Meet Cody

An academic who always tells students about his dyslexia at the beginning of a class finds it breaks the ice and they are more likely to talk about their own learning challenges.

This means Cody Mankelow, a professional teaching fellow in Civil and Environmental Engineering, is able to ensure his students get the support they need early.

“Also, being honest and open helps. If I make an error, students notice. Even a small error tends to bother students. I find being honest reduces that frustration. I also think it helps humanise staff,” Cody says.

Despite the positive experiences of staff who identify as having disabilities, only four percent do so.

Medical conditions are the most common, followed by mental health, then specific learning disorders.

This is likely to be a significant under-representation, as 24 percent of all New Zealanders identify as having a disability.

Cody has joined the recently formed Staff with Disabilities and Impairments Network.

The value of the Staff with Disabilities and Impairments Network is the community it provides, he says.

"Like any other community, it provides support, a place to develop shared values, and better understand oneself through those in the community's shared experiences," Cody says.

"Living with a disability can be isolating and can lead you to question your worth. Think of it like imposter syndrome, but with a touch of empirical evidence that you are different.

"Being with others who face similar challenges as myself reduces my self-doubt and helps me better understand the challenges I face."