Meet the team

Staff photo

Adib Aminpour

Operations Assistant, Operations Team
About me

I have been working for the University of Cambridge since July 2020 and joined this department in November 2021. 

Working pattern
Monday to Friday
Aless McCann

Aless McCann

Senior Adviser, Non-Matriculated Student Service
My departments
Architecture and History of Art, Asian and Middle Eastern Studies, Centre for Research in Arts, Classics, Divinity, Education (if you do not belong to a College), Engineering (if you do not belong to a College), English, Language Centre, Modern and Medieval Languages and Linguistics, Music, Philosophy
I support students with
  • Hearing loss or those who are d/Deaf
  • Mental Health
  • Mobility and physical impairments
  • Sight loss or those who are blind
  • Unseen disabilities and long-term health conditions
About me

I have worked for the Accessibility and Disability Resource Centre since 2011 in various roles.

Working pattern
Monday to Friday term time. Monday to Thursday other times.
Staff photo

Brad Jones

he/him
Operations Assistant, Operations Team
About me

I joined the Accessibility and Disability Resource Centre (ADRC) in August 2023 after graduating from Christ's College. I was supported by the ADRC as a student and felt inspired to join the team. Nothing makes me happier than contributing to efforts to make Cambridge a more accessible and affirming place.

Things I enjoy or like to do: Baking, learning languages, and The Twilight Saga.

Working pattern
Monday to Friday
Deb Taylor

Deb Taylor

she/her
Disability Adviser, Foundation Year Team
My departments
Foundation Year Program, Law, MRC Toxicology Unit, Pathology, Pharmacology, Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, Plant Science, Psychology, Sainsbury Lab, Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Zoology
I support students with
  • Attention Deficit (Hyperactivity) Disorder – ADHD
  • Autism
  • Hearing loss or those who are d/Deaf
  • Mental health conditions
  • Mobility and physical impairments
  • Sight loss or those who are blind
  • Specific learning difficulties (such as dyslexia and dyspraxia)
  • Unseen disabilities and long-term health conditions
About me

I joined the Accessibility and Disability Resource Centre after doing a similar role at the University of York and the University of Roehampton. I work with students on the Foundation Year Program. The work we do, along with the students and colleagues we work with, is crucial for social justice. It's really great when students are able to show their academic potential because we've helped to remove some of those barriers.

Working pattern
Monday to Friday
Eleanor Girt-Izod

Eleanor Girt-Izod

she/her
Senior Disability Adviser, Disability Team
My departments
Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Engineering
I support students with
  • Hearing loss or those who are d/Deaf
  • Mental health conditions
  • Mobility and physical impairments
  • Sight loss or those who are blind
  • Unseen disabilities and long-term health conditions
About me

I grew up in Canada where I became involved in the disability rights movement while studying at university. In 2000 I then worked at various charities advocating for disabled children, young people and adults. I worked at the University of East London where I also completed my Masters in Research on disabled students view of assessment before joining Cambridge in 2013. I am also a Senior Accreditated member of the National Association of Disability Practitioners. It has been a privilege to meet and work with so many lovely students and I look forward to meeting many more!

Working pattern
Monday to Wednesday
Staff photo

Eleanor Marinho

she/her
Senior Disability Support Co-ordinator, Operations Team
About me

I joined the Accessibility and Disability Resource Centre in 2019, and have worked in a few different roles in the department since then. My current role involves running the Non-Medical Helper Scheme, which co-ordinates the human support disabled students can access during their studies. I enjoy working with a variety of people in my role, such as students, Non-Medical Helpers, Disability Advisers, and staff from departments and Colleges.

