The 2023 awardees. From Left to right: Phyll Esplin, Gill Rutherford, Philip Kelly, Warren McNoe, Melissa Lethaby (Manager, Disability Information and Support), Fraser Brown, Professor Helen Nicholson (Acting Vice-Chancellor), Ken Spall, Carolijn Guytonbeck, Mary Wallace, Joanne Fitzgibbons. Absent: Gretchen Kivell, Isak Biwer, Abby Kelsall.
An illustrious career advocating for inclusive education was celebrated at the recent Disability Information and Support Appreciation Awards at the Staff Club last Friday.
Senior Lecturer Dr Gill Rutherford, of the College of Education, was recognised for “being an inspiring role model and a passionate and tireless advocate for inclusion, and for advancing disability studies.
She was one of 12 people recognised for their support in helping disabled students succeed, at the 13th annual award ceremony.
Manager of Disability Information and Support (DI&S) Melissa Lethaby says Dr Rutherford has been extraordinary in her dedication to reshaping perspectives on disability.
“In an educational landscape often marked by conventional norms, Gill has been a trailblazer and challenged ableist views with unwavering passion, insight, and humour.
“Her commitment to fostering an inclusive learning environment has also touched the hearts and minds of those fortunate to have been taught by her. A number of the DI&S team have been inspired to work in this important area because of Gill’s passion.”
Dr Rutherford has been a tertiary educator since 1995, with a focus on inclusive education within teacher education programmes and on teacher aide education.
She is also a part of the Critical Disability Studies Research Network, an interdisciplinary network of staff and students at Otago, that aims to promote the development of disability-related initiatives in research, teaching and community engagement.
Disability is often the last consideration when it comes to being inclusive, Dr Rutherford says.
“We consider culture, gender diversity and more before we look at disability. We need to understand it in terms of the marginalisation of groups who are also claiming their right to be who they are and to have those rights respected.
“Through our work at the Network, we want to increase disability awareness around Otago in both teaching and research.”
Dr Gill Rutherford (left) receives her award from Professor Helen Nicholson, Acting Vice-Chancellor.
Lethaby and her team have been strong supporters of the Network’s mahi and Otago is “really fortunate” to have a passionate team behind the support service for disabled students, Dr Rutherford says.
“They have done a lot over the years to raise awareness and now my hope is to extend that into research and one day have a Centre for Disability Studies at Otago.”
Dr Rutherford will be leaving the University soon and is grateful to have been recognised at the awards.
Her parting advice to the team at DI&S is to “continue the outstanding work they are doing”.
Lethaby says she and her team cherish the opportunity to acknowledge and thank individuals who have contributed to the service's vision of working in partnership to promote an inclusive environment celebrating diversity, promoting comprehensive academic support, and empowering individuals with impairments to achieve their full potential.
The DI&S vision is a collective aspiration that has turned into a reality thanks to a dedicated team and equally invested allies, some of whom they recognised at the Awards, Lethaby says.
“Empowerment is at the heart of what we do, and it is because of the dedication and commitment of our team and allies that students with disabilities are not only supported but encouraged to dream big and reach for the stars.
“Our journey towards inclusivity and empowerment is ongoing and I am confident that with such an incredible team of staff and allies, we will continue to make an impact.”
Disability Information and Support's Appreciation Award recipients 2023
Carolijn Guytonbeck -For providing first-class tutoring support to students.
Fraser Brown (Operations) -For providing outstanding support and advice to students and staff.
Gretchen Kivell -For being an exceptional supervisor for alternative arrangements.
Joanne Fitzgibbons (Student Administration) -For a sustained commitment to the alternative arrangements service.
Ken Spall -For being an exceptional supervisor for alternative arrangements.
Abby Kelsall -For being an outstanding peer note-taker.
Isak Biwer -For being an outstanding peer note-taker.
Mary Wallace (Department of Zoology)-For providing outstanding support and advice to students and staff.
Philip Kelly (Department of Physiology) -For providing exemplary support to students.
Phyll Esplin -For providing first-class tutoring support to students.
Warren McNoe (Department of Economics) -For providing exemplary support to students.
Gill Rutherford (College of Education) -For being an inspiring role model and a passionate and tireless advocate for inclusion, and for advancing disability studies.
~Kōrero by Sandra French, Adviser, Internal Communications