Rate My Professor Melissa Lethaby

Melissa Lethaby serves as the Manager of Disability Information and Support at the University of Otago, having joined the team in 2002. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Otago. In her role, she leads a team committed to creating an inclusive and accessible learning environment, facilitating equitable opportunities for students with disabilities or impairments to achieve their full potential and fully participate in tertiary education. The service provides confidential, free support for a wide range of needs, including permanent disabilities, temporary injuries, and medical conditions, with services such as alternative assessment arrangements for tests and exams. Under her leadership, the support has expanded dramatically: from assisting about 500 students in 2002 to approximately 2,000 annually today, supported by 15 full-time staff, over 300 casual workers, and more than 200 note-takers. The team boasts a collective 114 years of service, reflecting a positive and inclusive work culture.

Lethaby's contributions extend to governance and national advocacy. Elected in 2019 as the professional staff representative on the University Council for a four-year term starting January 1, 2020, she represents staff voices in key decisions. As President of ACHIEVE's National Executive Committee, representing Otago, she advances equal access to post-secondary education for people with impairments. She managed the project to rewrite Kia Ōrite – Achieving Equity, the New Zealand Code of Practice for inclusive tertiary environments, commissioned by the Tertiary Education Commission. Lethaby has presented on topics like alternative arrangements at conferences, emphasizing meeting expectations, equity, and excellence. She co-convened the ANZSSA 2019 conference at Otago. Key initiatives under her include the 2025 Disability Action Plan launch, noting one in ten students declare a disability, and celebrating DIS's 30th anniversary in 2022, honoring pioneers and progress from early advocacy to revolutionary supports. She promotes early engagement through events like Navigating University talks, annual awards for supporters, and challenges ableism to foster empathy and diversity.