Working pattern
Monday to Friday
Staff photo

Emily Williams

she/her
Disability and Neurodiversity Adviser, Non-Matriculated Student Service
My departments
Biology, Cambridge Systems Biology Centre, Centre for Family Research, Criminology, Education (PG and PGCE), Genetics, Institute of Continuing Education, Law, MRC Toxicology Unit, Pathology, Pharmacology, Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, Plant Science, Psychology, Sainsbury Lab, Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Zoology
I support students with
  • Hearing loss or those who are d/Deaf
  • Mental health conditions
  • Mobility and physical impairments
  • Sight loss or those who are blind
  • Unseen disabilities and long-term health conditions
About me

I joined the Accessibility and Disability Resource Centre (ADRC) in 2023 as a disability Advisor. For the last 9 years I have worked in the secondary, private, and higher education sectors in supporting and teaching disabled learners and staff. My previous work consists of being a specialist tutor, educational consultant, and disability advisor. Supporting learners to access their education and supporting staff in inclusivity is my academic and professional passion. I studied the Mphil in Psychology and Education at Cambridge myself as well as the BPS conversion course. I am currently completing a specialist study skills qualification. I am really looking forward to continuing this work at the ADRC.

Working pattern
Monday to Friday
Hannah Barton

Hannah Barton

she/her
Disability Adviser, Disability Team
My departments
Archaeology, Centre for African Studies, Centre of Development Studies, Centre for Gender Studies, Centre of Latin American Studies, Centre of South Asian Studies, Economics, History, History and Philosophy of Science, Human Social and Political Science, Land Economy, Politics and International Studies, Social Anthropology, Sociology
I support students with
  • Hearing loss or those who are d/Deaf
  • Mental health conditions
  • Mobility and physical impairments
  • Sight loss or those who are blind
  • Unseen disabilities and long-term health conditions
About me

I am originally from Lancashire but moved to the Midlands to complete my degree in History. From graduating, I worked in various roles within Higher Education, but became interested in working with disabled students whilst working on a transition event for disabled students starting at university. I love being part of the Accessibility and Disability Resource Centre due to the fab team I work with. But mainly I really enjoy working with students and supporting them throughout their studies.

Working pattern
Monday to Friday
Staff photo

Helen Duncan

she/her
Senior Neurodiversity Adviser, Neurodiversity Team
My departments
Clinical Medicine, Criminology, Education, Veterinary Medicine
I support students with
  • Attention Deficit (Hyperactivity) Disorder – ADHD
  • Autism
  • Specific learning difficulties (such as dyslexia and dyspraxia)
About me

I have worked for the Accessibility and Disability Resource Centre since 2009, initially as a Specific Learning Difficulties adviser and, from 2018, as the Senior Neurodiversity Adviser. I have a PGCE in Secondary Education (English), an MSc in Neurodevelopmental Disorders, a PhD in Education and Psychology (researching Specific Learning Difficulties and timed exams) and I am a qualified diagnostic assessor and tutor in SpLD. I am a senior accredited member of the National Association of Disability Practitioners (NADP) and a director of the SpLD Assessment Standards Committee (SASC).

Working pattern
Monday to Friday
Staff photo

Helen Tully

Disability Adviser, Neurodiversity Team
My departments
Architecture and History of Art, Asian and Middle Eastern Studies, Business and Management, Centre for Research in Arts, Classics, Economics, English, History, Land Economy, Language Centre, Law, Modern and Medieval Languages and Linguistics, Music, Philosophy
I support students with
  • Attention Deficit (Hyperactivity) Disorder – ADHD
  • Specific learning difficulties (such as dyslexia and dyspraxia)
About me

With a background in teaching and SEND education, I joined the Accessibility and Disability Resource Centre in January 2022. I am a qualified teacher, SpLD study skills tutor and diagnostic assessor. I support the amazing students in the Arts and Humanities and can't imagine a better job than the one I do now!

Working pattern
Monday to Friday
Staff photo

Isabella Loe

she/her
Disability Support Coordinator, Operations Team
About me

I joined the Accessibility and Disability Resource Centre (ADRC) in 2017 and worked as an Administrative Assistant before becoming a Disability Support Coordinator. I love working at the ADRC as I enjoy knowing that the work I am doing is making a difference to students.

Things I enjoy or like to do: Being with my family and friends.

