Aarthi Burtony André

I come from a middle-class family in Mauritius, where financial limitations made access to tertiary education a major challenge. I was born partially sighted due to glaucoma and lost my remaining vision completely in 2001. Despite this, I remained determined to pursue my education. Learning Braille became essential for me to continue my studies, even though access to Braille textbooks and adapted learning materials was extremely limited during my secondary schooling.

When I applied to the University of Mauritius in 2006, my application was initially turned down solely on the grounds of my blindness. I challenged this injustice and was later admitted, completing a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) in 2009 — despite the complete absence of reasonable accommodations, apart from extra time and Braille questionnaires.

Access to employment was another obstacle, mainly due to inaccessible public transport and the lack of inclusive hiring practices. Yet, I refused to give up on my right to full participation in society. I became actively involved in several non-profit and advocacy organisations promoting disability rights, which led to national and international recognition as a disability activist.

Today, I work at the Special Education Needs Authority (SENA) as a Resource Person for Learners with Visual Impairments, supporting inclusive education and ensuring that students with visual disabilities have equal access to learning. My journey is a testament to resilience, advocacy, and the belief that disability should never be a barrier to education or opportunity.

How do you envision you will apply the learnings from this course to your professional or personal life?

I envision applying the learnings from this programme both professionally and personally in a manner that bridges theory with tangible action. Professionally, the programme will deepen my understanding of disability rights frameworks, inclusive education strategies, and systemic barriers faced by persons with disabilities.

I plan to leverage this knowledge to enhance the quality and accessibility of educational support I provide, inform policy advocacy, and lead initiatives that promote equality and inclusion within schools and broader community settings. 

What made you want to apply to your course and to Leeds?

I chose to apply for the MSc in Disability Studies, Rights and Inclusion because it aligns directly with my professional commitment to advancing the rights of persons with disabilities and addressing gaps between policy and practice. The programme’s interdisciplinary approach—integrating critical disability theory, human rights frameworks, and applied research—provides the tools to analyse systemic barriers and develop practical, inclusive solutions.

I specifically chose the University of Leeds because of its internationally recognised Centre for Disability Studies, which is at the forefront of research and advocacy in disability rights. 

What is it that makes you passionate about your area of study?

My passion for disability studies stems from both lived experience and professional commitment. As a blind professional in Mauritius, I have personally faced discrimination on the basis of my disability multiple times, witnessing firsthand how systemic barriers and societal attitudes limit opportunities for persons with disabilities. These experiences drive me to understand the structural roots of inequality and to develop practical strategies to prevent such discrimination for others.

What do you think of your course so far?

So far, I have completed the first module, Disability and Inequality, which has introduced me to many new concepts and deepened my understanding of how systemic barriers and social structures perpetuate exclusion for persons with disabilities. I found it both intellectually stimulating and highly relevant to my professional experience, as it challenged me to critically reflect on the intersection of theory, policy, and practice.

I am particularly looking forward to the upcoming modules on How to Be a Change Maker and Disability Research. The former promises practical strategies to translate knowledge into action and lead initiatives that promote inclusion, while the latter will equip me with the skills to design and conduct rigorous research to inform policy and practice. 

What would you say to anyone thinking of applying to your course?

I would encourage anyone considering this course to apply without hesitation. The MSc in Disability Studies, Rights and Inclusion provides a rare combination of rigorous academic theory, applied research, and practical strategies that are directly relevant to advancing disability rights and promoting inclusion. It challenges you to think critically about systemic barriers, social attitudes, and policy frameworks, while also equipping you with tools to create tangible change.

What do you plan to do once you’ve finished your course? What are your career aspirations?

Once I complete the MSc in Disability Studies, Rights and Inclusion, I plan to apply the knowledge and skills I have gained to strengthen disability-inclusive practices, policies, and advocacy in Mauritius and the broader region. My immediate goal is to enhance the quality and accessibility of educational support for learners with disabilities, including training teachers, developing inclusive curricula, and supporting schools to implement evidence-based strategies effectively.

What would you say are the main advantages of studying this course online?

One of the main advantages of studying this programme online is that, for the first time, I have full access to essential supports that make my learning truly inclusive. Personal assistants, note takers, help with research in the university library, guidance to navigate Minerva, and access to RNIB Bookshare are all being provided in a structured way.

This is the first time I have experienced such comprehensive, reasonable accommodations in my studies, allowing me to engage fully and independently with the course content.