live by is "Nothing about us without us". This phrase, rooted in the disability rights movement, reminds me that true inclusion and progress can only happen when disabled people are actively involved in decisions that affect our lives. Whether in policymaking, development, or everyday accessibility, I believe that lived experience must be at the heart of meaningful change.

I also live by the principle that accessibility is a right, not a privilege. Too often, accessibility is treated as an optional extra rather than a fundamental necessity. I advocate for a world where inclusion is built into every aspect of society from the start rather than something disabled people have to fight for continuously.

And of course, “Disability is not a bad word” resonates with me. I reject the idea that disability is something to be ashamed of or hidden. Instead, I embrace it as a core part of my identity—one that has shaped my resilience, my perspective, and my passion for equity and social change.

Are there any resources or initiatives you’d recommend to other disabled individuals?

Join our Bartlett Disability Collective! We are always sharing different resources with each other, and it’s a great way to find community.

For me, connecting with other disabled people has been invaluable in terms of sharing experiences and having people who understand how frustrating inaccessibility and discrimination can be.

There are many charities and organisations that support disabled people—it's worth searching for resources based on your impairment or condition.

Some charities that have helped me:

• Royal Society for Blind Children
• Royal National Institute of Blind People
• Blind Ambition
• Thomas Pocklington Trust
• AbilityNet

Can you share a moment or experience where you felt truly supported or empowered as a disabled student?

I’ve been so grateful to Sarah Rolph and Sara Shafiei for embracing my ideas for the Bartlett Disability Collective and Disability Role Models. Their support has been incredibly empowering because it has shown me the power of collaborative leadership and allyship in driving meaningful change.

Often, disabled students have to push tirelessly for recognition and accessibility, but having staff members not only listen but actively champion my ideas has reinforced that our voices matter. Their willingness to create spaces where disabled students and staff can connect, advocate, and influence institutional change has made me feel truly seen, valued, and supported.

What advice would you give to other students with disabilities?

Advocate for yourself—your needs are valid. You should not feel like you are an inconvenience. Never hesitate to ask for the reasonable adjustments and support you need. Universities and institutions have a duty to cater to your needs, and you have the right to equal opportunities. Whether it’s extra time for exams, assistive technology, or accessible materials, don’t feel like you’re asking for too much—accessibility is a right, not a privilege.

Find your community. Connecting with other disabled students can be incredibly empowering. Groups like the Bartlett Disability Collective or other disability networks can provide a space for shared experiences, support, and advocacy.

Use available resources. UCL provides specific support for disabled students and staff. Additional support is also available through Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) and Access to Work for staff.

If you could influence one change in the way universities support disabled students, what would it be?

Disability awareness should be embedded into everyday university life rather than limited to specific awareness days. Disability awareness training for staff should go beyond legal compliance and focus on understanding disability through the social model, challenging ableism, and promoting inclusive teaching practices.

By normalising disability awareness, we can create a learning environment where accessibility is second nature and disabled students feel genuinely included.