Working pattern
Monday and Tuesday
Jennie Hastie

Jennie Hastie

she/her
Screening Service Administrator, Screening Service Team
I support students with
  • Attention Deficit (Hyperactivity) Disorder – ADHD
  • Autism
  • Specific learning difficulties (such as dyslexia and dyspraxia)
About me

I have worked in a variety of student support roles at the University of Cambridge for the last 15 years and am delighted to have returned to the Accessibility and Disability Resource Centre recently, having worked here previously in 2008 to 2011. I help to run the Screening Service and enjoy being part of a team that supports students in accessing their education. Having qualified as a counsellor in 2022, I am taking a break from that career path to have a better work-life balance.

Things I enjoy or like to do: Playing the drums, growing vegetables and watching Taskmaster.

Working pattern
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday
Staff photo

Jessica Ellis

she/her
Assistant Disability Adviser, Disability and Neurodiversity Teams
I support students with
  • Attention Deficit (Hyperactivity) Disorder – ADHD
  • Autism
  • Hearing loss or those who are d/Deaf
  • Mental health conditions
  • Mobility and physical impairments
  • Sight loss or those who are blind
  • Specific learning difficulties (such as dyslexia and dyspraxia)
  • Unseen disabilities and long-term health conditions
About me

I joined the Accessibility and Disability Resource Centre (ADRC) in August 2023. Previous to this role, I have worked at the Faculty of Education, supporting students completing the Education tripos (degree), which I thoroughly enjoyed and loved meeting all the lovely students there. I then moved to the Exams Team within Student Registry where I coordinated all the in-person exams. I am really excited to now be working in the ADRC and having the opportunity to help students.

Working pattern
Monday to Friday
Joanna Hastwell

Joanna Hastwell

she/her
Autism Adviser, Neurodiversity Team
My departments
Biology, Cambridge Systems Biology Centre, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Clinical Medicine, Computer Science and Technology, Genetics, History and Philosophy of Science, Mathematics, MRC Toxicology Unit, Natural Sciences, Pathology, Pharmacology, Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, Physics and Chemistry, Physical Sciences, Plant Science, Sainsbury Lab, Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Zoology
I support students with
  • Autism
About me

In 2024 I will be celebrating 20 years as a Disability Practitioner in higher education. This includes working for the Department of Education in Australia and universities in Sheffield and London. I was delighted to join the ADRC in 2009 to conduct a research project with autistic students. I hold a PGCert in Autism and a PGCert in Human Factors for Inclusive Design and Ergonomics. Since 2015 I have been a Board member of the National Association of Disability Practitioners (NADP) where I am the committee Chair for Continued Professional Development. It is a privilege to work with colleagues and neurodivergent students from across Cambridge University.

Working pattern
Monday to Friday
John Harding

John Harding

Head of the ADRC and Disability Adviser, Disability Team
My departments
Education (UG)
I support students with
  • Hearing loss or those who are d/Deaf
  • Mental health conditions
  • Mobility and physical impairments
  • Sight loss or those who are blind
  • Unseen disabilities and long-term health conditions
About me

I was born in Bristol and grew up in Bristol and Oxford. I worked in industry in the 1990s and then spent 3 years as a volunteer teacher in Namibia in Africa. I have been the Head of the Accessibility and Disability Resource Centre (ADRC) since 2008, having worked in similar roles in further education. My original degree was in medieval history, I have a masters in development studies, a PGCE in Adult Literacy and the Postgraduate Diploma in teaching and assessing Specific Learning Difficulties. I am currently completing my doctorate at Cambridge focussing on inclusive teaching practice. I am a Senior Accredited Member and Adviser to the Board of the National Association of Disability Practitioners and also Company Secretary. 

Things I enjoy or like to do: I am a youth football coach and I may mention Star Trek occasionally.

