A University of Queensland student has overcome a common mental illness to help other students, and in the process win a prestigious Rotary award.
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Education student Helena Rose is one of six south-east Queensland winners of the Rotary Shine On awards, which focus on the abilities of people with disabilities. Ms Rose has convened the University's Students with Disabilities group in the UQ Union for the past three years.
Ms Rose discovered she had bipolar disorder (manic depression) during her first University semester in 1996, after a lecturer recommended she visit a doctor.
"I had no idea I had an illness but apparently I've had the condition since I was a young child," she said. "I began studying a different discipline but I didn't cope very well with the team work, so I switched to a dual degree, and now study part-time."
Some 850 students of the 30,000 students at the University's campuses at St Lucia, Gatton and Ipswich this year disclosed a disability on their enrolment forms, although only about half sought services and facilities through the University's Disability Program.
Disabilities range from physical to psychological, from asthma and diabetes to mobility problems, acquired brain injuries, hearing and vision impairments.
Ms Rose was nominated by University Disability Program adviser Laura Duggan at the invitation of St Lucia Rotary Club member Robyn Cupit of the University's Physiotherapy Department. She was nominated for her work advocating for Students with Disabilities and in negotiating with the UQ Union on a meeting area for students with disabilities. She was also praised for her initiatives in seeking Department of Education, Training and Youth Affairs funding to develop a disabilities web page for Australian tertiary students with disabilities to meet and share experiences.
In her capacity as convenor of the student group, she has consulted with the University Academic Registrar's office on the wording of the University's Disability Action Plan, which is in its final draft stages.
"I'm very impressed with the plan, which will make access to study so much easier for students with disabilities," she said.
Ms Rose is also helping to organise a July 28 free lunch for all students with disabilities at the ZZZ room, in the Student Union from 1pm to 3pm. The lunch will feature special guest speakers on the subject of disability pride.
Media: Further information, contact Ms Rose, telephone 07 3255 6085, mobile 0413 393 178.