Working pattern
Monday to Friday
Staff photo

Ken Ewing

Disability Adviser, Neurodiversity Team
My departments
Biology, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Computer Science and Technology, Divinity, Engineering, Genetics, Mathematics, Natural Sciences, Physical Sciences, Physics and Chemistry, Plant Science, Zoology
I support students with
  • Attention Deficit (Hyperactivity) Disorder – ADHD
  • Specific learning difficulties (such as dyslexia and dyspraxia)
About me

I joined the Accessibility and Disability Resource Centre in 2014 as a Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD) Adviser. Prior to joining, I worked in Asia and Europe before returning to the UK to take up various roles in Further Education (FE). It was in FE that I became involved in supporting individuals with disabilities, particularly those with an SpLD. I am a qualified diagnostic assessor and tutor in SpLD and a senior accredited member of the National Association of Disability Practitioners (NADP). I work with students and those involved in their teaching and learning from primarily STEM based subjects but also from Theology.

Working pattern
Monday to Friday
Rachel Demery

Rachel Demery

Disability Adviser, Disability Team
My departments
Business and Management, Clinical Medicine, Computer Science and Technology, Natural Sciences
I support students with
  • Hearing loss or those who are d/Deaf
  • Mental health conditions
  • Mobility and physical impairments
  • Sight loss or those who are blind
  • Unseen disabilities and long-term health conditions
About me

I first qualified as a Social Worker and worked with profoundly deaf and hearing impaired adults, becoming proficient in British Sign Language. I have held the post of Disability Adviser, at three Universities, as well a role as Equality and Diversity Adviser, developing and implementing guidance and policies on Equality and Diversity. I have been a volunteer adviser and support worker at the Terrence Higgins Trust Cymru and Bipolar UK, where I became interested in the area of student mental health in higher education. A topic I explored and published on for my MSc. I am also co-author of a paper on implementing reasonable adjustments in medical education for disabled students. I am an accredited practitioner with the Universities Mental Health Advisers Network and a senior accredited member of the National Association of Disability Practitioners.

Working pattern
Monday to Friday
Roberta Verlini

Roberta Verlini

she/her
Operations Manager, Operations Team
About me

I have been living in Cambridge for 10 years and I love its inclusiveness and multicultural community. I have been part of the University of Cambridge for the past 5 years, covering different roles across several departments. Working as part of the Accessibility and Disability Resource Centre makes me feel happy and grateful for contributing to the support of our students, brilliant minds who might change the world with their ideas. My empathy, joviality and willingness to do well, push me to offer the best support to the ADRC Team, our students and all the parties involved in the service.

Things I enjoy or like to do: My family, writing, cooking, travelling, reading and expanding my horizons.

 

 

 

Working pattern
Monday to Thursday
Sally Ivens

Sally Ivens

she/her
Disability Adviser, Disability Team
My departments
Earth Sciences and Geography, Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry
I support students with
  • Autism
  • Hearing loss or those who are d/Deaf
  • Mental health conditions
  • Mobility and physical impairments
  • Sight loss or those who are blind
  • Unseen disabilities and long-term health conditions
About me

I joined the team in 2010. Prior to joining the team, I worked for a range of UK-based organisations run by/for disabled people. I also worked for international voluntary sector organisations focusing on education, disability and on supporting refugees.

Working pattern
Thursdays and Fridays, and every other Monday.
Simon Staines

Simon Staines

Assistant Disability Adviser, Disability Team
I support students with
  • Attention Deficit (Hyperactivity) Disorder – ADHD 
  • Autism 
  • Hearing loss or those who are d/Deaf 
  • Mental health conditions 
  • Mobility and physical impairments 
  • Sight loss or those who are blind 
  • Specific learning difficulties (such as dyslexia and dyspraxia) 
  • Unseen disabilities and long-term health conditions 
About me

I joined the service in 2019 as an Administrative Assistant and became an Assistant Disability Adviser in September 2023. The thing I enjoy most about my job is assisting students with their questions and concerns.

Working pattern
Monday to Friday
Phone

Contact us

Address
Student Services Centre,Bene't Street,Cambridge